Over 3,000 Sign Petition to Stop East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood Trial

A petition calling for the cessation of a liveable neighbourhood trial in Bristol has garnered over 3,000 signatures. This traffic calming initiative, which remains partially implemented, aims to curb “rat running” and encourage active modes of transport within the areas of St George, Redfield, and Barton Hill. However, numerous individuals have linked the Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) to heightened congestion and extended delays on key thoroughfares leading into the city. Bristol City Council, the authority overseeing the scheme, had previously advised the public to evaluate its effects once the trial concludes next year. The liveable neighbourhood incorporates various traffic calming interventions, such as bus gates, cycle lanes, and the use of bollards and planters to obstruct through traffic. This initiative was introduced as a trial, with the intention of making it permanent next year, at an estimated cost of up to £6 million. The anonymously initiated petition characterized the scheme as “a total waste of taxpayers money,” further cautioning that it would substantially lengthen journey times and elevate pollution levels within the city. Melissa Topping, a Redfield resident and wheelchair user, is among the signatories. She stated: “There are not enough adjustments made for elderly and disabled residents, to be able to get around unencumbered without having to sit in 20 mins of traffic on Church Road.” Last week, Melissa participated in a protest that prevented council contractors from installing planters in Barton Hill, a nearby area. She commented: “It’s not right for this area, these are not busy streets, you don’t need to close off streets that are not busy.” While a significant portion of the measures remains unfinished, those already implemented in other locations have received positive feedback. In St George, for instance, through traffic is now prevented from using Beaufort Road, a well-known “rat run.” Sabrina Fairchild, a resident in the vicinity, remarked: “It was never this quiet before, it was constant traffic. It has created more of a community feel and made it a nicer place to live.” Nevertheless, she acknowledged the project’s divisive nature, stating: “I think we can find ways to address some of the concerns that have been brought up. It’s not a reason to scrap the scheme but to iterate it.” Concurrently, Bristol City Council expressed its desire for the trial to be fully implemented prior to making any determinations regarding its future, despite the authority having already scheduled a second trial in south Bristol. Green Party councillor Ed Plowden, speaking to BBC Radio Bristol, commented: “We always knew there would be disruption when this started. It will take time for everything to settle down.” He further added: “This is a trial, we are listening, and looking to make sure everything works for everyone.”