Bus gate changes planned in liveable neighbourhood
Bristol City Council has said it will make changes to the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood as a result of feedback
- Published
Changes are set to be made to a liveable neighbourhood scheme which has seen some roads in Bristol shut to through traffic.
The East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood scheme sparked protests when sections of roads were first closed and bus gates introduced as part of traffic calming measures in St George and Barton Hill.
Bristol City Council said the scheme had since successfully reduced traffic and increased cycling and walking. However, it said there had been issues on local roads.
After gathering feedback, the council said it planned to make changes to bus gates and will also remove some planters and bollards.
What changes are planned?
Marsh Lane bus gate to be removed - the council has said this will improve access between Feeder Road, Barton Hill and St Phillip's Causeway and "support businesses in the area".
Avonvale Road bus gate to move to Marsh Lane's junction with Mildred Street to allow a left turn onto Avonvale. A bus gate will remain across Avonvale Road to prevent vehicles turning right from Marsh Lane into Avonvale and the reverse.
Bollards at Ducie Road Bridge and The Avenue to be replaced by camera enforcement. The council said this will improve emergency access and enable taxi drivers and blue badge holders to use these routes.
Planters on Victoria Avenue West - between where it meets Byron Street and Morse Road - to be removed. The council said this will improve access to surrounding streets, including for waste crews.
If the trial scheme is made permanent, the council has said it would improve Church Road's junction with Blackswarth Road - including by removing island pedestrian crossings.
"Making it easier to cross the road and increase the vehicle capacity of the junction," it added.
A decision on whether to make the scheme permanent is expected in 2026.
Some residents said the trial had made streets quieter, but others highlighted longer journey times
According to a council report, external, the number of vehicles using roads inside the scheme and on its boundaries fell by 26% on weekdays and 21% at weekends.
Within the liveable neighbourhood, traffic dropped by 77% on weekdays, while cycling volumes rose by 22% on weekdays and walking increased by 7%. Bus use in the area increased by about 5%.
Some residents said the trial had delivered quieter streets and made it easier and safer to walk and cycle, but others highlighted longer journey times and heavier traffic on nearby Church Road.
The council said there was an 80% increase in traffic on Blackswarth Road and a 42% rise on St Philip's Causeway during peak periods on weekday mornings.
Emergency services reported small increases in response times, with the fire service seeing an average increase of 30 seconds on a sample of journeys.
Deputy council leader Heather Mack said while the trial was "generally achieving its aims" that was "not the whole story".
"For many residents and businesses, some of the measures haven't worked and have caused frustration," she added.
She said the changes are designed to improve access for everyone - including emergency services.
"We want to show that we care and that we are listening, as we will continue to do. Your feedback is helping to shape this pilot project, and we are committed to getting it right for east Bristol communities."
'Element of incompetence' behind traffic plan - MP
- Published10 November 2025
Bristol liveable neighbourhood 'makes roads safer'
- Published28 March 2025
Concerns raised over liveable neighbourhood plans
- Published17 October 2025
Related internet links
Get in touch
Tell us which stories we should cover in Bristol
Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, external, X, external and Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.