EAST BRISTOL BECOME 'CAR-FREE

Bristol City Council has proposed a "liveable neighbourhood" trial, which could see parts of east Bristol become "car free" later this year. Aiming to improve safety and reduce rat-running and pollution, the initiative covers many streets in Barton Hill, Redfield and St George. However, access will be kept open for local residents, emergency services and delivery vehicles.

The Council hopes the project will also create a more active environment for locals by eliminating social isolation, planting more trees and greenery, as well as making it easier for children to get to school safely.

The experimental trial is expected to launch towards the end of the year. Results will then be monitored and evaluated, before a permanent scheme is brought in, possibly in early 2025.

East Bristol was chosen as the first area because it is close to major developments like the Temple Quarter regeneration scheme, as well as major walking and cycling routes.

Lyndsey Melling, Chair of St George Active Travel Group said: “We’re excited that this project has been given the go-ahead.

A ‘liveable neighbourhood’ could be a brilliant opportunity to make it easier to move around our streets, which are currently choked with motor traffic.”

“We’ve yet to see the plans for the trial, but from the engagement so far we’re hoping they include things like better crossings, greenery and school streets, as well as filtering out through traffic.”

“Bristol needs to reduce motor journeys by 50% to meet our net-zero target by 2030, so enabling people to make their journeys by active travel is absolutely vital.

“Liveable Neighbourhoods in other parts of the country have been shown to improve air quality and reduce traffic overall, and things like street trees can help mitigate the impacts of climate change.”

If successful, other parts of Bristol could also become liveable neighbourhoods, with local councillors previously calling for a scheme in Bedminster, Ashton and Southville.