Bristol Transport Strategy to address congestion and pollution

Bristol city council is calling for views on a new strategy aimed at ‘transforming how people move around the city’ — with goals including easing congestion and addressing air pollution.

The draft Bristol Transport Strategy published on Monday (24 September) sets out how the city council plans to tackle challenges affecting journeys including traffic congestion, growth in housing and jobs, inequality and health problems caused by inactivity and air pollution, the council has said.

Bristol council is consulting on a new strategy to ‘transform’ transport within the city

It comes as the authority weighs up the options for the establishment of a Clean Air Zone in the city, as part of its efforts to bring air pollution in line with legal limits, with five options currently being considered (see airqualitynews.com story).

Bristol’s Transport Strategy indicates that further work is needed to determine the size and extent of a potential CAZ — with the proposals to be consulted on separately by the council.

Other approaches considered in the Transport Strategy include the potential for a mass transit system for the city, alongside improved bus and rail services and more park and ride sites. The city council has also earmarked safer walking and cycling routes as a potential outcome from the plan.

‘Challenges’

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said: “A world class, integrated transport network is essential to Bristol’s future and we need the best approach to delivering our vision for all road users, making us a happier, healthier and economically stronger city.

“We all know some of the big challenges holding Bristol back when it comes to transport, with congestion being the most significant due to the scale and complexity of the problem. Our vision presents an opportunity to tackle these challenges head on and you can help us to agree the most effective approach.”

Cllr Mhairi Threlfall, cabinet member for transport and connectivity, added: “In recent years we’ve witnessed the biggest transport infrastructure investment in living memory, with around £800m up until 2020 covering schemes like Metrobus, local rail improvements, walking and cycling upgrades and transforming Temple Gate, one of the city’s key gateways. We now need to look to the next 20 years and how we increase transport options so they are accessible and inclusive to everyone.

“We have an enormous task ahead but we are confident this strategy gives Bristol the direction it needs and fills a gap in transport policy. No matter how you travel in Bristol, we want to hear from you to ensure we have a broad insight on what is most important to our citizens when it comes to getting from A to B.”

Related Links
Bristol Transport Strategy Consultation