Traffic trials on hold as locals seek injunction

The trials will allow cyclists and pedestrians safer routes around the city, especially on busy roads such as Gay Street

Major plans to block three roads in Bath are currently on hold after a legal challenge by locals seeking an injunction.

Three new traffic restriction trials were set to begin on Gay Street, Catharine Place and Winifred’s Lane, but are now on hold until a court hearing on 8 August.

As part of the Bath and North East Somerset Council’s Liveable Neighbourhood programme, the plans aim to make residential roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists, but some are warning that the "controversial" scheme is making roads "more dangerous" for children.

During the court hearing the judge will decide whether to list the suspension or whether the application for an injunction should proceed to a judicial review hearing.

It was intended that the three linked trials would be in place for a minimum of six months under an Experimental Road Traffic Order (ETRO).

Although the application for an injunction has put the scheme on hold, traffic signal work is still set to be carried out - with a suspension of parking and no access into the upper end of Gay Street from George Street between 6 and 7 August.

Another Liveable Neighbourhood trial is currently underway on Sydney Road, where bollards have been installed across where it meets Sydney Place

Cabinet Member for Highways, Manda Rigby, said: “Our immediate priority is to make people aware that the scheme is paused until the outcome of the upcoming hearing.

"We will be writing to let residents know and encourage people to check our Liveable Neighbourhoods webpage for updates.”

The council had planned to install bollards across Winifred’s Lane, at the top of Cavendish Road, with a “no right turn” sign to stop people turning from Cavendish Road onto Sion Hill - with the view to take traffic away from Lansdown Crescent.

However, locals have warned this could funnel cars along Sion Hill Place and Julian Road, "right past children’s schools".

More than 2,700 people have so far signed a petition against the plans.

The plans would also see bollards installed across Catharine Place and a major overhaul of the Gay Street, blocking through traffic from passing the junction with George Street.

If allowed to go ahead, a decision on whether to make the changes permanent would be made at the end of the trials.