Thousands urge council to pause controversial liveable neighbourhood in east Bristol

Thousands of petitioners have demanded a pause to a controversial liveable neighbourhood in east Bristol after many concerns have been raised including a rise in congestion.

The trial is now being rolled out in parts of St George, Redfield and Barton Hill, with “devastating consequences” already appearing.

The trial aims to prevent drivers from cutting through residential streets, making it easier and safer to walk and cycle there instead. But its roll-out has sparked protests and calls for Bristol City Council to listen to the concerns of affected residents.

The petition led to a debate among councillors during a full council meeting on Tuesday.

Greens said they would analyse the evidence of the scheme’s effects after six months, and then engage with the public again, before making any changes.

Melissa Topping is a disabled resident who lives on Victoria Avenue, and relies on driving her wheelchair accessible van to get around. She fears the changes will cut her off, as she won’t be able to fit her van through a narrow side street to get to her house.

Speaking to councillors, she said: “The lack of accessible routes will force me to cancel crucial appointments, leaving my health and wellbeing compromised.

“This isn’t just my experience but a common struggle for many disabled individuals in our community. The scheme’s devastating consequences are clear: unjustified traffic chaos.

“The scheme has created gridlock on our roads, making it difficult for residents to get to work, school or essential appointments.

“This has led to increased stress, frustration and wasted time. Traffic congestion has led to higher levels of air pollution, endangering the health of our residents, particularly children and the elderly.

“The council has failed to listen to the concerns of the community despite overwhelming opposition, they have pushed ahead with this harmful scheme, disregarding the needs of the people.

“The scheme is a colossal waste of public funds, money that could be better spent on improving public transport, cycling infrastructure or supporting local businesses.”

 

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As well as drawing a lot of complaints, the scheme has many supporters, particularly on Beaufort Road.

The St George street was a popular route for drivers to cut through the area and avoid congestion on Church Road, but residents there complained of speeding and crashes.

Lyndsey Melling, who lives on Beaufort Road, said: “The measures were installed about six weeks ago and it has been incredible. I used to have crashes and hear constant traffic outside my house. Now I hear kids laughing, going to school, scooting, and riding their bikes. We really appreciate the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood and would like to see the trial continue.”

One topic mentioned by councillors across the chamber was polarisation. The liveable neighbourhood appears to have split public opinion in the affected area, with bitter disputes taking place on social media about its consequences.

Green councillor Abi Finch, representing St George Central, said: “There’s a general need for less traffic congestion, reduced air pollution, thriving local businesses, safer roads for everyone, better public transport and a council that acts with transparency and listens to the community we serve.

“Keep an open mind, actively listen to different perspectives, and be open to changing your views. This is something that I will continue to challenge myself to do.

“I’ve said before that I am in support of this scheme. I want to see an east Bristol where people can walk, wheel and cycle safely, where there is less air pollution and where local businesses can thrive.

“If it does not achieve these things, then I’ll support finding a different approach.

“The issue is at the moment it’s too early to tell. It’ll take a few months before people have adapted their journeys and we can start to properly see the effects of the scheme. The project team will be monitoring its effect, including the levels of traffic and air pollution.”

One of the main complaints of opponents of the scheme is a perceived lack of public consultation. Many say they feel like their concerns have been ignored, and the scheme is pressing on regardless of the problems they have raised.

Ed Plowden, chair of the transport policy committee – photo: Bristol Green Party

But according to Green councillor Ed Plowden, chair of the transport policy committee, the scheme came out of a citizens assembly, and “multiple stages of engagement” have taken place. He added that several letters were written to everybody living in the area, although members of the public disputed this and shouted “lies” in response.

The trial will last for at least six months, to allow enough evidence to be collected on its effects. Then the council will consult the public again on their views, before deciding whether to make the scheme permanent and what changes would need to be made.

Plans are also being drawn up to pay for new and improved bus services through the liveable neighbourhood area.

Plowden said: “We hear how hard it is for people to get their kids to school and get to work on time. We hear the anxieties about air quality outside primary schools. We hear how businesses are afraid of the fall in passing trade. We hear how some people are very anxious indeed about their personal mobility.

“Cars have given so many people freedom of mobility, but they’re causing congestion and are increasingly jamming up our city. We also hear positive stories about the number of people who now feel safe to cycle. People feel that the roads are safer, especially when taking their kids to school, and some of them are now walking and not driving.

“This trial includes one of our poorest neighbourhoods with the lowest rate of car ownership. This is a trial, and we are ready to make changes but we need six months to do a comprehensive evaluation of the scheme. I will make the evaluation criteria available shortly. We need to act on evidence, not emotion.”

Main photo: Alex Seabrook

Read next:

• Residents attempt to prevent contractors ‘closing road’
• ‘Begrudging acceptance among unhappy residents is not sufficient to justify a permanent liveable neighbourhood scheme’
• ‘We shouldn’t stop the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood but we have to listen to its detractors’