Access, Safety, and Pavement Obstruction on Meriton Street
Reported via desktop in the Pavements category by Edwin Fletcher at 17:59, Tuesday 10 June 2025
Sent to Bristol City Council less than a minute later. FixMyStreet ref: 7690166.
Meriton street is narrow, with vehicles consistently parked on both sides, including illegally on the pavement. This inconsiderate and obstructive parking behaviour severely impedes access to local businesses and creates a recurring and dangerous challenge for industrial vehicles. Large lorries are frequently unable to manoeuvre safely and are often forced to reverse back up the street and onto Albert Crescent—a hazardous action that poses significant risks to both motorists and pedestrians.
Beyond the traffic access concerns, the persistent pavement obstruction leaves pedestrians—many of whom are students from the nearby college and employees from surrounding businesses—no choice but to walk in the carriageway itself. This exposes them to considerable danger, especially given the regular movement of heavy commercial vehicles in the area.
The current conditions are unsafe, unsustainable, and unacceptable for an area of mixed commercial and educational use. Immediate and coordinated intervention is necessary to address the situation.
We therefore urge the council to take the following actions:
Ensure unimpeded and safe access for industrial and delivery vehicles serving local businesses.
Implement measures to guarantee safe and continuous pedestrian access along both sides of the street.
Improve pavement infrastructure and visibility, especially where parking infringes on pedestrian routes.
Enforce regulations prohibiting pavement parking, and introduce physical deterrents or signage if needed.
This is not simply an issue of convenience—it is a matter of public safety and economic access. We request a site visit and prompt action to address these long-standing concerns.
Updates
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A new enquiry has been raised for this issue.
Posted by Bristol City Council at 17:59, Tuesday 10 June 2025
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Please report these motorists to the police, they are breaking the law by: 1. Driving on the pavement 2. Causing a dangerous obstruction to pedestrians
Call 101. Option 1. Be sure to get an “incident reference number” so that you can follow this up.
Posted anonymously at 07:00, Wednesday 11 June 2025
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A citizen has provided a follow-up to the original enquiry.
Posted by Bristol City Council at 07:02, Wednesday 11 June 2025
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When you speak to the police, please be sure to mention that the footway is completely blocked and cannot be used by pedestrians. This is an Obstruction of the Highway, contrary to the Highways Act 1980 s130. (Note the "highway" includes both the "carriageway" (road) and the "footway" (pavement).) More info at: https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/ report/ parking-issues/
Posted anonymously at 09:32, Wednesday 11 June 2025
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A citizen has provided a follow-up to the original enquiry.
Posted by Bristol City Council at 09:32, Wednesday 11 June 2025
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This enquiry has been referred to another team for action. They will provide further updates on the issue in due course.
Posted by Bristol City Council at 11:37, Wednesday 11 June 2025
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This issue requires further investigation. We'll provide updates on the outcome in due course.
Posted by Bristol City Council at 14:36, Thursday 12 June 2025
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This enquiry has been referred to another team for action. They will provide further updates on the issue in due course.
Posted by Bristol City Council at 10:14, Friday 13 June 2025
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