Bristol City Council has defended controversial plans to install a bus gate and a bus lane at either end of Park Street, despite concerns among businesses.
The local authority said the move would “improve bus reliability and increase footfall”. The £15m transformation scheme is part of improvements to the number 2 bus route.
The proposals include the creation of a bus gate at the top of Park Street, a bus lane from The Centre, additional bus stops, segregated cycleways, wider pavements and changes in the road network, particularly around Clifton Triangle.
However, local businesses on Park Street have voiced concerns that reducing traffic flow would “kill Park Street” and have threatened to relocate.
Despite this, the council, backed by FirstBus, insists the scheme will alleviate traffic congestion and improve punctuality for services running from Whiteladies Road, making Park Street more pedestrian-friendly.
Councillor Ed Plowden, chair of the transport and connectivity committee, said: “Our planned changes to Park Street aim not only to improve bus reliability and punctuality across the city, but also to encourage footfall by creating a better environment for pedestrians, introduce crossing points which are level with pavements, and create a series of public spaces with outdoor seating.”
He added that the scheme was expected to generate revenue for reinvestment in transport projects and could potentially create approximately 470 new jobs.
“Schemes similar to this, such as the transformations on Cotham Hill and Old City have seen improvements in the experience for shoppers and businesses, with a growth of journeys through both areas on public transport, and other active travel options,” he told our sister site Bristol Live.
The council is actively engaging with local businesses to address concerns regarding the proposed changes.
Michael Potts, owner of Mrs Potts Chocolate House, said: “It would stop the traffic flow, it’d be devastating for Park Street, it would be a lot worse for the businesses. Cutting traffic ends up killing an area.”
Tony Revelle, the operations director of Audio T, who has criticised the council’s approach to traffic management in Bristol, said: “The council is putting barriers to people visiting the city before people even get into Bristol. Why not have timed restrictions rather than close off the street entirely? You can’t uninvent the car.”
Mike Territo, from the long-established Territo Tailoring on Park Street, added: “Overall it will make Park Street a less attractive prospect to travel to.
“I’ve spoken to a few of our customers and the general consensus is people won’t want to visit the city and to visit Territo. It would make people think twice about the journey coming to Bristol.”
“There isn’t a problem to be solved, there isn’t an issue. We look out the window and there’s cars going by. We’re talking about a flowing street of people who work here, live here, travel here.”
In response to the proposed changes, the Save Park Street group has launched a petition, with businesses on the street displaying posters to encourage public support.