Making Crews Hole Road residents-only ruled out by transport planners in East Bristol
Increased traffic and safety concerns won't lead to residents-only restrictions
A proposal to restrict a rat run in the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood to residents-only has been deemed "impossible to do" by a transport planner at City Hall. The area, including Crews Hole Road and Troopers Hill Road, has seen a spike in traffic since the introduction of the liveable neighbourhood trial.
Residents have voiced concerns over the impact on traffic flow, particularly during rush hours. The changes have resulted in drivers using narrow and rural-like routes as alternatives to main roads. Bristol City Council plans to address safety concerns by making improvements under the liveable neighbourhood scheme, but councillors were urged to consider a residents-only option on 16th September.
Local resident Jane Randall expressed frustration, stating the increased traffic has led to further deterioration on Crews Hole Road. She highlighted the lack of pavements, street lights, and public transport options in the area, posing safety risks especially during winter.
Similar concerns were raised by David and Joanna Parfitt, living on Troopers Hill Road. They noted their previously quiet residential street has become a busy thoroughfare since the trial's inception.
Josh Learner, a local transport manager, explained that enforcing residents-only access would be unfeasible. Citing enforcement challenges, he mentioned that such schemes have not been successful elsewhere due to limitations in monitoring and enforcement, including the difficulty of using ANPR cameras to manage vehicle access.
In other parts of Bristol, bus gates have been used to manage traffic, allowing specific vehicles to pass while fining others. However, this method is not appropriate for Crews Hole Road.
Green Councillor Rob Bryher suggested a bus gate could be placed at one end of the road as a potential solution. This could encourage bus companies to introduce routes, with financial support from the council, to lessen traffic and provide alternative transport options.
Details about safety upgrades for Crews Hole Road remain sparse, but in July, £500,000 was allocated for mitigation measures under the permanent scheme, including improved pedestrian crossings.