Petition Opposing Liveable Neighbourhood Trial Submitted to Council

A petition bearing 4,000 signatures, which demands the cessation of a liveable neighbourhood trial, has been presented to the council responsible for its implementation. This traffic calming initiative, currently in the process of installation, is designed to mitigate “rat-running” and encourage active modes of transport within specific areas of Bristol, namely St George, Redfield, and Barton Hill. On Tuesday, prior to a debate on the scheme, two groups—one in favour and one in opposition to the Bristol City Council-managed low traffic neighbourhood (LTN)—campaigned outside City Hall. The council has advised the public to assess the scheme’s impact once the trial concludes next year. This provisional scheme involves the closure of certain through roads in East Bristol, with its outcomes slated for evaluation next year. Its implementation has provoked demonstrations and appeals for the council to address the worries of local residents. The aforementioned petition prompted a discussion among councillors during a council session. Melissa Topping, a resident of Victoria Avenue, depends on her wheelchair and her wheelchair-accessible van for mobility. During the protest outside City Hall, she spoke to the BBC, visibly emotional, stating that the community will “go down hill fast if they [the council] don’t start listening.” She further asserted, “They’re taking away my disabled access in the process.” Topping also commented on the environmental impact: “Since the scheme has come in the traffic on Church Road and all around, you can taste the fumes. The pollution is off the scale. Idling cars everywhere. Once they close our roads off this is going to get worst.” She concluded by saying, “We’re hoping to be listened to. To have our voices heard as a community because we need our lives to go forward.” Conversely, Sam Gunner, residing in St George, expressed his support for the initiative, noting it has had a “real, massive positive impact.” He elaborated, “I’m able to transport my kids around, get them to school everyday by bike.” Gunner emphasized, “I’m really keen to make sure it isn’t halted so people can feel the benefit I’ve been lucky to feel so far.” The liveable neighbourhood project incorporates diverse traffic calming elements, such as bus gates, cycle lanes, and the use of bollards and planters to obstruct through traffic. It was implemented as a trial, with the intention of making it permanent next year, at an estimated cost of up to £6 million. Green Party councillor Ed Plowden stated that the trial is expected to “rebalance our streets.” He articulated, “We hope there will be better air quality, less noise pollution, more people walking and cycling, and less congestion as well.” He further commented, “Certainly we would like to see less people using unsuitable residential roads as shortcuts.” Plowden highlighted the historical context, saying, “For a long time our roads have been dominated by motorists and cars. Cars we know are bad for our health, climate, and our economy.” He also mentioned that the council intends to implement adjustments and heed residents’ feedback.