Green Party councillors in B&NES have expressed concern over recent developments regarding the Liveable Neighbourhoods policy.
In 2020, as Joint Cabinet Member for Transport, Cllr Joanna Wright spearheaded the Council’s flagship “Liveable Neighbourhoods” initiative. This policy aims to redesign residential areas burdened by through-traffic to reduce noise, pollution, and traffic hazards, enhancing local environments (view the Liveable Neighbourhoods Summary Brochure for further details).
Liveable Neighbourhoods are designed to mitigate through-traffic while preserving access for residents and businesses. These schemes focus on promoting walking, wheeling, cycling, and public space improvements, ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility issues. Globally, these neighbourhoods have been successful in improving residential areas and addressing traffic challenges.
However, a recent announcement from B&NES Council on 8th August 2024 revealed a delay in the implementation of the Lower Lansdown Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO), initially set to commence on 5th August 2024. This ETRO was a crucial component of the Liveable Neighbourhoods policy aimed at reducing through-traffic and creating safer, more enjoyable local streets. The delay has resulted from the Council’s admission of legal errors in the ETRO’s implementation and the associated costs.
Green Party councillors on BaNES council have consistently supported the Liveable Neighbourhoods initiative but has voiced strong concerns regarding the Council’s approach. Specifically, we have urged Cllr Rigby and Cllr Warren to develop a comprehensive “circulation plan” for Bath to clarify how traffic will be managed across the city. This plan is essential for understanding traffic flows and ensuring the successful implementation of low-traffic neighbourhoods.
Cllr Saskia Heijltjes commented:
“The Council’s failure to adhere to proper procedures for the ETRO has led to significant delays and additional costs. This setback undermines the Liveable Neighbourhoods programme and diverts crucial funds from other areas, including Lambridge, which urgently needs such improvements.”
Cllr Sam Ross added:
“We need to be better at looking at traffic movements holistically by having a district-wide circulation plan for Bath and NES. Without this, there is the potential to create disruption and traffic issues over a wider area where vehicles are forced into neighbouring districts. These issues don’t just affect Bath residents. Rural areas already suffer from displaced HGV and commercial traffic where access is restricted in the city, due to road closures and drivers avoiding paying to enter the CAZ.”
In June 2023, the Green Group called on Cllr Guy and Cllr Warren to establish an agreed strategic circulation plan for Bath to facilitate the delivery of low-traffic neighbourhoods through effective public consultation. We also advocated for the Local Cycling Walking and Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) to incorporate the regional cycle map, a request that has been pending since 2020. Furthermore, we proposed an amendment for School Streets funding in February 2024, which was regrettably rejected by the Liberal Democrats.
The Green Group remains committed to advancing sustainable transport initiatives in Bath. We believe that enhancing public transport efficiency and connectivity will improve air quality, reduce congestion, and support vibrant communities. The urgent need for a comprehensive circulation plan is clear, and its absence hampers the progress of walking, wheeling, and cycling improvements as well as bus operational efficiency.