Bristol is taking a significant step towards creating more people-friendly streets with the activation of three new bus gates in East Bristol, beginning Monday, June 2nd, 2025.

These bus gates represent the final phase of the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood trial, an ambitious initiative designed to enhance the safety of local streets for everyone, promote health and well-being, improve access to essential services like shops and schools, and ultimately reduce air pollution.

Understanding the Bus Gates and Their Impact

Once live, these 24-hour bus gates, located on Avonvale Road, Marsh Lane, and Pilemarsh, will restrict access to authorised vehicles only. This includes vital services such as buses, taxis, motorcycles, and emergency vehicles. Additionally, vehicles with pre-approved exemptions will be permitted to pass through. To ensure a smooth transition and prevent accidental infringements, electronic signs at each location will clearly display the go-live date, serving as a helpful reminder to drivers.

Councillor Heather Mack, Deputy Leader of Bristol City Council, acknowledges that this will be a considerable adjustment for many residents. “There is no doubt that for many people it will be a big change,” she stated. “We hope that, in combination with the other trial measures, the bus gates will help to make the streets safer and less polluted.” The core idea behind these changes is to deter drivers from using residential roads as shortcuts, thereby reducing traffic, noise, and the associated pollution. By encouraging more people to embrace walking, cycling, or public transport for shorter journeys – including the convenient new number 16 bus that now runs directly through the trial area – local residential streets are expected to become both safer and quieter for everyone.

Exemptions and Boosted Travel Offers

Recognising the diverse needs of the community, the trial allows for various vehicles to apply for a bus gate exemption. This includes Blue Badge holders and low-income individuals who reside within the Liveable Neighbourhood boundary and require travel for work. Councillor Mack, a resident of the area herself, emphasized the council’s commitment to addressing community concerns, particularly from those on low incomes and Disabled people. “I came and listened to people across the trial area and recognised there was a risk we hadn’t responded to concerns some community members had,” she explained.

As a direct result of this feedback, a boosted range of travel offers and bus gate exemptions has been developed. Councillor Mack strongly urges everyone who believes they might be eligible to check the criteria and apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out. These generous travel offers include a choice of £250 worth of First Bus tickets or £150 to spend on a reconditioned bike, specifically available for households within the trial area who receive certain benefits. This is in addition to the £100 worth of First Bus tickets that every household across the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood will soon receive by post.

Soft Enforcement Period and Full Implementation

To ease the transition, a “soft enforcement” phase will be in effect for the first six weeks of the bus gates’ operation, running from June 2nd to July 13th. During this period, if a driver inadvertently travels through a bus gate, they will not receive a penalty charge notice. Instead, they will be issued a warning letter as a reminder not to repeat the action. This grace period is designed to allow residents to familiarise themselves with the new traffic arrangements.

However, this soft enforcement will conclude in July. The bus gates will become fully operational from Monday, July 14th, 2025. From this date onwards, any driver who passes through a bus gate without authorisation or a valid exemption will receive a penalty charge notice of up to £70.

The East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood initiative is funded through the UK government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, a significant investment secured by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable transport solutions and improved urban living.

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