Advisers have proposed a trial closure of a road that cuts through the Downs in Bristol this summer. Ladies Mile Road, which intersects Clifton Down and stretches from the centre of Stoke Road to the top of Bridge Valley Road, should be shut to all traffic except bicycles for a Bank Holiday weekend, according to the Downs Advisory Panel.
Bristol Live readers are aware it poses a problem but some think it should stay open for families to easily access the area. While the panel lacks the authority to close the road itself, it can recommend changes to the Downs committee.
The Downs committee will convene on Monday, January 13, to discuss these suggestions along with other issues such as new parking plans and an ongoing dispute with van dwellers.
Robert Westlake, chair of the advisory panel, stated in a report to the committee: “Ladies Mile Road in particular suffers from illegal driving and parking on the grass, while the highway itself serves no particular purpose other than as a rat run and for commuter parking. A trial would also permit the Downs committee to gauge public opinion and monitor reaction to the longer term aspiration to close Circular Road to through traffic.”
The panel has also previously advocated for security patrols during the evening and overnight hours to address issues like car meets at the Downs.
Commenter Vaidas says: “Nonsense. We constantly have barbecues there over the summer. How else can we bring all our equipment which is heavy if not by coming by car and parking close to benches with tables? There is only one place where they have it, and it’s too far to walk if the road is closed. Not wise!”
Downsguy2 disagrees: “A great idea. It’s never made sense to have the parkland divided in two by a road. While they’re at it, Circular Road could also be closed beyond the Look Out to create a very special traffic free park.”
Fishmonster adds: “I totally agree with closing Lady’s Mile to traffic on weekends during the Summer months. It is now a dangerous rat run with its speeding cars.”
YosserBlues replies: “But this is a very extreme solution. Speeding motorists can easily be brought to heel by using average speed check cameras.”
Paul-W suggests a compromise: “An alternative suggestion, that would retain car parking whilst stopping the road being used as a short cut, would be to close a small section of Lady’s Mile to motor vehicles. This would retain car parking whilst avoiding the road being used simply as a short cut. Obviously there would need to be very clear signs at both ends to make clear that it is a No Through Road.”
GenericNickname complains: “Advisory panels and committees, all seemingly designed to make things progressively worse. I fondly remember a time when there were no parking restrictions around the Downs, no van dwellers and no festivals.”
Scotty69 agrees: “It is not a short cut, it is simply a road for people to use. Let’s not turn it into an extension of ‘The Downs View Caravan Park’. Please get a grip. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”
Bristol_Girl points out: “Families who don’t want to get 3 buses from Emerson’s Green, drive there with their kids for a walk. Personal trainers use the parking facilities for their clients, so the PT’s can earn a living. Dog walkers use it. Just leave things that function alone.”
Muttsnuts agrees: “Bristol needs more roads not less. Please stop shutting down roads for no reason. I see they want to turn it into another cycle lane. When will BCC realize no one rides bicycles anymore? They are slow and open to the weather and unsafe. I think the use of these outdated devices should be banned.”
Downsguy2 suggests: “People could always use the bus – the Numbers 1, 2, 2a, 3, 4, 5, 77 & 8 all stop adjacent to the Downs. Or they could take the train to Clifton Down. Or they could use the Park & Ride at Shirehampton & Long Ashton. Or they could cycle. Or walk. Plenty of ways to get there.”
Covid-51 writes: “This is why Bristol is the second most congested city in the UK. Another road bites the dust.”
Fuocoardente disagrees: “Bristol’s congestion is caused by too many vehicles on the roads. Reduce the number of vehicles, reduce the congestion.”
Do you think the road needs to be closed or are you happy with the way it is? Have your say in our comments section.