Hundreds call for better lighting on Concorde Way
Petition highlights local safety concerns along a busy commuter route
Hundreds of people have signed a petition calling for improved lighting along Concorde Way, a popular walking and cycling route in Bristol.
Local councillors have described the section between Muller Road and Mina Road as “perilously dark” during the winter months.
The petition, which has gained over 740 signatures, was presented to Bristol City Council at the transport policy committee meeting on 17th September.
Green Councillor James Crawford, representing Bishopston and Ashley Down, explained the importance of the issue:
“This lack of lighting has a disproportionate impact on women and girls, many of whom understandably feel quite unsafe using these isolated, unlit paths after dark.
This isn’t really an isolated problem. Inadequate lighting affects routes and paths across our communities, and we need a much more systemic approach to identifying and addressing these safety concerns. I’m hoping that this petition is a start of a wider piece of work looking at making our city feel safer.”
Councillor Emma Edwards added that the path was a major route for children at Fairfield High School and for passengers using the Ashley Down train station.
The Ashley Down station opened in 2024 as part of a major investment in local train services.
According to the petitioners, better lighting would help reduce the risk of muggings and attacks that have been reported in the tunnel underneath the railway.
Yet, there are currently no details on the cost of installation nor potential funding sources.
Concorde Way serves approximately 1,000 commuters daily, connecting areas such as St Pauls, St Werburghs, Ashley Down, and Lockleaze, all the way up to Cribbs Causeway.