'Congestion threatens Bristol's recovery from recession'
Bristol's long-term recovery from the recession will be hampered by the city's clogged streets and poor public transport system, business leaders claim.
Traffic in Bristol and across the region has fallen over the past year as a result of the downturn but the Bristol-based Institute of Directors (IoD) is still predicting long-term traffic problems.
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The organisation is staging a debate on the issue tomorrow and the aim is to bring together business leaders and the people responsible for running public transport.
A report published earlier this month by the AA and travel data firm Trafficmaster found that traffic jams on Britain's motorways and trunk roads have fallen by 30 per cent this year as a direct result of the recession.
But the report, based on a poll of 75,000 drivers, also warned that congestion will return as the economy starts to recover over the next 12 months.
Chairman of the IOD Nick Sturge believes that Bristol is heading for complete gridlock within the next five years unless action is taken now.
He said: "It is ironic that recessions improve traffic problems because business slows down and there is less need for goods to be transported. This may lull politicians into a false sense of security.
"But in order for the economy not just to pick up but to see sustained long-term growth, changes must be made now in time for the renewal of increased demands on our road and rail network.
"These changes will be expensive and unpopular in some quarters, but politicians need to go ahead and make them and stop putting them off until after the forthcoming election."
Mr Sturge said: "We are hearing, from all quarters the idea of making Bristol entirely car-free on a Sunday. That would be a big change for Bristol and not one which would be acceptable, in the short term, to all parties, including many employers.
"But positive change for the long term inevitably will need investment and pain in the short term which may be unpalatable. Bristol is in a great position to pioneer radical change – but does it have to be so radical as reclaiming our streets for pedestrians?
"Hopefully, this debate will give people a chance to understand what is currently planned, what that really means to them and what the compromises are that we all need to make, to ensure Bristol stays as the UK's second strongest local economy."
Edmund King, president of the AA, said: "Our report only strengthens our need to keep investing in road infrastructure, so when the recession ends we have a network that can support a thriving economy."
The IoD's Question Time debate will take place at accountancy firm Smith & Williamson's offices in Portwall Place at 6.30pm.
The debate will bring together movers in transport and give business leaders the chance to put their questions directly to them.
Bristol City Council, the West of England Partnership, transport planning expert Leo Eyles from Steer Davies Gleave, sustainable transport group Sustrans, and Justin Davies, managing director of bus group, First Bristol will take part.
People wanting more information should telephone 0117 905 5050.
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by captain nemo, Staple Hill
Wednesday, September 23 2009, 12:27PM
“As an alien from NE england, I landed here in 1987 and have watched the car slowly choke this lovely city - Old Market has recently been put on a pollution blacklist. I don't own one myself, will never buy one as I prefer to commute 8 miles a day via bike on the railway path. Staple Hill to Bedminster in under 30 mins. sorry if this comes across as a bit 'holier-than-thou', but for me, it's a choice of the most effiecient and less polluting transport I can have - my faithful bicycle!. It saddens me to see folk, most of whom could get the bus/walk/cycle to work in the city centre but who still cling to the entrenched belief that the car is somehow a symbol of freedom and luxury. It isn't anymore, it's just a drain on your wallet that takes you longer to get from A to B.
I sometimes use company vehicles as part of my job and hate getting stuck in the jams, often longing for my bike. If possible, I avoid taking the firm's vehicles home with me as I know it'll take ages to get home. I'd rather cycle, put up with a bit (and it is just a bit!) of wet and cold weather than sit in endless jams. I honestly don't know how some folk tolerate it when there are alternatives.
But with global warming moving up the political agenda, to reduce emissions means, in time, curbs on car use. For anyone who would like to 'convert' to cycling, I suggest getting in touch with Sustrans or Lifecycle UK to learn about getting started. Come on Bristol, join the revolution:)”
by Daniel, Clifton
Monday, September 21 2009, 10:18PM
“I'm not arguing geographics or economics, I merely brought up a few examples. That said of course, all your points are taken on board.
There were of course less cars in 1988, and of course a Mars Bar does cost more now, in fact lots of things have changed. You are right about the inflation rate of a decent Cod and chips though...but that's more supply & demand right? Don't want to upset any Spanish fishermen who might be reading this.
I don't even know what it costs to park in town for the day now, or even where you can park for a day ;o) - But, the question remains...what to do?
Bristol has always had a problem with too many cars, once upon a time it had the highest cars per capita of any City in the UK (if statistics are to be believed in all cases) which is pretty frightening given it's one of the only places that hasn't had a pop at some kind of decent public transport.
Fad idea after fad idea has popped into the heads of Councillors in some vain vote hunting way. City car club, bus lanes, 2+ lanes, what's their next solution? Residents parking to curb commuters parking for free, congestion charges and whatever else is worth wasting money on investigating.
Most of what I write is laced with sarcasm for which I apologise. Take it for what it is. The ramblings of a 39 year old who's seen it go from bad to worse. Trouble is, it's taken me until I'm 39 before I've even noticed it going on ;o)
Good night everyone.”
by Jack, Bristol
Monday, September 21 2009, 9:35PM
“Daniel also £1 in 1988 was a lot more than it is today.
For example house were a fith what they are now so it could be £5 straight away. Fish and chips was £1.60 and it's now about £460 so say £2.50 for your £. Mars bar was 18p and now they're £55p £3 today.”
by Jack, Bristol
Monday, September 21 2009, 9:27PM
“Daniel and Bighands you're both out of date... Fishponds is East Bristol and the ringroad is in East Bristol and South Glos. The reason it took so long is because of the politically correct brigade who didn't want a ringroad and delayed it for 15 years. Now they probably use it and promote it.
It goes from East Bristol to South Bristol and is nowhere near North Bristol. It touches Keynsham at one end and Filton at the other (technically some of the outskirts of North Bristol). Industry isn't better in East Bristol.”
by BarryW, Portishead
Monday, September 21 2009, 9:18PM
“@James of Highbridge.
Not necessarily home workimng, satallite offices in Yate, Radstock, even Highbridge and Portishead because I agree many need the social interaction and discipline of going to the office. Schol runs are of course mostly local”