New trial methods will be put in place to enhance the tranquility and safety of streets in East Bristol.
Efforts to cultivate a safer, healthier, and more environmentally friendly community in East Bristol are progressing, with new initiatives being implemented as part of the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood trial program.
Between 28 October and 10 January, enhancements aimed at improving traffic management, creating secure pathways for pedestrians and active travel, as well as adding new planters and pocket parks in the trial area will be put into place.
The installation of these measures will occur throughout Barton Hill and sections of Redfield and St George.
Councillor Ed Plowden, Chair of the Transport and Connectivity Committee, said: “The East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood trial is the culmination of two years of working with the community to find out common concerns with local streets and ideas for possible solutions. From air pollution and road safety to a lack of places for the community to meet, a Liveable Neighbourhood is more than preventing rat-running, it’s about creating people-friendly streets.
“The trial will be a big change and take a bit of time to get used to, especially for people who are used to driving particular routes. That’s why we’ve created a short film, online resources, and are offering one-to-one online journey planning sessions.
“As the measures are being installed using temporary materials, they will only give an idea of how the streets could look and work as part of the permanent scheme, which would see local streets transformed with smart new infrastructure and extra measures.”
The trial measures will be installed in five phases:
- Phase 1 – St George including Wicket Lane, Beaufort Road, Blackswarth Road, Glebe Road and The Avenue – from 28 October to 6 November
- Phase 2 – Redfield including Avonvale Road, Pilemarsh, Marsh Lane, Barnes Street, Victoria Avenue and Byron Street – from 11 to 29 November
- Phase 3 – Barton Hill including Kingsmarsh Way and Lincoln Street – from 2 to 9 December
- Phase 4 – Barton Hill and Redfield including Lancaster Street and Cobden Street – from 10 to 13 December
- Phase 5 – Barton Hill and Redfield including Grindell Road, Barton Hill Road/Ducie Road and Ducie Road bridge – from 16 December to 10 January
The installation of double yellow lines, dropped kerbs, and tactile paving will occur on Crews Hole Road, contributing to the broader lining and signage enhancements throughout the trial zone.
Following these installations, drivers will retain access to all roads within the trial area; however, most routes for motorized vehicles will be altered. These changes are intended to enhance safety and accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists, and those using mobility aids in the region.
Additionally, as part of the initiative, 24-hour bus gates will be set up on Avonvale Road, Marsh Lane, and Pilemash. Variable message signs will alert motorists to when enforcement begins. After this implementation period starts, any unauthorized vehicles that pass through these bus gates may incur fines.
Authorised vehicles that will be able to travel through the east Bristol bus gates include:
- buses
- emergency services
- refuse vehicles
- cycles and e-scooters
- taxis and private hire vehicles
- parents/carers who live within the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood area who receive a personal travel budget for their child
- residents who live in the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood Area who have a disabled class vehicle
- professional carers providing care within the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood Area
Starting mid-November, individuals will need to apply for tax class vehicle exemptions for disabled users and professional caregivers who offer community support. For further details on how to submit an application for these exemptions, please visit www.bristol.gov.uk/eblnbusgates.
Google Maps will begin updating in advance of the trial to inform users about the changes and prevent them from encountering recently established closure points. Additionally, diversion signs will be placed at appropriate locations before work commences. In 2025, feedback regarding the trial will be gathered.
The council is currently amassing baseline data while continuously collecting information to determine effective strategies for transitioning temporary measures into permanent infrastructure. This plan includes enhancements such as additional street lighting, new crossings equipped with traffic signals, dedicated cycle tracks, and planting new street trees.
The pilot project for East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood is funded through the UK Government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement under the management of the West of England Combined Authority.
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