The controversial transport schemes have been rolled out in many parts of the country
A modal filter near Ashton Gate School (Image: Bristol City Council)
Early designs for the new South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood have finally been revealed with a raft of changes to the roads. It would become the second in the city following a similar scheme in East Bristol, but you would be forgiven for not knowing what a “liveable neighbourhood” is – especially as many people would say their area is already nice to live in.
Around 100 similar liveable neighbourhoods have been rolled out across England, which are sometimes called “low traffic neighbourhoods”. Essentially these schemes see bollards and planters blocking sections of residential roads, turning them into cul-de-sacs and not shortcuts.
Half a century ago the main focus of transport planners was trying to make driving easier, with new roads built as the number of cars shot up. Recently there has been a big shift in thinking, with politicians hoping to get more people walking, cycling and taking the bus or train instead.
This is for many reasons, including new research showing how air pollution caused by cars can damage people’s health. Congestion plagues many English cities and particularly Bristol — previously experts suggested building new roads or widening existing ones, but now the advice is often to improve alternatives instead, so people don’t feel the need to drive.
But one obstacle to getting more people walking and cycling is concerns about how safe the roads are. And as the number of cars increases, they have been spilling out off the main roads and onto residential streets instead, causing issues such as speeding traffic and crashes.
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So the Department for Transport has been giving councils money to install liveable neighbourhoods. These aim to reduce or remove traffic from residential areas. According to the council, they will make streets more “welcoming and accessible”, reduce air pollution and give children the chance to play and families to feel safe when travelling to school.
Another reason behind the push to get more people walking and cycling is rising rates of obesity. Known as “active travel”, a bit of exercise on your way to and from places improves health. This takes up less space, compared to a car which sometimes only has one person in it, so transport planners believe this is a more efficient way to use the very limited space in cities.
Green Councillor Ellie Freeman, representing Bedminster, said: “With Southville ward set to see its housing double in the coming decades, this initiative will help manage traffic, reduce air pollution, and make our streets more welcoming for walking and cycling.
“Greens have constantly reiterated the need for local residents to be properly consulted and communicated with at every step of the journey. After extensive engagement, these proposals prioritise areas where the problems are worse and residents have been asking for interventions.
Green Councillor Ellie Freeman represents Bedminster(Image: BristolLive )
“This phase of the project has a particular focus on the Totterdown, Southville and Bedminster East neighbourhoods following a number of traffic concerns being raised. We will be looking at parking controls, safety measures and other improvements across the wider area too. Being close to the city centre and with good transport links, this is an opportunity to address the key issues of parking, speeding and cycle safety.”
Existing controversy in Bristol
But the first liveable neighbourhood in Bristol was very controversial. Covering Barton Hill, Redfield and St George, the scheme attracted a lot of criticism from people who rely on driving cars. Some residents support the scheme, reporting a remarkable reduction in speeding traffic past their homes. But others say they have been cut off, and now need to drive much longer routes.
At the ends of several roads in the area, large wooden planters and bollards now block cars. A few bus gates too stop general traffic from going through, with cameras and the threat of a fine, while allowing buses, taxis and other exempt vehicles. Critics say traffic has worsened on some roads, like Church Road and Blackswarth Road, although no official data has been published.
One of the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood ‘modal filters’ that turn residential roads in Redfield and St George into no-through roads for cars and vans(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)
Whether the trial has been a success so far depends on who you ask. People with young children or who ride bikes praise the reduction in speeding traffic, making the streets safer. But parents who have to drive their children to schools outside the area, and disabled people who rely on driving to get around, have been vocal opponents to the scheme.
Despite the changes, there are still obstacles to getting more people to switch how they travel. Bus services in Bristol are improving but can often be unreliable and inconvenient.
Cycling can feel dangerous and bike theft is rampant in the city, putting off many from buying a bicycle. And tradesmen can struggle to carry tools on a bus or the back of a bike instead of a van.
Another problem with the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood is how the council consulted the public. A recent piece of research found the language used could have been clearer, and less vague. Some parts of the area feel the trial was imposed upon them, so now there is a renewed focus on consulting people in South Bristol as the new trial gets off the ground.
What next for South Bristol?
The reason Bedminster, Southville and Totterdown were chosen for the second trial is how close they are to the city centre and the quality of existing bus services. This means switching away from the car to active travel or public transport is more feasible than for residents on the outskirts of Bristol.
Cllr Freeman added: “Now we are looking for feedback. We particularly want to hear from those who may have concerns around accessibility. This scheme is about putting people first — ensuring our neighbourhoods are places where children can play safely, businesses can thrive, and residents can breathe clean air. This is a chance to deliver real change, led by local voices.
“But more than that, the South Bristol scheme is part of a wider push to rebalance Bristol’s transport system and ensure neighbourhoods are designed around people — not just cars.”
