Businesses fear a new bus gate and lane on Park Street, Bristol, will devastate trade and force closures.
Bristol Council announced changes in January. They plan to improve bus route number 2 and will spend £15 million. The council will build a bus gate and add a bus lane and more stops.
Local firms formed “Save Park Street” in February to scrap the plan completely. Some may leave if the scheme happens. Council reps said it would start in December.
Michael Potts, who owns Mrs Potts Chocolate House, thinks the changes will be “devastating.” He says reduced traffic will “kill Park Street.” His shop has been there since 2017.
Potts said the scheme hurts business and claimed Princess Victoria Street failed. He supports local shops and the high street. He will move if the plan goes ahead.
Audio T’s director, Tony Revelle, opposes the plan too. He calls the backroad route “ludicrous” because deliveries and customers cannot access them easily. They ship many items weekly.
He argues customers will go elsewhere; the council makes visiting harder. Revelle suggests timed restrictions instead. He says you can’t get rid of cars.
Woodes cafe opened in 1966. Owner Rudy says residents will suffer. Customers have declined in recent years. He bought the business from his dad in 2016.
Turnover has dropped since 2007. COVID hurt their business badly, and the clean air zone (CAZ) also caused issues. The Park Street scheme will add more hardship.
Rudy says Park Street has changed. It used to have unique shops; now many shops sell the same thing. He thinks his family may close it.
Territo Tailoring’s owner, Mike, also worries. Closures make the area less appealing. Customers might avoid Bristol and Territo. He sees no problem to fix.
The council claims the road changes help the environment and want more bus, bike, and foot travel. They want safer routes and more public space.
Cllr Ed Plowden says changes are needed. They must meet Bristol’s targets. The council already consulted people and made changes based on feedback.