The latest traffic measures planned in Bath would take traffic away from “posh crescents” but push it past children’s schools, locals have warned.
Bath & North East Somerset Council’s liveable neighbourhood programme sees traffic restrictions brought in around residential areas to prevent rat running and create “safe and pleasant” environments for pedestrians and cyclists.
But plans to close a short stretch of road in part of the city has sparked outrage and safety fears.
Winifred’s Lane runs next to Somerset Place, connecting Cavendish Road and Lansdown Road.
Under proposals that could soon be introduced on a trial basis, collapsible bollards could be installed on the steep one-way lane to prevent drivers from using it as part of the proposed Circus and Lower Lansdown liveable neighbourhood.
The liveable neighbourhood plans — which would also overhaul Gay Street in the city centre and block through traffic on Catharine Place — have been welcomed by the Circus Area Residents Association (CARA), which said it “would be to the benefit of residents and local businesses alike.”
But a representative from a neighbouring residents association has slammed the plans to close Winifred’s Lane — which only has two houses on it.
He said: “The council seems willing to sacrifice the health and safety of school children and thousands of Bath residents to extend the privilege of a few extremely privileged people on Lansdown Crescent.”
The closure of Winifred’s Lane to through traffic would also be supported by a “no right turn” sign to stop people turning from Cavendish Road onto Sion Hill.
This would take traffic away from Lansdown Crescent — one of the city’s most expensive streets — but locals warn it will funnel those cars along Sion Hill Place and along Julian Road, right past children’s schools.
The drive from Kingswood School comes out on Sion Hill Place, while St Andrew’s Primary School is located on Julian Road.
Samuel Smith regularly drives up Winifred’s Lane when visiting his 88-year-old mother on College Road.
He said: “I can’t see how making more cars go around Sion Hill and past Bath Spa, where there is a blind bend and a narrow two-way road, is sensible or green.
“Winifred’s Lane isn’t a rat run, it’s a pressure relief road at peak times for traffic that isn’t heading to the London Road.”
The residents association representative said: “Cars are already mounting the pavement to get past each other. That route will be unworkable for the school and rush hours.”
Almost 900 people have signed a petition calling for the council to drop its plans to close Winifred’s Lane — with over 600 people signing it in the first 48 hours.
Ros Newman, who lives nearby, said many people living near the scheme had not known it was happening. She said: “We are outraged at how we have not been contacted.”
She questioned why closing the lane was even necessary and why new signage could not be used instead, adding: “We could easily slow the traffic down a bit so these roads could stay open.”
Southlands in Weston, Bath was one of the council’s first three liveable neighbourhoods brought in on a trial basis in November 2022.
The scheme was made permanent last week, 26th January, despite 57% of people on the street being opposed to it staying, according to a survey at the end of the trial.
Manda Rigby, the council’s cabinet member for transport, said: “We are considering proposals for five more traffic restrictions under the liveable neighbourhood programme in the Lower Lansdown and Circus area, in the Lyme Road and Charmouth Road area, and in the New Sydney Place and Sydney Road area, all designed — in line with council policy — to prevent residential areas being used as short cuts and increase choice and safety for those that choose to walk, scoot or cycle.
“If approved the schemes would operate under experimental traffic regulation orders (ETRO) which allow residents and the wider public to experience the change in-situ and share their thoughts over a minimum of six months.
“During trials the council would monitor the impact of the intervention on traffic and any uptake in active travel. The trials would be removed or made permanent within 18 months of starting.
“The trial areas and details have been on the council’s website since November and more than 6,500 letters were sent to residents and businesses in the areas before Christmas to inform people about the proposal.
“If the trials go ahead we would continue to consult and get views from residents and businesses.”
The plans to install a traffic restriction by Sydney Place and Sydney Road has also provoked strong opposition — with more than 1,000 people signing a petition urging neighbouring MP Jacob Rees-Mogg to step in over the plans.
John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporter
