Proposals to pedestrianise large parts of Bristol’s city centre have sparked major concerns among Disabled activists. Cllr Kelvin Blake, former Chair of WECIL, has spoken out against the plans, warning they could create “no-go zones” for Disabled people by removing essential accessible parking and increasing the distance from public transport hubs. “Removing accessible parking while public transport remains unreliable effectively cuts off parts of the city for us,” he explained, emphasising that for many Disabled people, driving is the only viable way to access the city centre.
The debate intensified following comments from Green councillor Ed Plowden, who said, “If you’re thinking of driving into Bristol, don’t bother,” in support of the pedestrianisation efforts. While intended to reduce traffic and pollution, this statement caused alarm among Disabled people who depend on cars for mobility. Cllr Blake pointed out that the push to reduce car use, without addressing the accessibility needs of Disabled people, risks further marginalising those who already face significant challenges in navigating the city. “We need cleaner air, but not at the expense of our independence,” he stated, highlighting the need for solutions that balance environmental goals with inclusivity.
WECIL’s Disability.Inc project is actively involved in the Bristol City Centre Transport Changes Consultation, working to ensure that the voices of Disabled people are heard. WECIL is encouraging Disabled people to participate in the consultation process to influence the future of Bristol’s city centre. You can read WECIL’s detailed analysis of the proposals here.
Cllr Blake stressed the importance of genuine consultation with the Disabled community. “Before decisions are made that could further exclude us from the city, the council must listen to us,” he urged.
This issue is part of a broader conversation about how environmental initiatives impact Disabled people. Emma Geen, the Climate and Disability Programme Associate for the Bristol Climate and Nature Partnership, is working to ensure that Disabled people are included in these discussions. “Action on climate change is the greatest opportunity we have to make society accessible,” she remarked. However, current policies like Clean Air Zones and pedestrianisation often fail to account for the specific needs of Disabled people, potentially creating new barriers rather than removing existing ones.
Emma Geen will be speaking at WECIL’s Access All Areas event on 22nd October, where she will discuss how climate policies can be designed to benefit both the planet and the Disabled community. The event will highlight the importance of ensuring that environmental policies are inclusive and accessible.
At the heart of this debate is a fundamental question ‘How can cities like Bristol balance environmental goals with the need for inclusivity?’ While pedestrianisation and sustainability initiatives are important for reducing pollution, they must not come at the expense of accessibility. “We all want a greener city,” said Cllr Blake, “but not one that excludes us.” As consultations continue, collaboration between city planners and the Disabled community is essential to ensure that Bristol’s future development is accessible to all residents, while still achieving vital environmental goals.
