News / Transport
Bristol’s first liveable neighbourhood trial to go ahead
Bristol’s cabinet member for transport says he is “delighted” that the city’s first liveable neighbourhood pilot project is finally going ahead in the summer after receiving council approval.
The East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood trial within Barton Hill and parts of Redfield and St George will see modal filters, traffic calming, pocket parks and bus gates installed.
If deemed successful, the trial measures would be replaced with permanent infrastructure including new crossings with traffic signals, sections of cycle track and street trees.
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The aim is “to achieve a better balance between how streets are used for transport and people”.
But opponents to the scheme including the pressure group Keep Bristol Moving say that liveable neighbourhoods are “divisive (pitting neighbours against each other), discriminatory (affecting the poorest and most vulnerable the most), undemocratic (the consultation was inadequate and nobody, except a vocal minority of residents, wants the scheme to happen) and dangerous (hindering emergency and other essential services)”.
The East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood trial scheme will likely be installed later this summer – map: Bristol City Council
Cabinet member for transport, Don Alexander, said: “I am delighted we are moving forward with Bristol’s first Liveable Neighbourhood trial.
“With our east Bristol pilot, we’re aiming to deliver a safe, healthy, inclusive, and attractive environment where everyone can breathe clean air, have access to better quality green spaces, and feel a part of their community.
“To do this we need to change the layout of some local roads to make them safer and to discourage drivers using them as shortcuts.
“Elsewhere, this has been shown to boost active travel in neighbourhoods, reducing traffic and congestion on the roads, which brings with it all the health benefits of getting exercise and feeling a part of your community.
“It’s an exciting project and I am looking forward to seeing how the trial progresses, particularly with initial work underway on the South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood pilot.”
A pop-up park close to where Barton Hill Road meets Morley Street is part of the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood trial scheme – photo: Martin Booth
Main photo: Bristol City Council
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