The idea of creating ‘liveable neighbourhoods’ in Bristol’s east end has stirred up controversy. Now, the focus is shifting to south of the river. The city council has been engaging with residents over the summer to explore ways to make areas more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly in Southville and other inner south Bristol communities.
Following a successful pilot in Barton Hill, Redfield, and St. George, the council is eager to implement similar changes in locations like Bedminster and Windmill Hill. These changes aim to address various localized issues, like parking problems, rat-running, and traffic congestion.
The South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhoods (SBLN) scheme is already in motion, with approximately £3 million allocated for improvements, and an additional £12 million being sought from government funding. Residents in the BS3 postcode area have expressed concerns about issues like parking restrictions, traffic congestion, and safety on the roads.
While some residents advocate for extending residents’ parking zones (RPZs) to address parking issues, others believe that more drastic measures are necessary. Rosie, a long-time resident, suggests extending RPZ hours to accommodate evening parking needs. However, she remains skeptical about the effectiveness of reducing traffic and encouraging alternative modes of transportation.
Feedback from residents also highlights concerns about rat-running, speeding, and the need for better public transport options. Many residents believe that improving public transportation should precede any efforts to reduce traffic congestion.
The council’s approach to community engagement in south Bristol differs from that in east Bristol, where some residents felt excluded from decision-making. In south Bristol, the council has partnered with community organizations like Action Greater Bedminster (AGB) to ensure that residents’ voices are heard.
Community engagement events and an online platform for feedback have garnered over 6,000 responses from residents, indicating a strong interest in shaping the future of their neighbourhoods. The council aims to finalize the SBLN plans by late 2026 or early 2027, taking into account residents’ input and concerns.
Ultimately, the success of the SBLN scheme will depend on ongoing dialogue with residents and the community. By incorporating residents’ feedback and addressing specific issues like matchday parking, the council hopes to create liveable neighbourhoods that benefit everyone. The key takeaway is to plan interventions that consider the broader impact on the entire SBLN area, rather than implementing isolated measures that may displace problems elsewhere.
