Plan to close dangerous rat-run near primary school blocked
Almost two thirds of people consulted by Bristol City Council opposed the scheme
A plan to close a dangerous rat-run near a primary school has been blocked after public opposition. Almost two thirds of people consulted by Bristol City Council opposed closing Rosemary Lane, on the border of Easton and Eastville, so now the plan has been scrapped.
The closure was first suggested almost a decade ago, addressing complaints of dangerous traffic on a route used by many parents and pupils to get to May Park Primary School. The scheme would have cost £550,000, creating a “pocket park” as well as closing the road to traffic.
Councillors on the transport policy committee voted against approving the scheme on Thursday, February 5. Four Greens voted in favour of the closure, but were outvoted by three Labour councillors, one Conservative and one Liberal Democrat.
Green Councillor Rob Bryher, whose children go to May Park Primary School, said: “I go down Rosemary Lane pretty much most days. At the moment the school has a bike bus which they’ve established with really careful thought and attention to what would work. It’s been really successful and they get 20 to 30 kids cycling every Monday and Friday.
“The reason they take the route they do is because it would be too dangerous to go down Rosemary Lane with that number of children on their bikes. Having talked to parents, some people aren’t in favour of it, but there are a few people who are. Personally I think it would bring massive benefits. It would stop feeling actually arduous to get to school in the morning for me.”
Greens also criticised the “hypocrisy” of Labour voting down a scheme which they previously championed when they ruled the council from 2016 to 2024. However a recent public consultation found that 62 per cent disagreed with the closure, leading Labour to withdraw their support.
Parents of pupils at May Park were split on whether to close the road, with dozens of public statements sent to the council ahead of the transport committee meeting. While several said cars drive too fast in the area, others raised concerns that the closure would simply push traffic elsewhere, including along Robertson Road.
Charlotte Gage, one parent, said: “This is our cycling route to and from school and it is often used as a cut through to Fishponds Road with fast and dangerous driving which makes it feel unsafe, especially right next to the play park. The changes would also help to reduce the traffic next to the school which can be very busy in the morning causing congestion and pollution.”
Jamie Walker, another parent, added: “I walk my two children to and from school along the routes affected by this scheme. From where I stand, what is being proposed will make those journeys less safe, not more. This proposal does not reduce danger — it just moves it onto neighbouring streets and onto children walking to school from these areas.”
Parents also suggested removing the parking along Rosemary Lane, so visibility was improved, and installing a pedestrian crossing on Robertson Road. Some questioned whether there was a problem with safety, while others said they had experienced accidents and road rage due to the volume of traffic. Council bosses previously said cars have flipped over nearby due to speeding.
Liberal Democrat Cllr Nicholas Coombes said: “This does indeed have a long history having been rejected by decision-makers twice. The provision of a pocket park is an odd way of selling it because it’s right next door to a playground and an actual-sized park.
“Closing the road to through-traffic to improve pedestrian and cycle access could also be achieved by just improving pedestrian and cycle access. You could take away the parking, for example to reallocate space from vehicles to sustainable modes.”
Labour Cllr Tom Renhard added: “We hear a lot from the Greens about listening. But what seems to happen is that you don’t get the answer you like, and then you try, and try again. This doesn’t have support from a majority of the public. We should still look to spend money to address issues in that area though, just not on this solution you’ve come up with.”