Bristol makes East Bristol liveable neighbourhood scheme permanent
Bristol City Council voted to make the East Bristol liveable neighbourhood scheme permanent following a trial period, aiming to reduce traffic and improve the local environment.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
Bristol City Council is expected to vote to make the East Bristol liveable neighbourhood scheme permanent, following a trial period that has divided the community for almost two years. The scheme, which aims to reduce through traffic and improve air quality, has been dogged by protests and accusations of poor consultation.
The debate at City Hall has been described as the biggest transport decision in a generation, with councillors hearing arguments both for and against. Supporters say the scheme will make communities safer and bring quieter streets, while opponents claim it discriminates against disabled people and has made life harder for residents.
The trial, which covers Barton Hill, parts of St George and Redfield, involved closing some roads to cars using plant pots and signs, forcing motorists to make U-turns. The idea was to stop rat-running commuters and encourage more journeys by bike, bus, scooter or on foot. However, many residents say the changes have caused long queues, made taxis and deliveries harder to get, and reduced visits from friends.
Tensions became so high during the trial that police were called when local people blocked council contractors who arrived after hours to install new restrictions. The original budget of £1.5 million has already doubled, and the full implementation is expected to cost more than £10 million.
Opponents argue the council should focus on housing, crime and the local economy instead. Some residents say the ruling Green Party did not consult properly. One long-term resident said: "They should ask people, not say they know best."
If the vote passes, the scheme will go to the West of England Combined Authority, which will be asked to fund the majority of the cost. The decision is being closely watched in other parts of Bristol, including South Bristol, where consultations for a similar scheme are already under way. Many opponents have said they are preparing to take legal action if the vote goes against them.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | ITV |
|---|---|
| Police were called after local residents blocked contractors from installing new restrictions. | |
| The original budget of £1.5 million for a trial has doubled and is expected to exceed £10 million for full implementation. | |
| The trial has been in place for almost two years. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
The report focused heavily on the controversy and division caused by the scheme, giving significant airtime to opponents' complaints about disabled access, lack of consultation, and the cost. It also highlighted the heated protests and police involvement. The tone was balanced but gave more weight to the opposition narrative, with the reporter noting that supporters are 'less vocal, less visible'.
- “There is literally nothing considered on the impact of disabled people.”
- “I just do not feel that it was the right scheme at the right time, bearing in mind all the many other issues which this neighbourhood has had for my lifetime”
- “They should ask people, not say they know best. They don't know best.”
Broadcast Timeline
News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.