• Swindon & Wiltshire Eco
• Thursday August 28 2025

Bristol city centre streets could be closed to traffic under new scheme

Cars could be banned from a number of side streets near Bristol City Centre under new proposals unveiled this week.

Businesses, residents and visitors are being invited to share their thoughts on proposals to make Denmark Street, Denmark Avenue, Frogmore Street and Trenchard Street safer, easier to get around, and more pleasant to visit.

The busy part of Bristol city centre is home to cultural venues, including Bristol Hippodrome, the O2 Academy and Bristol Beacon, as well as pubs, restaurants, shops, offices and homes.

Proposals include:

• Closing part of Denmark Street towards St Augustine’s Parade to motor vehicles either full-time or part-time (from Thursday to Sunday between 7pm and 6am)
• Closing Denmark Avenue full-time
• Raised crossing points (at the same level as the pavement) across Denmark Street’s junction with St Augustine’s Parade and across Culver Street’s junction with Frogmore Street
• Tactile paving and dropped kerbs to help people cross roads safely
• Speed cushions on Frogmore Street and Trenchard Street to slow down traffic
• Planting, seating and cycle and e-scooter parking

A zebra crossing is also being proposed on Trenchard Street as part of a different project. This is not being asked about in the Denmark Street consultation.

Councillor Ed Plowden, chair of the transport and connectivity committee, said: “This area of the city is a key part of Bristol’s cultural offering. We are aiming to make it safer and more welcoming for everyone, whether you are heading to a show or concert, grabbing a bite to eat, or just passing through.

“Please do get involved in this consultation, as your views will help us to shape this important area and support Bristol’s night-time economy.”

The project is expected to be funded by the UK Government as part of the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, secured by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.

Helen Godwin, mayor of the West of England, said: “Bristol city centre is home to some the West’s biggest attractions, so people across our region should have their say on potential investment in improved public spaces there and making it easier to get around.

“Working with local businesses, residents, and the council, together we can make a real difference that people can see and feel in our part of the world.

“Getting the basics right now by improving our walking and cycling infrastructure, and fixing our roads and bridges, can lay the foundations for a better transport system overall.

“We secured £752 million for that next stage in June’s Spending Review. That means that the West can get out of the slow lane on transport and start to catch up with other city-regions. That’s about active travel, as well as better buses, more trains, and mass transit.”

Anyone wishing to comment on the proposals should visit www.bristol.gov.uk/Denmark-Street-2025 by Thursday, October 9.