East Bristol Parking Restrictions Could Remove More On-Street Spaces

Bristol Drivers Face New Parking Restrictions Under East Bristol Plans

New East Bristol parking restrictions could remove on-street spaces New parking restrictions proposed as part of plans to make Bristol's East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood permanent have prompted concern from residents over the loss of on-street parking. The proposals cover Barton Hill and parts of Redfield and St George, where the existing trial has already changed how drivers move through local streets. Bristol City Council is now progressing Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) for the permanent scheme. Among the proposed changes are parking restrictions around Marsh Lane and the Wellspring Settlement in Barton Hill. The plans would remove on-street parking in some locations, while a traffic-free square is also proposed where several roads meet. The issue has attracted objections from local residents, who say parking is already difficult in parts of the area. Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy has also raised concerns about the proposed removal of spaces around the Wellspring Settlement and along parts of Marsh Lane. The concerns come as the council moves beyond the original trial arrangements. The authority says the permanent proposals include changes made following feedback received during the trial. The East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood trial introduced measures including bus gates, point closures and changes to traffic movements. Some measures have already been altered or removed following feedback, including the Marsh Lane bus gate, which was removed in May 2026. Bristol City Council says the scheme is intended to create safer routes for walking, wheeling and cycling while reducing through traffic and improving how local streets are used. The council's monitoring information shows Marsh Lane currently carries more than 4,000 motor vehicles on an average day. Parking is therefore becoming an important part of the debate for drivers who live, work or need to visit the area. Losing established on-street spaces can make short visits and access to community facilities more difficult, particularly where alternative parking is limited. At the same time, the council's permanent scheme includes other changes to vehicle access and traffic movements. The authority says the proposals include waiting restrictions designed to improve vehicle access and movements, as well as new one-way arrangements. Drivers should also be aware that existing East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood bus gates remain in operation. Bristol City Council says the gates are enforced using ANPR cameras, with exemptions available for certain road users including some disabled residents, professional carers, eligible Blue Badge holders and qualifying low-income residents. The current statutory consultation on the TROs opened on 10 September and runs until Friday 2 October 2026. Anyone wishing to object to the proposed orders must follow the process set out in the council's notice of proposals. The council's timeline shows that the Transport and Connectivity Committee decided in July 2026 to make the East Bristol scheme permanent. Funding from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority is still part of the next stage, with a decision anticipated in autumn 2026. For drivers, the situation highlights why checking parking and access arrangements before travelling can be particularly useful when visiting areas undergoing major traffic changes. Where local on-street parking is restricted, finding an alternative space in advance can help avoid unnecessary searching. For people visiting Bristol by car, EveryonesParking can also help drivers look for parking options before setting off, particularly when changes to local roads or parking availability could affect a familiar journey. With the consultation still open, the final parking restrictions and traffic arrangements are not yet the end of the story. Drivers and residents affected by the proposals have until 2 October to make their views known through Bristol City Council's TRO process.