Bristol City Council to Make Major Decisions on Transport Policy

Strategic Insights -

Bristol City Council's transport policy committee will make a series of major decisions this autumn, shaping the city's transport infrastructure for years to come. The committee will tackle issues such as fixing bridges, building bike lanes, and implementing safer streets near schools. Public transport and congestion are major concerns in the city, with a growing population and increasing awareness of pollution's impact on climate and health. New plans will be revealed in September to improve walking and cycling safety, funded by the government's Active Travel Fund, while council bosses will also seek funds to maintain the Avon Fixed Bridge.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Bristol City Council's transport policy committee will make decisions on a range of transport-related issues, including bridge maintenance, bike lane building, and pedestrianization of streets.
  • The committee will discuss plans to improve walking and cycling safety, funded by the government's Active Travel Fund, which has allocated PS3.5 million to the West of England region for Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath, and North East Somerset.
  • The council will seek funds to maintain the Avon Fixed Bridge, which is an important part of the city's transport network, and features a critical road that carries traffic from one side of the River Avon to the other.
  • Councillors will also consider pedestrianizing Denmark Street and Rosemary Lane, which could improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
  • The council will discuss a workplace parking levy, which would charge drivers who commute into the city centre and park at their place of work, with the revenue generated used to improve public transport.
  • The committee will also discuss cycle hangars, which are becoming increasingly popular in Bristol and provide a safe and secure way for cyclists to store their bicycles.
  • In December, councillors could approve the full business plan for the Bristol Cycling Hub in Lawrence Weston, which will feature new cycling tracks and an education centre.

Statistics:

  • The government's Active Travel Fund has allocated PS3.5 million to the West of England region for Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath, and North East Somerset.
  • The Avon Fixed Bridge is an important part of the city's transport network, carrying traffic from one side of the River Avon to the other.
  • The council will seek funds to maintain the bridge, which will require costly repairs.
  • The Concorde Way cycle path is a major cycling route from the city centre, used by thousands of commuters every day.

Sources:

  • Alex SEABROOK, Local democracy reporter alex.seabrook@reachplc.com
  • Bristol City Council transport policy committee agenda (forward plan)