‘Council has lost the plot’ over proposed Westbury-on-Trym road changes

The MP for Bristol North West has slammed proposed major changes to the road network in Westbury-on-Trym, branding them “not fit for purpose”.

Darren Jones has spoken out against his Labour colleagues’ plans to “carve up” the village and says he will be calling on mayor Marvin Rees to scrap them.

This echoes criticism from Tory councillors Mark Weston and Chris Windows, who argue the “absurd” proposals will effectively isolate large areas of their ward from accessing the main route into the city.

Bristol City Council announced details of the proposed changes, designed to ease congestion on the major A4018 route into the city centre, early this week and a consultation has been launched.

They include adding inbound and outbound bus lanes, improving cycle access and significantly restricting vehicle access through Westbury-on-Trym – with only buses, bikes and taxis allowed down the High Street – a move Jones argues will hit high street businesses.

One-way systems in the village would also be reversed and access to some roads restricted.

Kye Dudd, the newest cabinet member for transport, says the proposed changes aim to improve sustainable transport options, encourage more walking and cycling, and ease congestion ahead of extensive housing development in north Bristol.

Darren Jones says the ‘council has lost the plot’ over the proposals

But Jones, who has long called for more investment in transport infrastructure in his constituency, is calling for the plans in Westbury-on-Trym to be scrapped. He has launched a petition, which has gained more than 600 signatures.

“I’m afraid it looks like the council has lost the plot,” said the MP.

“Under no circumstances can the proposed carving up of Westbury-on-Trym village happen.

“Residents and transport providers have made it clear to me in my North Bristol Transport Plan that they would like to see continuous bus and cycle routes along key routes, but these current proposals are not fit for purpose.

“I believe that a bus and cycle lane can be put along the main road from Henbury to Bristol city centre without reducing the current road capacity for drivers and without the need for so many restrictions on turning off the main road.”

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He argues new bus routes need to be attached to transport hubs, bringing together park and ride, rail, parking, electric vehicle charging and cycle hire and lock up.

Jones has welcomed elements of the proposals, including new traffic lights at the turn off for Southmead and plans for more zebra crossings.

Mark Weston has branded some of the proposals ‘absurd’

Commenting on the proposals Weston, a councillor for Henbury and Brentry, said: “Some of this transport plan is fine, like the improved cycle provision, but large parts of it are just absurd.

“Henbury and Brentry would find themselves simply cut off and isolated by a deliberate maze of restrictions and new one-way residential side streets.

“Traffic planners also seem to have ignored our repeated lobbying to upgrade the Crow Lane/Henbury Road junction by installing a mini-roundabout there to cope with very heavy traffic volumes on this section of our road system.”

His colleague, Windows, also welcomed elements of the proposals, but added: “Too many of the council’s plans are not in the best interests of local residents and some of them are a right dog’s breakfast. They need to be seriously redrawn and remodelled.”

The A4018 corridoor encompasses Wyck Beck Road, Passage Road, Falcondale Road and Westbury Road.

The project includes outline plans for ways to improve cycling along the route and the council is inviting suggestions from those who regularly cycle in the area on how the proposals can make sustainable travel safer and more accessible for all.

Kye Dudd is calling on people to engage with the consultation

Commenting on the proposals, Dudd said: “The A4018 is a key route in Bristol and it’s important we continue to invest in our transport network as the city grows. We also have to respond and adequately plan for the growth our city region will experience in years to come, with new homes, jobs and communities.

“These proposals aim to improve sustainable transport options into and out of the city with quicker and more reliable bus journeys, and to encourage walking and cycling along the route where possible.

“We’ve also made suggestions for Westbury village and hope residents and businesses can give their views on this important high street. We know we need to get any decisions to make changes right for the future, given the pressure many of our high streets currently face.

“Changes like this can mean disruption, but we are working hard to minimise this as much as we can. The consultation is an opportunity to engage with us on the proposals and have your say.”

There will be a series of drop-in sessions for residents to discuss the plans, details as follows:

Westbury Library: Saturday, February 9 (11.15am-3.45pm), Monday, February 11 and Monday, March 4 (2.15pm-6.45pm).

Henbury Library: Saturday, February 23 (11.15am-3.45pm) and Wednesday, February 27 (2.15pm-6.45pm).

The online consultation runs until Sunday, March 10: www.bristol.gov.uk/a4018improvements.

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