'Rat run' through Bristol beauty spot could close to all traffic as part of trial

Ladies Mile Road intersects Clifton Down, and runs from the middle of Stoke Road to the top of Bridge Valley Road.

Ladies Mile Road should close to all traffic except bicycles for a trial Bank Holiday weekend this summer, according to the Downs Advisory Panel.

The influential panel doesn’t have the power to close the road itself, but suggests what changes should be made to the Downs committee.

The Downs committee is meeting on Monday, January 13, and will discuss the suggestions as well as other topics, including new parking plans and an ongoing dispute with van dwellers.

The committee is made up of Bristol councillors and members of the Society of Merchant Venturers.

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In a report to the committee, Robert Westlake, chair of the advisory panel, 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.

“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 to through traffic.”

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Closing Ladies Mile Road was previously discussed several years ago, but didn’t go ahead because of concerns raised by the nearby zoo that drivers wouldn’t be able to access an overspill car park on the grass near the road.

This won’t be an issue now, as the Bristol Zoo has closed and relocated to near Cribbs Causeway.

The panel has also previously called for security patrols in the evening and overnight, to clamp down on problems like car meets at the Downs.