Traders opposed to new bus gate on city route

Plans branded as "disastrous" to close off a major city road to through traffic are to be discussed at a full council meeting on Tuesday.

The Bristol City Council proposals would see a 24-hour bus gate introduced on Park Street, along with new bus lanes to improve journey times and ensure punctuality.

It forms part of major upgrades to the Number 2 bus route, which travels along the A37 and A4018 corridor, in a bid to encourage sustainable transport.

However, Conservative councillors have branded the scheme "needlessly excessive", and warned it could have a "disastrous effect" on businesses in the shopping district.

First Bus, which runs bus services across the city, said many routes which use Park Street often encountered delays due to traffic congestion.

It said the scheme aimed to tackle this by introducing quicker and more reliable bus travel, which would increase the appeal of sustainable transport.

The council also wanted to make Queens Road one lane in both directions, turning half of the current road layout into public green space.

Pavements on Park Street would also be widened, new cycle paths added, and some pay and display parking would be removed.

After the consultation process, construction on the road layout could begin by the end of the year.

However, many traders within the popular shopping destination have now threatened to simply close down if the scheme in its current form goes ahead.

Conservative councillor John Goulandris said: "My Group has previously set out cogent reasons for why this is an extremely bad innovation which would sound the death knell for many of the shops on Park Street.

"We shall continue to strongly argue our case and rally support from local business organisations to oppose this plan."

The outcome of the meeting will be announced on Tuesday.

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