News / Old City
New barriers make Old City ‘fully pedestrianised’
Barriers are now in place that will close parts of the Old City to motor vehicles for specific parts of each day.
Loading and deliveries will still be able to take place between 5am and 11am from Monday to Saturday.
The aim is to “fully pedestrianise” Bristol’s historic centre with barriers halfway down Broad Street, and at either end of St Stephen’s Street which will be closed outside of the opening times for loading and deliveries.
is needed now More than ever
One of the three barriers is at the Baldwin Street end of St Stephen’s Street – photo: Martin Booth
There is another barrier at the other end of St Stephen’s Street at its junction with Colston Avenue – photo: Martin Booth
“Parts of the Old City have been pedestrianised by closing the roads to traffic for specific parts of the day,” says the council website.
“This is to create an area that’s safe and accessible for pedestrians and cyclists.”
The website adds that “motorcycles are not allowed in the Old City area, except between 5am to 11am, Monday to Saturday”.
“This is so the area is fully pedestrianised which will reduce noise pollution and make it safer for pedestrians.”
It’s a tight squeeze for cyclists heading up Broad Street from St John on the Wall church – photo: Martin Booth
Broad Street from Newmarket Avenue to Bell Lane will be open to vehicles from midnight to 11am, Monday to Saturday.
This part of Broad Street and Bell Lane has been made one-way except for bicycles.
But cyclists are already concerned about the very tight left and then right turn that is required in order to access the short cycle lane that avoids the newly erected barrier.
It is a turn likely to be impossible for larger cargo bikes, with even the city council’s own photos also showing a parked car blocking the cycle lane close to Newmarket Avenue.
Main photo: Martin Booth
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