New red route could be introduced in parts of Bristol

A new red route which bans drivers from stopping at any time could be introduced to address road safety concerns.

Bristol City Council is proposing to use double red lines in Bedminster and Redcliffe.

Councillor Ed Plowden, chair of the transport and connectivity committee, said it would "help keep Bristol on the move, tackling congestion and making bus journeys faster and more reliable".

He said: "Better public transport gives people a genuine alternative to driving, helping us create a cleaner city, improve air quality and build a better connected transport network."

Red route restrictions would mean that motor vehicles would not be allowed to park, load or unload.

Dropping off and picking up passengers would not be permitted, except by taxis or if the passenger is disabled and has a Blue Badge.

The rules do not apply to emergency services.

Red route restrictions are already in place in some parts of Bristol Airport but this would be the first time they were used in the city itself.

However, Bob Bull from the Alliance of British Drivers said red routes "take away road space from the motorist".

He said: "It doesn't actually improve anything.

"Bearing in mind the high percentage of journeys, particularly commuting, is done by motorists, [red routes] just restrict the flow of traffic."

The proposed red route would run through Redcliff Street, Redcliffe Roundabout, Redcliff Hill, Bedminster Bridge Roundabout, Nelson Parade, Bedminster Parade and East Street between Dalby Avenue and Philip Street.

The proposals for the red route are part of the council's city centre project across the Bedminster Bridges and Redcliffe Way schemes and they have been agreed in principle by the Transport and Connectivity Committee.

A survey is being carried out to ask businesses and residents along the route for their views on how it would work, and runs until the end of October.

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