Major Bristol city centre roads pedestrianised to help improve air quality
A major city centre road in Bristol has been pedestrianised as part of work to improve air quality.
Bristol Bridge has now been closed to general traffic to make it easier for people to catch the bus, walk or cycle.
Baldwin Street and Union Street are also closed to through traffic to prevent them being used as an alternative route.
The aim to transfer the priority of roads within the centre to public transport users, taxis, walkers and cyclists.
It is hoped by easing congestion it will improve conditions for those not driving.
The changes also include new protected bike lanes across the city centre and reducing traffic from two lanes to one.
There are also temporary bollards on Lewins Mead, Park Row, Upper Maudlin Street and Marlborough Street .
The aim is for the changes to become permanent, however, the council says, "we are keen to engage with communities and monitor the impacts before making any changes permanent."
It is all part of Bristol City Council's wider transformation of the city's transport network to create cleaner air and better bus, walking and cycling journeys.
It is all alongside ongoing plans for a mass public transport system.
Cllr Kye Dudd, Cabinet Member for Transport, said, “All of these major changes to key Bristol roads will make a massive difference to the quality of our air as we divert traffic away from the city centre.
“These important changes will inevitably result in a period of adjustment as we all adapt, but they are crucial for protecting public health, encouraging more efficient travel, and making bus services more reliable in the long-term.
“We encourage people to get out and explore the new dedicated walking and cycling routes we are providing, and we are keen to engage with communities and monitor the impacts before making any changes permanent.”
Camera-monitored bus gates with signs and road markings to prohibit general traffic will be installed on Bristol Bridge, either end of Baldwin Street and at the bottom of Union Street.
Access to Bristol Bridge, Baldwin Street and Union Street for loading, businesses, residents, disabled bays and car parks will remain possible using alternative routes.
Detail on these routes is available on the Bristol City Council website.