News from Clifton councillors Paula O’Rourke (Independent) and Jerome Thomas (Green)
Unexpected traffic congestion
The unexpected closure of the M5 on Friday January 30 led to significant traffic disruption in Clifton. This congestion was exceptional and arose from very sensitive circumstances. A serious welfare incident on the Avonmouth Bridge on the M5 required police intervention, and neither the Police nor National Highways were able to indicate how long the closure would be in place. We understand that the situation was resolved safely, which will be a relief to many.
However, the incident did highlight valid concerns. We received emails and calls from residents worried about gridlock and the potential impact on access for emergency vehicles. Paula has since spoken with an officer in Bristol City Council’s Emergency Preparedness and Resilience Team to better understand why the congestion became so severe and what can be improved for future incidents.
In situations such as this, the lead agencies are National Highways and the Police. National Highways’ CLEAR strategy sets out how motorway closures are managed, including the implementation of diversion routes. It is this aspect that has caused particular concern locally. The council’s civil contingencies team has asked for a full debrief, especially to review whether more traffic could be held on the motorway and turned around, rather than being funnelled through Bristol’s residential roads. This incident occurred on a Friday in January — the impact during a summer weekend could be even greater. The situation is aggravated by sat nav systems guiding drivers through narrow back streets which can soon result in total snarl ups.
Bristol City Council can help because it has responsibility for local roads. On January 30 the council temporarily removed the lane closure on the Plimsoll Bridge to help alleviate congestion, though its options were limited on the day. However, we note that there are ways that we could improve conditions locally, such as adding a yellow ‘no entry’ box to the roundabout at Christchurch Green (thank you to the resident who wrote to us with that idea!) and we will be asking for Highways to improve this junction as it is a severe choke point.
We will follow up on the findings from the debrief with National Highways and Avon & Somerset Police. In the meantime, it is a useful reminder for drivers to be prepared for unexpected delays — keeping water, warm clothing and essentials in the car. Traffic updates are available at nationalhighways.co.uk and via local radio stations, so please do inform yourself when such situations occur.
We know how frustrating such disruption can be, particularly when the reasons are not immediately clear. Thankfully, on this occasion, the incident concluded safely.
Visitor permits: Good news!
Following representations from both Paula and Jerome we are pleased to confirm that plans to reduce visitor parking permits in Clifton have been shelved for the foreseeable future. This will be a relief to the many local residents who have written to us about this.
Former WH Smith site update
In the February edition of Clifton Voice we described the proposed ‘meanwhile’ use for the former WH Smith site of pop up restaurant and market stalls. We can confirm that planning permission has been sought for this meanwhile use. We hope that this can be granted quickly so the site can be brought back into use as soon as possible. Longer term plans are drafted for the site and we expect these to be shared in a couple of months time.
Council budget for 26/27
Bristol council budget for 26/27 will see a 5% increase in council tax. This above inflation rise is linked to further legally required spending increases in Adult Social Care and special educational needs funding. We are pleased to confirm that funding remains in place for the library in Clifton in 26/27 and it continues to go from strength to strength as a vibrant community hub!
Cross Country Trains
In his role as Chair of the West of England Scrutiny Jerome questioned Mayor Helen Godwin on the terrible overcrowding and poor service on the Cross Country train service that links Bristol with the South West, the Midlands, the North and Scotland. As a result of those questions the Mayor met with the Chief Executive of Cross Country trains who was able to confirm a significant increase in the length of many of their trains from 5-10 carriages. Significant investment that is taking place in new rolling stock which will all hopefully increase the reliability and comfort of these services!
Paula and Jerome
Contact us
Jerome Thomas: cllr.jerome.thomas@bristol.gov.uk
Paula O’Rourke: cllr.paula.orourke@bristol.gov.uk