The decision to permanently close Winifred’s Lane in Bath has been upheld following a council scrutiny panel vote that dismissed calls to reopen the road. This move comes despite warnings from residents who claim the closure has merely shifted traffic problems to nearby streets, particularly raising safety concerns near a primary school.
Winifred’s Lane, a narrow, one-way road at the top of Cavendish Road, was closed to through traffic on a trial basis in November 2024 as part of Bath and North East Somerset Council’s liveable neighbourhoods initiative, aimed at reducing vehicular traffic in residential areas. The closure was made permanent last month, despite 72% of local residents opposing it during a council consultation.
Opponents argue that the closure has displaced 1,300 vehicles daily to adjacent roads, including Sion Road, where traffic volume has nearly doubled, resulting in increased accidents and hazardous conditions, especially near Kingswood Prep School. Objectors highlighted incidents such as collisions on blind bends and called for simple traffic calming measures like speed bumps rather than maintaining the closure.
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However, supporters of the scheme maintain that Winifred’s Lane was inherently dangerous. Councillor Mark Elliott stated the lane was a “potential pedestrian death trap” due to its narrow width, lack of pavements, and high-speed traffic. Following the closure, northbound traffic has reduced by 40%, creating a safer environment where children can walk independently.
The council acknowledged the concerns around increased traffic on Sion Road and promised mitigation measures. Cabinet members emphasized that the Winifred’s Lane closure is part of a broader “Lower Lansdown and Circus Liveable Neighbourhood” scheme, designed to work cohesively alongside restrictions on Gay Street and Catharine Place.
Despite passionate public input and 13 residents speaking at the meeting, the climate and sustainability scrutiny panel voted 6-1, with two abstentions, to dismiss the call-in request to review the decision. Some councillors expressed disappointment with the process, criticizing the scrutiny’s handling of community concerns.
Local campaign group Heart of Lansdown Conservation Group voiced frustration at the decision, questioning the democratic process after the majority of local residents’ opposition was disregarded.
The council remains firm in its commitment to improving residential safety and air quality through liveable neighbourhoods, though the debate highlights the challenges of balancing traffic management with community needs.