Closure of Downs 'rat run' road could be trialled

A road used as a rat run on the Downs in Bristol should close for a trial on a bank holiday weekend this summer, advisers have said.

Ladies Mile is suffering from "escalating anti-social behaviour" including speeding and parking on the grass, said Robert Westlake, chairman of the Downs Advisory Panel.

He added that the trial could help to gauge public opinion on wider pedestrianisation of the grasslands, and allow for events to be held there.

The Downs Committee, which is made up of Bristol councillors and members of the Society of Merchant Venturers, will discuss the panel's suggestion in a meeting on 13 January.

The panel said the road, which joins Stoke Road and Bridge Valley Road, should be shut to all traffic except bicycles for the trial.

In a report to the committee, Mr Westlake said: "The opportunity could be used to explore future use of this potentially valuable location as an additional space for a range of commercial activities and events.

"A weekend closure could also be linked to the out-of-hours security initiative, to combat escalating anti-social behaviour."

He added: "Ladies Mile road in particular suffers from illegal driving and parking on the grass, while the highway itself serves no particular purpose other than as a rat run and for commuter parking.

"A trial would also permit the Downs Committee to gauge public opinion and monitor reaction to the longer term aspiration to close Circular Road [which winds through the Downs] to through traffic."

The panel has previously called for security patrols overnight to clamp down on problems including car meets on the Downs.

In the 13 January meeting, the Downs committee will also discuss topics including new parking plans and an ongoing dispute with van dwellers, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The closure of Ladies Mile was discussed several years ago but did not go ahead after Bristol Zoo raised concerns that drivers wouldn't be able to access an overspill car park. The zoo has now moved.

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