A Bath resident has commended Bath and North East Somerset Council for curbing speeding vehicles in her neighbourhood through strategic road closures.
As part of a liveable neighbourhood initiative—often called low traffic neighbourhoods or LTNs—the council closed three roads to through traffic in the Lower Lansdown area, located just above the city centre. The scheme aims to reduce traffic and improve safety, but has sparked controversy, with some critics arguing it displaces congestion onto roads near schools, creating new hazards.
Bethany Claus Widick, who spoke at a full council meeting on May 22, highlighted the scheme’s positive impact on safety and quality of life for local residents. She described how, prior to the closures, large SUVs would speed through the neighbourhood with little regard for pedestrians, including children. “We didn’t walk our dog during school run times due to multiple near misses,” Widick said, emphasizing the danger posed to families.
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Widick suggested that much of the opposition comes from people outside the area who used the route as a shortcut. “Their poor planning and selfish attitudes shouldn’t force us to endure a hazardous environment,” she added.
In November 2024, the council closed Catharine Place, a section of Gay Street, and Winifred’s Lane to through traffic, despite the latter being a point of contention. Since then, the neighbourhood has become noticeably quieter, with calmer traffic flows and increased walking and cycling among residents.
However, opponents warn that the closure of Winifred’s Lane has diverted traffic onto the lower section of Sion Road, a winding road that passes a primary school. Video footage shows vehicles mounting pavements, and an independent assessment commissioned by critics reports a 720% increase in traffic volume on this stretch, raising serious safety concerns. “This is a school child accident waiting to happen,” stated one campaign group.
Residents of Winifred’s Lane have also expressed frustration, feeling overlooked by the council’s decision-making process.
The LTN measures are currently being trialed, with a consultation period that ended in April. A final determination on whether to make the closures permanent will be made by a council cabinet member, who has noted that while consultation feedback is considered, it does not serve as a direct referendum.