Changes to Bristol Bridge, Baldwin Street and Union Street

What we've done, access and alternatives routes, consultations and future plans.

In August 2020 we introduced new traffic priorities to restrict general through-traffic on:

• Bristol Bridge, from all directions
• Baldwin Street, between between St Augustine’s Parade and Marsh Street
• Baldwin Street to High Street, in both directions
• Union Street, left turn onto Rupert Street

This changed how private vehicles can access the area.

See these changes on our Bristol Bridge and Baldwin Street vehicle access map (pdf, 393KB) (opens new window) and our access map for vehicles over 7.5 tonnes. (pdf, 267KB) (opens new window)

What we did

We installed camera enforced bus gates on Bristol Bridge and at the entrance of Baldwin Street from the city centre to give priority to:

• buses
• solo motorcycles
• taxis
• cycles

These changes are part of our Bristol Transport Strategy and aim to help meet air quality and 2030 climate goals.

Access

General access will be maintained via:

• Redcliff Bridge
• Queen Charlotte Street (including NCP car park)
• Marsh Street
• Broad Weir
• Newgate (including Galleries car park)
• Wine Street
• Lower Castle Street
• Redcliff Street
• Victoria Street and Counterslip

Access for all disabled parking and loading bays on Union Street, Horsefair and Penn Street will remain.

Alternative routes

The main alternative routes will be via Temple Way, Bond Street and Rupert Street.

These previous restrictions were suspended so general traffic can use these routes:

• suspension of prohibition of driving on The Horsefair and Penn Street to allow for “access only”
• suspension of bus lane and prohibition of entry eastbound on Newgate, on the edge of Castle Park, to provide access in and out of the Old City and Broadmead

Consultations and future plans

We brought in these changes using an experimental traffic regulation order (ETRO). The first six months of the scheme involved public consultation, which closed on 1 February 2021.

On July 7, the Mayor of Bristol announced that the trial had been a success and the changes will be made permanent.

A traffic regulation order making the scheme permanent is due to go live on 17 July 2021.

For enquiries, email transport.engagagement@bristol.gov.uk