Six dangerous Roads that Bristol City Council get new powers on

Bristol City Council is set to receive new enforcement powers that would allow them to fine drivers for traffic offences at six dangerous roads. If caught breaking the rules, drivers could be fined as soon as next summer. These cameras will be installed at locations in Fishponds, Withywood, Redland, St George, and by Temple Meads.

The council’s cabinet approved the new measures on Tuesday, December 6; however, final sign off must come from the Department for Transport before the scheme takes effect.

Councillor Don Alexander, cabinet member for transport, said: “We have long campaigned to deal with moving traffic enforcement. Being able to enforce moving traffic contraventions across the city will add to road safety measures that are already being taken to make sure Bristol’s roads are safer for its citizens and drivers.

“We’ll look at how we make the most of these powers in other locations, balanced with the resources. Mobile cameras might be an option in future. These six locations are a great start, as they are known problem areas. Moving traffic enforcement gives us direct control to ensure those who break the law are penalised.”

THE SIX SITES ARE:

Hockey’s Lane and Fishponds Road junction, Fishponds

King Georges Road and Queens Road junction, Withywood

Furber Road between Raeburn Road and St Anne’s Road, St George

Bath Bridge Roundabout and Cattle Market Road junction, near Temple Meads

Hareclive Road and Anton Bantock Way junction, Withywood

The final junction on the list was the location of a fatal car accident in 2017. The driver struck and killed Keith Pullin, a father of two, who was walking to a dentist appointment. Since the accident, his family has campaigned for a traffic enforcement camera at the junction, along with their local ward councillor.

Labour Cllr Kerry Bailes, representing Hartcliffe and Withywood, said: “I’m delighted that the council is moving forward quickly to install an enforcement camera on Hareclive Road and Anton Bantock Way junction. This will undoubtedly deter drivers from reckless, illegal driving and help prevent another fatal injury at the junction.”

More sites in Bristol could also see cameras installed to catch drivers making moving traffic offences. But the process involves “jumping through many hoops”, according to Cllr Alexander, who added he was keen to hear suggestions for other dangerous roads and junctions.

Cllr Alexander said: “I wish traffic regulation orders didn’t take so long. It was interesting to see how the government during the coronavirus pandemic managed to loosen up the regulations to allow temporary traffic regulation orders to happen more quickly.

“As soon as that crisis was over, they then reverted to an anachronistic form of the law — where we have to jump through many hoops, put statutory notices in the Bristol Post at great cost and other things which make all of our traffic schemes more difficult and more expensive.”