News / Environment
Traffic to be removed from parts of Old City as part of Rees’ new environmental commitments
Marvin Rees has emphasised “the sheer scale and breadth” of what he has achieved during his time in office, which he says “should stand in stark contrast to the background noise and opportunistic criticism our opponents have attempted to attach to us”.
In a speech at the Create Centre to mark Clean Air Day, the Bristol mayor made a range of new policy announcements.
These include:
is needed now More than ever
- redesigning Nelson Street, which will include removing traffic from parts of the Old City
- closing roads to cars outside schools during drop-off and pick-up wherever possible
- securing investment for an underground railway with the expansion of Bristol Airport
- improving the monitoring of nitrogen dioxide pollution levels and publishing the data
- looking at the possibility of a workplace parking levy
- introducing green walls and roofs to car parks, large buildings and walls
Bristol City Council declared a climate emergency in 2018
Rees said: “Bristol City Council last year declared a climate emergency. While the problem is global, there is a lot cities can do to reduce carbon emissions and create a healthier environment for our citizens.
“For the past year we have worked tirelessly to plan how we can make the air in Bristol less harmful and protect our children from toxic fumes, without disadvantaging people who are already struggling to get by.
Rees wants to close roads to cars outside schools during drop-off and pick-up wherever possible
“We cannot do this alone and individuals cannot be expected to do this on alone either.
“The environmental movement needs to draw people together to tackle the environmental, social and economic challenges we are faced with.
“It must be a movement that listens and respects the diversity of experiences.
“We have an opportunity to roll back the climate catastrophe many people in the poorest countries already face.
“If we get it right, we can be a source of hope for our planet and Bristol must play its part.”
Up to 1,200 new homes could be built on land around the Cumberland Basin, now referred to by Rees and his administration as the Western Harbour
Read more: ‘We can source of hope for our planet’
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