A petition with over 4,000 names calling for a halt to a liveable neighbourhood trial has been handed to Bristol Council.

The traffic calming project, which is currently being installed, is designed to reduce rat-running and promote active travel in parts of the St George, Redfield and Barton Hill areas of Bristol, reports the BBC.

Two groups in favour and opposition to the Bristol City Council-run low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) campaigned outside City Hall on Tuesday before a debate on the scheme.

The council has urged people to assess the impact once the trial had been completed next year.

The temporary scheme is closing some through roads in East Bristol and results will be evaluated next year.

Its roll-out has sparked protests and calls for the council to listen to the concerns of affected residents.

The petition led to a debate among councillors during a council meeting.

The liveable neighbourhood involves a variety of traffic calming measures including bus gates, cycle lanes, with bollards and planters blocking through traffic.

It had been installed on a trial basis with a view to becoming permanent next year, costing up to £6m, said the BBC report.

Green Party councillor Ed Plowden said the trial will “rebalance our streets”.

“We hope there will be better air quality, less noise pollution, more people walking and cycling, and less congestion as well,” he said.

“Certainly we would like to see less people using unsuitable residential roads as shortcuts.

“For a long time our roads have been dominated by motorists and cars. Cars we know are bad for our health, climate, and our economy.”

PIC-BRISTOL CC