The iconic Park Street in Bristol has become the centre of heated discussions amongst Bristol Live readers after plans to revamp the area were unveiled. Independent traders along this famous thoroughfare, poised for a £15 million overhaul, have expressed fears that the proposed changes “will have a catastrophic effect” on their vibrant street life.
Earlier in January, Bristol City Council suggested introducing a bus gate at one end of Park Street and a bus lane at the other, effectively cutting off through traffic. A mini dual carriageway could run from the Clifton Triangle to just outside the Victoria Rooms on Whiteladies Road, with the road repositioned to its northern side.
The scheme envisions a bus lane flanking a single traffic lane for vehicles entering and exiting Whiteladies Road, in addition to creating a new T-junction on Queens Road from Clifton Village. Besides enhancing public transport infrastructure with extra bus stops and segregated cycle lanes, the revamp aims to broaden pavements and establish designated spots for parking bikes and e-scooters across Park Street, Clifton Triangle, and College Green zones.
However, business representatives—including shopkeepers, café owners, takeaway outlets, and tailoring services—are united in their view that Park Street’s current traffic flow is satisfactory and that the project could reroute traffic back toward Park Row. The ‘Save Park Street’ campaign is looking to engage with council authorities and initiate a petition to overturn the planned refurbishment.
One reader, BMushroom states: “Yes, who would have thought that shopkeepers would be upset by the council restricting travel to their place of business. Good luck with your shop.”
Jubblyone4 adds: “I visited Park Street last year after at least a decade. It was a very different place from the one I knew before.”
Draintheharbour comments: “Cllr Ed Plowden said: ‘We need to make significant changes to our road network if we are to meet Bristol’s environmental targets’. The sole objective is to meet an arbitrary target. Nothing else matters. BCC are not blessed with critical thinking or initiative, so deploy the easiest option, get rid of private cars. Have they carried out an economic impact assessment? Genuine question, after 2030 when we will all be driving electric cars and not emitting any pollution, will BCC reverse these measures when they are no longer needed to meet environmental targets?”
Fluffball says: “To be perfectly honest, the last time I was shopping in Park Street and surrounding area, which I admit was many years ago, it was impossible to go in by car and find anywhere to park! No-one in their right mind would try to do it now as it would be far easier to get public transport, walk or cycle!”
Kaylon64 feels: “Once again, people seem to think those who shop there only drive. No, plenty of people walk, cycle, get the bus. Plus, there’s parking close by, just like Cabot Circus. No-one needs to drive through that to park outside the shop they’ll use, do they?”
80psi believes: “It aims to fix air pollution, noise, and make the place more livable and vibrant. This has happened at Cotham Hill, the Corn Street area, and Princess Victoria Street. I think it will be a good thing overall.”
ChrisRiley writes: “I don’t really get it, there’s no problem at the moment so why try to fix it. Of course First Group approve of it, we have a council who have for years spent millions to force people into using a monopolistic private bus company, I’m sure their shareholders love the proposals! The city centre feels increasingly closed off to those who live outside it.”
Jonty2 thinks: “These Cycling and Highways zealot officers don’t give a monkeys about the consequences as the work is keeping them in their jobs. Coupled with the city centre remodelling, it’s costing the Council tens of £millions when they can’t afford to build affordable homes on their own land or pay for education, social services and weekly bin collections. Something is terribly wrong at the Council which is heading rapidly into bankruptcy.”
Nonickname! adds: “I have to visit properties on Park Street for work, parking for a limited time is always easy.”
Do you think this will be good for the city? Let us know in the comments below or HERE.