Quality Streets

Now that Christmas is over, and most of the left-overs eaten, only the least appealing of the Quality Streets are left in the packet here at Bristol Traffic (we've got some Celebrations, but we're hanging on the them for the New Year).

It was the thought of Quality Streets which reminded us of our favourite Bristol example, Gloucester Road. This was the first 'Showcase Bus Route' in the city, and has apparently been a great success - to such an extent that one of the bus-stops near the Prom Club is no longer in service.

Here's a view of this Quality Street, just up from the Prom Club. Note the quality.

We like:

- The Tree. Street trees are good, reflecting proper civic pride.
- The Signage. Important information for motorists is essential.
- The Litter Bin. Vital, with facilities for smokers, too, which is very inclusive.
- The Wheelie Bin. Vital if traders along the road are to survive.
- The Telephone Box. Not everyone has an iPhone, after all.
- The Street Light. Keeps us safe at night.
- The Street Paint. Good for helping us spot the traffic lights, which we also like.

Unfortunately, all this quality is let down by the useless cycle stands, installed as part of the cycling city fiasco. Surely that space could have been used for a decent advertisement display board?

A similar 'Quality Street' scheme is currently proposed for Whiteladies Road. We look forward to it.

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Waste of space

Whilst we are always happy to park anywhere we want, there is a downside, as WU58ZFR demonstrates.  This is the Downs, where thankfully no cycling is allowed.

The problem is that if you can park a car on the grass you can also put a bin on the grass, which is a real waste of parking opportunity.

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Gated Communities

Some suburban areas are too open to be real gated communities. And the council won't let us close the rat-runs, not even to cyclists.

But to discourage itinerant pedestrians, we can at least take control of the pavements on our own. We're British, after all, and know how to do these things.

Here's our attempt at gating St Oswald's Road. Fairly effective, with the use of 4x4 X953RRN on one side of the road, and KG54YGF - in combination with the bins - on the other.

That's both pavements blocked so only cars can get through unimpeded. Not the perfect solution, but it is a start, at least.

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