Crackdown planned on drivers flouting rules on street

An enforcement camera could be installed to deter drivers from travelling down a city shopping street where restrictions are "frequently not observed".

East Street, in Bedminster, Bristol, is a designated "pedestrian cycle zone" with drivers banned from the street during the day.

However, Bristol City Council said there had been an "unacceptable number of collisions in recent years" as some drivers flout the rules to drive through the pedestrian zone.

Officers plan to install a camera that recognises number plates to clamp down on the issue.

Signs at East Street on the junction of Cannon Street say the road can only be used by buses and for loading between 07:00 - 19:00 BST, and all other motor vehicles are not allowed, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Local businesses recently received a survey asking for their views on the street, as well as on plans to install a camera.

In the survey, a council spokesperson said: "This [rule] is frequently not observed, resulting in an unacceptable number of collisions in recent years, many of them involving pedestrians and cyclists.

"We are looking at different options for loading arrangements which will work with the new enforcement camera."

One response to the consultation said: "Please enforce the rules on East Street. I've been asking about it for years and years. There are so many collisions and near misses. Why have signs if they can be completely ignored?"

Another respondent added: "The street is constantly used by non-permitted users. This traffic ban needs enforcing, otherwise it's just another road, not a pedestrian-priority area."

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.