The street is technically a “pedestrian cycle zone” but the rules are often ignored
East Street in Bedminster is home to shops and cafes(Image: Alex Seabrook)
An enforcement camera could soon stop drivers from going down a South Bristol shopping street that has suffered an “unacceptable number of collisions”. East Street in Bedminster is designated as a “pedestrian cycle zone”, with drivers banned from using the street during the day.
Signs at the top of East Street say the road can only be used by buses and for loading between 7am and 7pm, and all other motor vehicles are not allowed. The signs also warn “police will enforce” these rules — but drivers can often be spotted flouting the restrictions and driving through the pedestrian zone.
Now Bristol City Council is planning to clamp down on drivers breaking the rules. Local businesses were sent a survey asking for their views on changing how shops get deliveries, as well as plans to install a camera that recognises number plates.
In the survey, a council spokesperson said: “East Street is a pedestrian cycle zone between the hours of 7am – 7pm. This is frequently not observed, resulting in an unacceptable number of collisions in recent years, many of them involving pedestrians and cyclists.
“For several years East Street has allowed limited access for loading with a van or other goods vehicle. This has been enforced by the police and the council’s parking services.
“We are looking at different options for loading arrangements which will work with the new enforcement camera. This may include a restriction on loading at certain times.”
The road is restricted to buses and loading vehicles from 7am to 7pm, in theory(Image: Alex Seabrook)
The shopping street is also a contraflow cycle route, meaning people ride bicycles and scooters in the opposite direction to buses and cars. However the road is frequently not wide enough to allow buses to safely pass bicycles or scooters, causing some to spill out onto the pavement.
The problem of drivers breaking the rules on East Street appeared to get worse in 2022, when Malago Road was closed northbound for extensive roadworks. The diversion for drivers heading into the city was windy and circuitous while East Street was a much quicker shortcut.
Safety fears are long-standing, and a cyclist was rushed to hospital in 2023 after a crash with a car. A recent public consultation, ahead of the planned South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood transport project, raised several concerns about East Street.
One response to the consultation said: “Please, please enforce the rules on East Street. I’ve been asking about it for years and years. There are so many collisions and near misses. Why have signs if they can be completely ignored?”
Another respondent added: “The street is constantly used by non-permitted users, i.e. cars during the day. This traffic ban needs enforcing, otherwise it’s just another road, not a pedestrian-priority area.”