Title of Example

Example

Home Zones

A Home Zone is a street or group of streets that aims to create an environment that is more than just a place for cars to park. It should invite its residents to view it as a space for people with particular emphasis on the safer movement of pedestrians and cyclists. Vehicular traffic should travel at little more than walking pace.

Home Zones are designed to support and promote use of sustainable transport methods for short journeys whilst creating a safe environment for community activities and children to play.

The benefits of home zones can include:

• Improved local area identity and community spirit
• Reduction in crime
• Reduced rat running
• Improved road safety
• Improved opportunities for children to play in a safer environment

The Bristol City Council has completed one home zone and is currently working on more potential sites and aims to establish two retrofit Home Zones and build three new Home Zones by 2006. Below is a list showing the progress to date:

Victory Residents Home Zone (Completed)

The Victory Home Zone in Bedminster was completed in September 2002 with features such as speed cushions, new lighting, trees, planters and a new play area.

A consultation process took place with six street representatives throughout the community over an 18-month period to develop and implement the home zone, and involved many specialist organisations and manufacturers.

Doorstep questionnaires have been undertaken in this area and working party meetings have been set up in order to develop a draft home zone for this area. Ten street representatives have been identified and are working on ideas for each street within the scheme with a view to undertake phased formal consultation, public consultation and construction during 2004.

In the future, a number of specialists including landscape architects, planners and security consultants will be drawn upon to provide expertise as the proposals are developed.

The Dings Home Zone (Draft proposals)

Consultation on this proposal such as doorstep questionnaires, interviews and public events in streets has gone very well with some 82% of residents in favour of a Home Zone.

A draft proposal for the whole Home Zone area has been developed and will need to marry with the adjacent Barratt Homes development site at Temple Quay. Consequently, we are now moving towards a formal program of works for the first construction phase although this will be subject to the necessary statutory procedures that need to be followed.

The Dings before the proposal

The Dings after the home zone completed

There is a leaflet detailing Bristol’s Home Zone strategy entitled ‘Making Streets Safer’ in the right column which explains the city council’s approach to building new home zones and to retrofitting existing areas.

Last Updated

13th January 2005