‘Overwhelming support’ for keeping Cotham Hill pedestrianisation

Temporary measures that saw parts of Cotham Hill closed to cars look set to become permanent.

The pedestrianisation zone that came into play in April last year meant cafes, restaurants and bars could spill out onto the street and provide outside tables and chairs for customers – a move that supporters said would help ensure their survival through the pandemic.

Now a public consultation has found to be “overwhelmingly” in favour of keeping the road free from traffic.

Bristol City Council also intends to install measures that will include retaining space for businesses to trade outside, widening a number of pavements, and making a series of one-way routes to reduce through-traffic in the area.

A map showing option A, which 63 per cent of those who responded to the survey preferred – map: Bristol City Council

Mayor Marvin Rees said: “The strong support shown for the approach taken on Cotham Hill speaks volumes for what residents want from their local areas. Our approach here has been to try to find a better balance between how streets are used for transport and people, while boosting local businesses. These results show clearly that we’re on the right track.

“Cotham Hill is one of a number of projects we’re working on across the city, to deliver that balance between liveable neighbourhoods with less traffic and pollution that also support local businesses to thrive. There is no one-size-fits-all model, and these results demonstrate it’s important we consider each area on its merits. It’s fantastic that the scheme has been so well received, and I look forward to seeing Cotham Hill continuing to thrive.”

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The consultation offered a series of three options – two involved keeping the pedestrianisation zone with a slight variation in detail – and the third involved removing the current scheme.

Of the 1,527 people who responded to the survey, 63 per cent opted for the first option that includes West Park among the proposed one-way roads. Only five per cent voted to remove the pedestrianisation zone.

Under the new measures, a ‘school street’ has been proposed adjacent to St Peters and Paul Primary School. The cycle lane on Cotham Hill between West Park and Hampton Road will also be upgraded by installing bollards to separate people cycling from traffic.

The council says measures such as bollards, planters, blue badge parking, cycle lanes and cycle parking, would also form part of the proposals.

Don Alexander, Bristol’s cabinet member for transport, added: “We need to transform the way we travel in Bristol, to ease congestion, reduce air pollution and ensure our local economy continues to thrive.

“This can be achieved by enabling a good mix of transport options which includes increasing the number of journeys we walk, wheel or cycle, and using public transport as much as we can for longer trips. That’s why it’s so important that local communities can enjoy their neighbourhoods and are safe while out on Bristol’s streets.

“The results of our Cotham Hill survey show there is willing to change the way our roads are used, and it will be fantastic to see the plans take shape.”

The temporary road closure will remain in place between Whiteladies Gate and Hampton Lane, and between Hampton Park and Abbotsford Road on Cotham Hill.

The council plans to launch a number of formal consultations on the proposed road closures towards the end of 2022. In the meantime, the detailed designs for the scheme will be drawn up.

Main photo: CB Bristol Design 2021

Read more: Hospitality owners celebrate Cotham Hill pedestrianisation plans 

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