The Living Heart for Bristol has welcomed the consultation on changes to Nelson Street (which closes on February 9th) but has called on the Council to be bolder and clearer in removing traffic and improving the environment of Nelson Street and surrounding streets.
The Council’s plans include plans for a partially segregated cycle route along Nelson Street. Quay Street will be made two-way “for access and taxis only”. An area of The Centre, around the cenotaph, will be partially pedestrianised as part of the Metrobus plans, although the plans do not make clear how rat-running from Quay Street across this “access only” area will be prevented.
The consultation asks for views on pedestrianising part of Fairfax Street and on making Bridewell Street one way. The Living Heart Nelson Street Consultation Response welcomes the general approach and:
- Supports the option to pedestrianise Fairfax Street
- Calls for traffic from Bridewell Street to turn left only, removing the ability to use All Saints Street as a rat-run
- Calls for the Eastern side of The Centre, around the cenotaph, to be pedestrianised with access for bikes, and deliveries at limited times
Spokesman Steve Melia said:
“The consultation is welcome but we wish the Council would be bolder and clearer in their plans. That area does not need to provide rat-runs for through traffic. The buildings are being redeveloped. There’s no point in spending lots of money on improving the appearance of streets if they remain as rat-runs. We support the option to pedestrianise the bottom of Fairfax Street and we want to see traffic removed from at least one side of The Centre. The three simple changes we are suggesting would improve the whole area for everyone.”
