The Urgent Need for Change
Last month, a car crashed directly into a building on Hotwell Road. We were incredibly fortunate that no one was injured, but had this occurred during the school run or peak commuting hours, the outcome could have been tragic. This incident serves as a final warning: the current speed environment is a direct threat to our community.

Why We Are Calling for 20 MPH

Safety for All Generations: Hotwell Road is a densely populated residential corridor. It is home to many retired households, sits near a school, and serves as a primary walking route alongside the harbour. A 20 MPH limit significantly increases reaction times and reduces the severity of any collision.

Improving Air Quality: Hotwells remains one of the areas most affected by poor air quality in Bristol. Consistent, lower speeds reduce the "stop-start" driving patterns that contribute to higher emissions, helping us breathe easier.

A "City of Walking": As Bristol transitions toward being a city of walking communities, our infrastructure must reflect that. Pedestrians and cyclists should not feel like they are competing with a high-speed artery road in their own neighborhood.

Consistency Across Bristol: Many residential streets across the city have already successfully transitioned to 20 MPH. Hotwell Road should not be the exception; it needs to "slow down" to catch up with the safety standards of the rest of Bristol.

Our Demand

We call on Bristol City Council to recognise Hotwell Road as a high-risk residential area and implement a 20 MPH speed limit to protect residents, patrons of local pubs, school children, and visitors alike.