An enforcement camera could be installed on a Bristol street to deter drivers from persistently flouting traffic rules.
East Street in Bedminster is a designated “pedestrian cycle zone”, with only busses, bikes and loading vehicles permitted during the day.
However, following a significant number of collisions in recent years, Bristol City Council are looking to tighten these regulations.
Authorities are considering installing a camera that recognises number plates in an effort to tackle this issue.
According to Steve Clarke, a local East Street resident and former Greens councillor, the presence of cyclists, cars and busses makes for a “dangerous combination”.
“They’re getting the worst of both worlds, because it’s supposed to be traffic free but it’s not,” he says.
“The cars seem to be completely ignoring the rules. It’s particularly dangerous as cyclists often go up the road the wrong way.”
Local businesses were recently surveyed about their views on the street and the potential installation of a camera.
The responses received suggest that shop owners are in favour, claiming that traffic on East Street has been an issue for years.
As part of the survey, a council spokesperson said that there has been an “unacceptable” number of collisions in recent years.
Mr Clarke also believes that this change could benefit local businesses in the long run.
“In Clifton Village, Princess Victoria Street has been made traffic free. Shopkeepers got the tanks out at first, but now it’s all up and working it’s going well for them.”
