South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhoods Engagement report published ahead of consultation taking place
The South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhoods (SBLN) engagement report has been published following the engagement stage which took place in the area last summer. The engagement stage saw a high number of people take part, with over 1,500 people submitting responses.
The engagement was the first step in the SBLN project and gave people the opportunity to express their thoughts as well their ideas for the area.
The SBLN project covers the majority of Bedminster, Southville and Windmill Hill wards. The idea behind Liveable Neighbourhood projects is that streets are for everyone. The SBLN project aims to make streets healthier, more accessible and more pleasant by putting people first. Less traffic and slower vehicle speeds, streets will be safer and more accessible, and there will be greater consideration for pavement space and condition. Liveable Neighbourhoods prioritise health so everyone can breathe cleaner air and have the opportunity to choose physical active travel options like walking and cycling and be safe doing so. They also allow for better spaces for communities, so people have calmer streets and green spaces to enjoy and play.
Last summer, South Bristol residents and businesses were asked to give their views on the area using an interactive map. Thousands of comments were received on the interactive SBLN map, and at the end of the engagement the map had received 6,081 comments from 1,562 people. The online survey which went alongside the interactive map had a further 513 submissions. Over 12,000 open text responses were also submitted.
The comments left on the map suggest the top three issues are:
- Speeding traffic
- Problems with car parking
- Not safe for cyclists
And the top suggestions from participants for how the area could be improved are:
- Safe crossings and junctions
- Managing unsafe vehicle speeds
- Managing on-street car parking
- Wider / clearer pavement
- Priority to cyclists and pedestrians at side roads
The feedback received during the engagement stage is currently being used to develop proposals for addressing the issues raised. These proposals will include measures to reduce, slow and redistribute traffic away from residential streets, as well as measures to make walking and cycling safer, easier and more enjoyable.
The date for the next stage in the SBLN project, which is a public consultation on the proposals, is to be confirmed.
Read the full SBLN engagement report results. A summary of the report can be found on the council’s website.
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