Residents in Bath’s Lower Lansdown area are voicing strong opposition to the Liveable Neighbourhood (LN) scheme, branding it a “failure” as Bath and North East Somerset Council evaluates whether to make the trial permanent.
Introduced in November 2024, the scheme closed Catharine Place and, more controversially, Winifred’s Lane to through traffic, alongside significant modifications to Gay Street. The initiative aims to reduce speeding and enhance walking and cycling safety by restricting vehicle access on residential streets.
However, several residents’ associations—including the Heart of Lansdown Conservation Group, Sion Hill/Summerhill Road Residents’ Association, and Sion Hill Place Residents’ Association—have expressed serious concerns. Representatives described the Winifred’s Lane Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) as unsuccessful, citing increased congestion and safety risks in surrounding areas. The Marlborough Lane/Marlborough Buildings Residents’ Association also warned that the traffic filter on Gay Street has redirected substantial traffic onto their roads, worsening conditions.
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Key complaints highlight the aftermath of closing Winifred’s Lane, which led to numerous vehicles attempting to navigate a narrow road with poor visibility, often needing to reverse dangerously at junctions. Confusion arose among residents over access as “road closed” signs were installed, further complicating matters.
Data commissioned by the Heart of Lansdown Conservation Group reveals a dramatic 700% increase in vehicles passing a nearby junior school following the closure. The group raised alarms about heightened traffic near schools, hazardous bends on Sion Road, and problematic junctions at Morford Street and Lansdown Road. They also expressed concerns over cyclists negotiating steep descents and tricky intersections.
Not all feedback is negative. Supporters of the scheme praise its impact on reducing high-speed through traffic. One local resident recounted near-misses with speeding vehicles during school runs and expressed relief at increased safety for pedestrians and children.
The council conducted a consultation alongside the trial up until April, and while the results will inform a forthcoming decision, leaders emphasize that the consultation is advisory rather than a binding referendum. No date has been announced for the council’s final decision on making the Liveable Neighbourhood permanent.