13-03-2025
New bus gate installed overnight met with protest
Work to install a controversial bus gate started overnight and was met with protests and a police presence.
The East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood trial scheme aims to prevent drivers from cutting through residential roads in the St George, Redfield and Barton Hill areas of Bristol.
A bus gate, part of the trial, was installed in the early hours of Thursday on Avonvale Road with 10 protesters present and police attending the scene between 04:00 and 06:00 GMT.
Bristol City Council was approached for comment.
More news stories for Bristol
Watch the latest Points West
Listen to the latest news for Bristol
Avon and Somerset Police said in a statement: "While in attendance, a peaceful protest of approximately 10 people mustered.
"Officers engaged with the protesters and they facilitated a peaceful protest while work was carried out.
"Officers left the scene at around 06:00 GMT."
A resident who lives near Avonvale Road said she was "not happy at all" about the bus gate.
"This is not helpful for the people who are living here in the area," she said.
She conceded that it would not cause a problem for her personally but for "so many other people" who have cars.
Tina Lewis, another resident, added: "It makes it awkward for the businesses around here.
"It causes people to have to go out of their way and not be able to get to work.
"People taking kids to school, it does make it a problem."
Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.
Incentives to boost support for low traffic scheme
Traders opposed to new bus gate on city route
Everything we know about Bristol's travel changes
Bristol City Council
