News / Hotwells
Campaign to lower Hotwell Road speed limit to 20mph
More than 300 people have signed a petition calling for the speed limit on a main road into Bristol city centre to be lowered to 20mph.
Hotwell Road is one of the areas of the city most affected by air pollution, passing close to a primary school and alongside a popular walking and cycling route around the docks.
A 20mph speed limit was introduced on roads throughout the city between 2012 and 2015. But as a main road, Hotwell Road’s speed limit was not reduced.
is needed now More than ever
Green Party candidate for Hotwells & Harbourside ward, Heulwen Flower, started the petition with fellow Green Party campaigner, Katy Grant.
Flower’s vision is for Hotwell Road to be able to become more like North Street or Gloucester Road, rather than it is today with several long-established businesses leaving in recent years including Hotwell Pine, and the closure of pubs the Plume & Feathers and the Spring Garden Tavern.
More than 300 have now signed a petition calling for the speed limit on Hotwell Road to be reduced to 20mph – photo: Martin Booth
Flower told Bristol24/7: “I think that there are many benefits towards a speed reduction on Hotwell Road which mainly stem from it making active transport safer and less daunting to pedestrians and cyclists.
“This would allow a greater sense of community on a road which could effectively be seen as a high street for those living in the area – especially given its location and the number of shops, pubs and restaurants on it.
“It is also a route for many schoolchildren and it would be lovely to see these students being afforded the luxury of a road which is safe and easy for them to cross when needed.
“At the moment I feel that this road only still exists at the 30mph threshold as it is a route out of Bristol.
“However, it seems highly unfair to be prioritising those car users who are using this area as a brief route out rather than those who actually live in, and use, the area.
“For me, Hotwell Road seems like it has the potential to become more like North Street or Gloucester Road but as it is treated differently by the council it is therefore used differently.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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