Busy shopping street latest to be pedestrianised

A short section of a popular shopping street is set to become the latest road in Bristol to be pedestrianised.

The stretch of Princess Victoria Street in Clifton Village between Waterloo Street and Regent Street will be closed to motorists from 11am to 5pm seven days a week from August 21.

Mayor Marvin Rees said that the scheme is an example of taking “bold action”.

But signs on a number of shops on Princess Victoria Street protesting against the proposed pedestrianisation show that there are still many dissenting voices despite the promised benefits of the scheme to trade.

More than 800 people have signed a petition opposing the plans and the city council has made it clear that they will be closely monitoring the impacts of the scheme, including traffic levels on adjacent and alternative roads,  as well as opening a consultation for six months.

Princess Victoria Street is one of Clifton Village’s busiest roads – photo: Martin Booth

A consultation will be in place throughout the first few months of pedestrianisation – image: Bristol City Council

Planters, outdoor seating, cycle parking, and ramps for wheelchairs and pushchairs will be installed as part of the scheme.

Bristol City Council hopes that the pedestrianisation will reduce rat-running and through-traffic on the road, allow businesses to trade outdoors, improve walking and cycling journeys, and provide people with more places to stop and rest.

It’s the latest road in the city to become pedestrianised, following King Street, Cotham Hill and some of the Old City.

https://www.facebook.com/bristol247/videos/2857907001141401

Rees said: “We are committed to delivering more liveable neighbourhoods with less traffic congestion and pollution, so I am pleased to back the request of the Clifton councillors to trial pedestrianisation on part of Princess Victoria Street.

“It is clear the local community want to see less traffic on their roads, to breathe cleaner air, and to feel safer when travelling on foot or by bike. We must take bold action if we are to deliver on these priorities.

The mayor added: “Our recent pedestrianisation schemes on Cotham Hill, King Street and in the Old City have proved to be very popular, and I hope to see the same benefits as we trial this scheme on Princess Victoria Street.

“I urge everyone to visit Clifton Village, enjoy the new shared space for pedestrians and cyclists, and support our local high streets as we rebuild from the pandemic.”

Paula O’Rourke (left) and Katy Grant (right) are the two Green Party councillors for Clifton – photo: Green Party

Clifton councillor Paula O’Rourke, said that she believes limiting through-traffic on Princess Victoria Street “will give residents and visitors the space to shop at leisure”.

Talking to the Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast, O’Rourke said that the traders and residents who oppose pedestrianisation – some of whom carried a coffin through the streets in a recent protest – are putting out “misleading and erroneous information”, adding that there is “a lot of anger from a few people”.

The leader of Bristol’s Green Party group said: “When the street is car-free, it will be a cleaner and safer place for community use. This change will make Clifton even more vibrant and exciting.

“As it is being done as an experiment, we can continue to consult with the community and monitor if traffic is displaced and amend if needed. I really welcome this improvement to this short section of the street.”

Main photo: Martin Booth

Read more:

• Residents and traders carry coffin through Clifton Village
• ‘There are many streets in Bristol crying out for pedestrianisation’
• Hire scooters removed from areas of Clifton Village

Listen to the latest episode of the Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast: