Pavements for People

One of our current campaigns in Ashley concerns the use of our pavements. As a city centre ward lots of us live within walking distance of work and shops, but sometimes just walking about can be a struggle !

This is a highly complicated issue and cannot simple be achieved by "banning cars" something us Greens are often accused of. The solution will require sensible planning and traffic flow analysis, safe, continuous cycle-lanes and more accessable public transport including both bus and trains. Brownfield development for "off-street" parking is also a great solution used to much success in other European cities.

Speaking to local residents however, these are the issues most highlighted - though they are unchanged from when Daniella was campaigning in the past, they have got steadily worse.

The issue that has generated the most attention so far is pavement parking. Cars parked on the pavement mean that people have to venture onto the road, particularly those with pushchairs or wheelchairs. Parking this way also hides dropped curbs and bends blocking line of sight - making it more difficult to safely cross roads. Our local community support officers have shown support, and can fine people or even tow cars away if they make a real nuisance of themselves. We seek more creative solutions such as that of the excellent Sustrans policy for DIY Streets.

We also don't want people cycling on the pavement, some areas in St Pauls and Stokes Croft have been flagged by locals as particularly hazardous for pedestrians, particularly for those who are not too steady on their feet like the very young and very old.  Bikes are classed as vehicles and should be on the road (in safe cycle only lanes), unless ridden by a child under 10.

And finally the ubiquitous but offensive dog poo. There is nothing more annoying than getting it on your shoes or pushchair wheels. The council have dog wardens who can patrol areas. They have been paying particular attention to Picton Street recently, however the problems do go further afield...