A controversial liveable neighbourhood scheme in east Bristol has sparked a petition signed by thousands, calling for a halt to the project amid concerns over increased congestion. The trial is being implemented in parts of St George, Redfield and Barton Hill, with critics claiming it’s already having “devastating consequences”. Bristol Live readers’ opinion is as divided as the residents on the benefits of the scheme.
The scheme aims to deter drivers from using residential streets as shortcuts, promoting safer walking and cycling routes instead. However, its introduction has led to protests and demands for Bristol City Council to address the worries of impacted residents.
Melissa Topping, a disabled resident living on Victoria Avenue who relies on her wheelchair-accessible van for mobility, fears the changes will isolate her, as she won’t be able to navigate her van through a narrow side street to reach her home.
Despite attracting numerous complaints, the scheme also has many supporters, particularly on Beaufort Road. This St George street was frequently used by drivers as a shortcut to avoid traffic on Church Road, leading to complaints from residents about speeding and accidents.
Lyndsey Melling, a resident of 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 of the main gripes from those against the scheme is a perceived lack of public consultation. Many feel their concerns have been brushed aside, and the scheme is pressing on regardless of the issues they’ve highlighted.
The trial will run for at least six months, allowing enough evidence to be gathered on its impact. Following this, the council will seek public opinion again before deciding whether to make the scheme permanent and what alterations may be necessary. Plans are also in the pipeline to fund new and improved bus services through the liveable neighbourhood area.
Commenter Blibbka thinks: “Since the scheme has rolled out I hear very vocal opposition online and on social media. Ms Topping presents herself as the voice of the community but this is not the case. She represents only one side and does not speak for me or many others I know. Personally, I have found the scheme to be extremely positive. Less anti-social driving, safer school run, healthier local streets. I am genuinely perplexed at the complaints of a lack of consultation. I received several letters seeking views in the years leading up to the scheme. There were open meetings at the local community centre where residents could discuss with the council. There have been a number of articles on the subject in local media. Short of having someone knock individually on every door in at George, I’m not sure what else could have been done?”
Bristolbabber agrees: “The scheme is not perfect, but that’s what a trial is for. I live in Barton Hill and am fed up with drivers racing through my street, using it as a rat run. I am a pedestrian, cyclist and driver and am infuriated at how unsafe the streets feel when I am travelling around my local area. I understand tweaks are needed, but myself, and many neighbours, welcome the scheme and are eager to see what improvements it brings to safely travelling in and around our area. The opposers to the scheme do not speak for everyone in this community. After two years of community consultation, I’m ready to see action.”
Not what he said agrees: “People are just scared to try anything new. It might make those streets a nicer place to live – would that be so terrible?”
Junius1 writes: “The East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood Scheme was introduced and seems to have been bedevilled by division, locally and between parties, from the start. Hopefully it can win over opposition and be made to work to the benefit of the majority before the end of its pilot period. It has cost £5.8 million, which is a lot to waste in BCCs current financial predicament.”
Freewheeler is unhappy: “This is a poorly-designed layout that is being steam rollered through by the Green Party. Once again this Party does not listen to the most poverty stricken or disadvantaged in the area. It is us who will receive the burden of this fiasco’s failings, no thought has been given to the knock on effects. Surrounding roads are increasingly more heavily congested. The most obvious one of all is the already gridlocked Church Road. The entire scheme is a farce. If the Council knew what they were doing a reliable bus service would have been the first thing installed at the very least. The message is clear. Stay at home and don’t harbour dreams of freedom of movement.”
No nonsense Yorkshire agrees: “It will also massively increase pollution as cars and lorries are left with idling engines for ages. How GREEN is that?!”
Bboy adds:”The Green Party are just forcing this through, they do not care what anybody thinks or says or the effect it has, they are just carrying out their own personal agendas.”
Citizenpip retorts: “What do we want? Good old fashioned polluted neighbourhoods! When do we want them? Now!”
Ezergood believes: “Entitled motorists think that they own the streets.”
How do you feel about liveable neighbourhoods? Do the benefits outweigh the extra time it may put on a journey? Have your say in our comments section.