The Living Heart for Bristol* has called on its supporters to call for changes to the planning application for Metrobus, which would build a new road across The Centre of Bristol. The recently published planning application for the North Fringe to Hengrove route is proposing a new road opposite the Hippodrome, linking Park Street to Baldwin Street (see plan). The Living Heart has previously called for the Eastern end of Baldwin Street to be pedestrianised with a cycle lane (see diagram on website). They are calling on supporters to object to the new road, and support the pedestrianisation instead. They are also calling for Prince Street Bridge to be made for pedestrians, cyclists and buses only.
The original bus rapid transit scheme proposed by Bristol City Council in 2009 did not include a new road, and would have closed the link from The Centre to Baldwin Street for general traffic. It was also proposed to remove general traffic from Prince Street Bridge, but both elements have been changed since then.
Spokesman for the Living Heart for Bristol said:
“There is a great opportunity here to improve the quality of life in our city centre, which will be missed if this new road is built. When we did street surveys during the Make Sunday Special last year, we found most people supported the idea of pedestrianising the top end of Baldwin Street. Our suggestions will create a ‘quality of life bonus’ for the City Centre, which will benefit everyone.”
Note for Editors
The original proposal for the Metrobus passing through the city centre followed the suggestion by Cllr. John Rogers, who was the councillor responsible for transport at the time. This would have removed the traffic which flows between The Centre and Baldwin Street as illustrated on this page.
* The Living Heart for Bristol aims to improve the central areas of Bristol and create new public space by removing through traffic, whilst retaining access for all. It was created by the following 8 organisations: Bristol Cycling Campaign, Bristol Green Capital, Bristol Living Streets, Carfree Bristol, Friends of the Earth, the Open Spaces Society, Bristol Ramblers Group and Streets Alive. Ten other organisations as well as the Mayor and two MPs, have endorsed its declaration – shown on www.livingheart.org.uk.
I/we object to the new road which this planning application proposes between St. Augustine’s Parade (outside the Hippodrome) and Baldwin Street. The opportunity should be taken instead to remove through traffic from the city centre by pedestrianising the Eastern end of Baldwin Street (with a cycle lane).