Greens Welcome Changes to EBLN

• A number of changes have been announced to the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood along with the release of the engagement and monitoring reports from the trial scheme
• The data shows that the trial has reduced traffic cutting through the EBLN, boosted active travel and public transport use, and has not significantly impacted nearby roads.
• Changes include removing the bus gate on Marsh Lane, moving the bus gate on Avonvale Road to Marsh Lane’s junction with Mildred Street, and replacing some bollards with camera enforcement.
• Green councillors, who represent most of the area covering the EBLN and most of the neighbouring wards, have welcomed the changes
• A final decision on the permanency of the scheme will be made by the Transport and Connectivity Committee in 2026

Local Green Councillors have welcomed changes to the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood, following the release of the engagement and monitoring reports from the trial.

The changes include removing the bus gate on Marsh Lane, moving the bus gate on Avonvale Road to Marsh Lane’s junction with Mildred Street, replacing some bollards with camera enforcement, giving some local residents improved access to Church road and removing the planters on Victoria Avenue. The full list of changes was announced on Thursday and are expected to happen in the coming months.

These changes will ensure that the residents of Barton Hill have good access for necessary car journeys, will increase access to the businesses who have raised concerns on Avonvale Road and Marsh Lane, and will improve access for emergency services.

Green councillors have welcomed this happening without delay whilst a full scheme dealing with other issues raised by residents and councillors is still being considered. The changes should happen in the next few months, dependent on the statutory consultation necessary for Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs).

Rob Bryher, councillor for St George West said: “It’s important that residents living between Avonvale Road and Blackswarth Road are given a temporary exemption from the Pilemarsh bus gate before the Blackswarth Road/Church Road junction is improved. We also know that the Blackswarth Road/Church Road junction needs major changes to get traffic flowing more freely. Even though the data shows we have enabled traffic reduction in this area, we still need to reduce wait times for drivers as much as possible and I’ll continue to advocate for this. I will make further representations on residents’ concerns as we move towards a permanent scheme design.”

Cllr Cara Lavan and Cllr Abi Finch, from St George Central ward, which sits mostly outside the EBLN area said, “We have listened carefully to our residents’ comments on the EBLN over the last year and fed those through to the council on an on-going basis.”

“We are pleased that overall, the data shows that the scheme is meeting its objectives of increasing active travel and reducing car journeys and we are also pleased to see an overall increase in the numbers of people using buses.

“However, on the roads surrounding the EBLN we are disappointed that there is only data on traffic times and not on traffic volumes. Some residents have come forward with concerns about residential streets outside the EBLN which are used as cut-throughs and we are asking for those to be addressed.”

Cllr Barry Parsons, Councillor for Easton, said; “The East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood is making Redfield a safer and more pleasant place to live and travel about. We’ve always said we’ll listen to feedback and make changes where they’re needed, and now is the time to do just that. Changing the bus gates on Marsh Lane and Avonvale Road will support local businesses, while keeping the benefits of lower traffic for kids and families.”

Announcing the changes, Councillor Heather Mack, Deputy Leader of Bristol City Council, said: “We have reviewed the data carefully and listened to what people have told us, including key stakeholders such as the emergency services.

“While the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood trial is generally achieving its aims, we know that’s not the whole story. For many residents and businesses, some of the measures haven’t worked and have caused frustration.

“That’s why we’re aiming to make significant changes in the short-term, ahead of a decision next year on whether to go ahead with the permanent scheme. These adjustments are designed to improve access for everyone, including supporting access to businesses, while keeping the benefits of the Liveable Neighbourhood.

“We want to show that we care and that we are listening, as we will continue to do. Your feedback is helping to shape this pilot project, and we are committed to getting it right for east Bristol communities.”

Councillor Ed Plowden, Chair of the Transport and Connectivity Committee, said: “I would like to thank everyone again for getting involved in this latest round of engagement.

“I am encouraged that the results show good progress in just 6 months, given that this sort of approach is usually measured at around 18 months to 2 years. However, it is clear from the survey and polling that there are differing views about trial, with many people highlighting increases to their journey times.

“I want to reassure everyone that we’re taking these views on board and are working to improve the Liveable Neighbourhood, including making some key changes as quickly as possible.

“It is important that we get this right, but changing the scheme, to respond to these immediate concerns, will mean it will take us longer to put together the full business case outlining proposals for the long-term future of the Liveable Neighbourhood. As a result, the date for the Transport and Connectivity Committee to decide on the permanent scheme will be later in 2026 than we had planned.”