Bristol is set to introduce a new low traffic neighbourhood trial in East Bristol, encompassing Barton Hill, Redfield, and parts of St George.
The scheme, aimed at creating safer and greener streets, will be implemented next week on October 28 until January 10.
Measures include traffic management systems, safe routes for pedestrians and cyclists, and the introduction of planters and pocket parks.
The trial is part of the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood project, which seeks to address concerns such as air pollution, road safety, and the lack of community spaces.
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LTN hopes to improve walking and cycling in the area
BRISTOL CITY COUNCIL
While the changes will impact drivers’ usual routes, the council emphasises that all roads will remain accessible, albeit with altered paths for motorised vehicles.
The trial measures will be installed in five phases across the affected areas. Phase 1 begins in St George on October 28, followed by Redfield in Phase 2 from November 11.
Phases 3 and 4 will focus on Barton Hill and parts of Redfield in early December. The final phase, covering Barton Hill and Redfield, will run from December 16 until January 10.
Key changes include the installation of 24-hour bus gates on Avonvale Road, Marsh Lane, and Pilemash. These will be enforced with fines for unauthorised vehicles. However, certain groups will be exempt, including buses, emergency services, and residents with disabled class vehicles.
Double yellow lines, dropped kerbs, and tactile paving will also be added to Crews Hole Road as part of the wider improvements.
The trial will significantly impact drivers in the area. While all roads will remain accessible, most routes for motorised vehicles will change. This is intended to make walking, cycling, and wheeling safer and easier throughout the neighbourhood.
Google Maps will update ahead of the trial to reflect these changes. Diversion signage will also be installed at key locations before works begin.
Unauthorised vehicles passing through the new bus gates will face fines. However, exemptions will be available for certain groups, including residents with disabled class vehicles and professional carers working in the area.
To help residents adapt, the council is offering one-to-one online journey planning sessions. They have also created a short film and online resources to guide people through the changes.
The East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood trial is the result of two years of community consultation. Residents shared concerns about local streets and proposed solutions for creating people-friendly spaces.
The temporary measures will be evaluated to determine the best approach for permanent infrastructure changes. Data collection is ongoing to inform these decisions.
In 2025, the council will seek public views on the trial’s effectiveness. Potential permanent improvements include enhanced street lighting, new crossings with traffic signals, cycle tracks, and additional street trees.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Measures to last until January 10
BRISTOL CITY COUNCIL
The project is funded by the UK Government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, administered by the West of England Combined Authority.
Councillor Ed Plowden emphasised that the trial aims to create “people-friendly streets” and address issues beyond just preventing rat-running.
He said: “The East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood trial is the culmination of two years of working with the community to find out common concerns with local streets and ideas for possible solutions.” He acknowledged the significant changes ahead, particularly for drivers accustomed to specific routes.
To ease the transition, Plowden highlighted the resources available: “That’s why we’ve created a short film, online resources, and are offering one-to-one online journey planning sessions.
“From air pollution and road safety to a lack of places for the community to meet, a Liveable Neighbourhood is more than preventing rat-running, it’s about creating people-friendly streets.”
The councillor also noted that the temporary materials used in the trial would provide an initial impression of how the streets could function in a permanent scheme.
