I live in the East Bristol neighbourhood, a place I call home, which, like any other residential area, should be peaceful and safe. Harsh reality, however, tells a different story - the inconvenience of traffic has been shouldered by residents like myself instead of the actual road users. Our roads, meant to be serene residential paths, are infested with rush-hour traffic.

This issue isn't just about traffic nuisance. It's about the quality of life, safety, and well-being of residents. The East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood trial can turn the tide by making lives better for those living here. It aims to reduce reliance on cars, encouraging residents to adopt greener, healthier travel methods like using the bus, car-sharing, cycling, or walking.

The changes we've seen during this trial have been encouraging. People have started to enjoy the benefits of clean, quiet, and safe roads. Yet, this progress is under threat if the trial is discontinued.

We must reevaluate our dependence on personal cars for transportation. Other cities have successfully reduced traffic volume through similar schemes; Copenhagen, for example, has reduced car usage by 30% over the past two decades due to a focus on cycling and public transit (source: Municipality of Copenhagen, Traffic Department).

The point is not to demonise all car use, but to ensure that the choices made by some don't degrade the quality of life for others. We are at a crossroads. A choice between reclaiming our residential roads for residents, or returning to the status quo - with loud, dangerous, polluted rat-run roads.

The less vehicles we have on the roads the less traffic there will be for those who truly depend on motor vehicles to move about. 

The reports thus far state that it has added 10-20 minutes to most journey times, which is NOT a material amount and no justification to halt the trial, just requires road users to adjust their expectations around journey times. This does not outweigh the benefits to residents in these areas. 

Maintain the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood trial. Let us stand together for a healthier, safer, and more sustainable East Bristol. Please, add your signature to this petition. Let's put lives over traffic.