The contentious plans to pedestrianise Broadmead and give it a makeover have sparked a flurry of debate amongst Bristol Live readers in our comments section. Remarks made by Councillor Ed Plowden, who heads the Transport and Connectivity Committee, have stirred up even more controversy.
At first glance, removing traffic from the city centre seems like a brilliant idea, however, when you delve deeper into the plans – which include turning Union Street into a two-way bus gate, pedestrianising The Horsefair and Penn Street, and introducing new cycle lanes throughout the city centre – it becomes a highly complex issue.
While touring the area with reporters, Councillor Plowden remarked: “If you’re thinking of driving into Bristol by car, don’t bother,” in reference to how cars would navigate the city centre. This comment drew criticism from a Labour councillor who argued that it would “create a no-go zone for disabled people”.
Bus routes would be redirected, additional disabled parking spaces would be established, and more bus gates would be set up at Bedminster Bridges and Redcliffe Street. Despite the project’s insistence that it is not anti-car, it might feel that way. But what’s the use when buses are notoriously unreliable and, for some, extremely infrequent?
Many people steer clear of buses due to their well known reputation. We at Bristol Live have been advocating for improved bus services in Bristol. If buses aren’t serving everyone adequately now, how will they cope when cars are phased out?
Commenter Jonty2 thinks: “The conclusion is that there is virtually no ambition or foresight left at the Council. The centre and Broadmead should have been pedestrianised decades ago. Cyclists should also dismount unless in a dedicated cycle lane. Maybe put the waste of money changes to the centre towards affording Council housing at Hengrove Park and the Caravan clubs housing sites?”
Downtowngirl says: “All these high rise buildings are ruining Bristol as a whole, they have no character, block views of areas which are of interest. As a disabled OAP I would love to go to shops to buy clothing (nothing better than trying on for fit, and feel the material), but all these student flats will kill any shops wanting to open there. I can’t get to South Gloucestershire (Cribbs) as my mobility scooter cannot go on the bus, and if my taxi cannot take me to Broadmead (if there was still something to go there for) then any shops will be totally out of reach. I am surely not the only one who would have this problem.”
Fisherman19 agrees: “Just give up really and get about the best you can, the council is the same as always, it’s all grand plans, consultants, computer graphics, and passing the buck. Cyclists moan they don’t get enough cycle lanes which they don’t use, and now after years of intimidating pedestrians they themselves are getting intimidated by high speed electric bikes, don’t ask for sympathy it’s your turn now.”
Susiep retorts: “We pedestrians know that one of us dies every 9 days on a UK pavement having been hit by a motor vehicle, and one of us dies on a pavement every 851 days having been hit by a bicycle. We pedestrians know what actually presents the greatest risk to us.”
Magrathean adds: “I love cycling and I love my bikes. But most people will not be interested in cycling, especially in poor weather. It will remain a minority. But a reality like that doesn’t get through to policy makers with their heads in the clouds.”
Katiem writes: “30 years ago I used to drive into the centre to go shopping. I hate buses for various reasons. I now walk. As I get older I expect I won’t bother to go into the centre. The shops are not exactly tempting. The centre will continue to die and become residential and high rise. High rise cities are awful and no-one truly gives us a choice.”
Sign up to receive daily news updates and breaking news alerts straight to your inbox for free here.
Junius1 says: “No-one- especially politicians- can guarantee that Broadmead will not become a disaster zone as a result of all the development planned. It’s all a big gamble that it might turn out alright in the end.”
Robofbristol writes: “If this stupid scheme to ban cars from Broadmead goes ahead, I’m buying shares in Cribbs Causeway! Broadmead will become a ghost city. Us motoring majority must face up to the fact governments both national and local no longer represent our views and would like rid of private car ownership altogether. They are taking away our freedom bit by bit.”
Paulgc agrees: “Bath will love these plans!” Wesfrench adds: “So will Cribbs Shopping Centre – free parking, no gangs of youths, good motorway links!”
ReesIsToast suggests: “Flatten the lot and build a new, mixed-residential/commercial space with two or three central-feature spaces that are for entertainment. Public transport can pass through but private vehicles cannot.”
Paulgc asks: “What about deliveries to the few shops that are left or getting items home if you buy anything?”
HanhamHeights replies: “Deliveries will be unaffected by these plans. As for getting things home, you’ll be parked in a car park? Just carry your things there? It’s not like you can park next to the shops right now is it?”
How do you feel about the plans? Will they benefit Bristol or turn it into a ghost town? Have your say in our comments section