> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://bristol-uncovered.uk/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # SBLN 2026 Changes - Details Uncovered - URL: https://bristol-uncovered.uk/sbln-2026-changes-details-uncovered/ - Published: 2026-08-30T09:25:08.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-30T10:30:51.000Z - Author: Chris McEvoy Some time on or before 15th August 2026, BCC accidently published the new proposals for the South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood. These were quickly deleted, but everyone knows it's very difficult to remove all traces of internet pages once they have been published. You can view the deleted page "****Our new proposals - summer 2026**" on the [Wayback Machine](https://web.archive.org/web/20260815051435/https://www.bristol.gov.uk/ask/projects/south-bristol-liveable-neighbourhood/sbln-proposals-2026/) ## Southville Zones The "Zones" have changed dramatically from the 2025 proposals. **"Southville West"** has been shrunk. It was already the smallest zone. **"Southville South"** has been combined with all of Southville East and most of Southville North. **"Southville East"** has disappeared **"Southville North"** has shrunk by over 50% ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/7e/00/7e00f3c6-351e-48d6-a922-14b85820294b/content/images/2026/08/image-103.png) The Zones have changed because of the positioning of the Modal Filters (physical and camera). ## Southville Modal Filters The proposals that caused most complaints were the Modal Filters (aka Road Blocks). Liz Newton organised a [march on City Hall](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nljwonWR07g4&ref=bristol-uncovered.uk) to show how concerned local residents were. In May 2026 Ed Plowden said: > "We're still committed to a liveable neighbourhood in Southville, but it's going to have less modal filters," said Plowden. We will still be putting in some modal filters or roadblocks, but **many fewer**." ([view source](https://www.aol.com/articles/liveable-neighbourhood-roadblocks-140143000.html?ref=bristol-uncovered.uk)) The main change to the [proposals published in 2025](https://www.bristol.gov.uk/ask/projects/south-bristol-liveable-neighbourhood/sbln-proposals-2025?ref=bristol-uncovered.uk) is that the number of Modal Filters have been **reduced from 12 to 8**. So "*many fewer*" meant a 33% reduction in Modal Filters. I would have expected "*many fewer*" to mean a reduction of at least 50%, but that's just how I interpreted Ed's statement. You could argue that the statement is consistent with a reduction of just 4. These are the locations of the **12 Modal Filters** that were proposed in **2025**. They are all Physical Modal Filters where the road is physically blocked with bollards and planters. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/7e/00/7e00f3c6-351e-48d6-a922-14b85820294b/content/images/2026/08/image-93.png) Of these 12 Modal Filters, **9** were **removed** from the proposals and **3** were **retained**. Two of the retained Modal Filters have been changed from Physical to Camera, and one has been retained as a Physical Modal Filter. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/7e/00/7e00f3c6-351e-48d6-a922-14b85820294b/content/images/2026/08/image-95.png) The 2026 Proposals have added 5 new Modal Filters. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/7e/00/7e00f3c6-351e-48d6-a922-14b85820294b/content/images/2026/08/image-96.png) This map shows the locations of the **8 Modal Filters** in the 2026 proposals. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/7e/00/7e00f3c6-351e-48d6-a922-14b85820294b/content/images/2026/08/image-98.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/7e/00/7e00f3c6-351e-48d6-a922-14b85820294b/content/images/2026/08/image-97.png) ### What do Residents want? **71%** of Southville residents [disagreed with the proposals](https://www.bristol.gov.uk/files/ask-bristol/10867-sbln-consultation-report-2026/file?ref=bristol-uncovered.uk) to reduce through traffic, which are mainly Modal Filters. ****These new proposals seem to ignore the wishes of residents.** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/7e/00/7e00f3c6-351e-48d6-a922-14b85820294b/content/images/2026/08/image-102.png) ### Cameras The most material change in the 2026 proposals, is the move to Camera Modal Filters. These cameras recognise number plates and allow emergency vehicles to pass through the filter quickly without having to lower bollards. ### Camera Exemptions For the EBLN certain exemptions will be in place for some groups. BCC is working on a citywide exemption policy which is likely to apply to the five proposed Camera Enforced Modal Filters in Southville. > The committee also requested a future report setting out proposals for a citywide policy on exemptions for bus gates and camera-controlled modal filters. This work will consider best practice from elsewhere in the country and build on the exemptions already introduced in east Bristol for groups including Blue Badge holders and carers. ([view source](https://www.bristol.gov.uk/ask/projects/east-bristol-liveable-neighbourhood/latest-news?ref=bristol-uncovered.uk)) Vehicles that are not permitted to pass through the Modal Filter will be fined. The signs for the Camera Modal Filters will need to be very well designed and clear to ensure that people are not fined "by accident". Lewisham Council were criticised for the poor design of their signs on the Dermody Road filter where in 5 months Penalty Charge Notices (PCN) with a value between £1,138,020 and £2,276,040 were issued. (*The value depends on whether the PCN was paid within two weeks or not £65 or £130*). > Residents, who said the signs were inadequate, accused the council of using the modal filter as a “cash cow”, instead of trying to prevent drivers from going through. ([view source](https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/19249149.lewisham-council-changes-sign-around-ltn-modal-filter/?ref=bristol-uncovered.uk)) Perhaps the Council should consider employing Matt Sanders to design their filter signs so that they don't confuse too many drivers. Referring to the correctly-sized sign that he had made, (to comply with the Department for Transport's guidance in the Traffic Signs Manual), Matt said: > “It’s 50 per cent wider and 50 per cent taller, so the overall size is more than double. And if that sign was standing there, more people would see it. Some people would see this one (the current sign), it’ll alert some people, and the one at the junction. ([view source](https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-features/features/bus-gate-battles-signage-shenanigans/?ref=bristol-uncovered.uk)) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/7e/00/7e00f3c6-351e-48d6-a922-14b85820294b/content/images/2026/08/image-119.png) ## Ashton Gate School The 2025 Proposals included a School Street where traffic is restricted during certain hours and a Modal Filter. The School Street is in the 2026 proposals but the modal filter has been removed. ### What do Residents want? **44%** of **Southville** responses agreed with the proposals to [the consultation](https://www.bristol.gov.uk/files/ask-bristol/10867-sbln-consultation-report-2026/file?ref=bristol-uncovered.uk) and **25%** disagreed. **57%** of Ashton Gate responses agreed with the proposals and **25%** disagreed. These proposals had support from people in Southville (especially in Ashton Gate), but the main proposal for a modal filter was dropped. ****This updated proposal seem to ignore the wishes of residents.** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/7e/00/7e00f3c6-351e-48d6-a922-14b85820294b/content/images/2026/08/image-104.png) ## Residents Parking Zone The new proposals include changes to the existing RPS in Southville and Bedminster East to extend into the evening. ### What do Residents want? Only 18% of Southville responses to [the consultation](https://www.bristol.gov.uk/files/ask-bristol/10867-sbln-consultation-report-2026/file?ref=bristol-uncovered.uk) wanted the Southville RPS extended into to 9pm, with 41% wanting it to remain a 9am to 5pm scheme. ****These new proposals seem to ignore the wishes of residents.** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/7e/00/7e00f3c6-351e-48d6-a922-14b85820294b/content/images/2026/08/image-101.png) The number of parking spaces in Southville will be reduced due to the SBLN proposals and the RPZ costs more in areas where it operates in the evening. This could mean that Southville residents are likely to pay more for their RPZ permits but will have fewer spaces to try and park in. ## Frayne Road When the 2025 Proposals were published it was clear that Frayne Road was likely to become a "rat run" for people who were travelling along Coronation Road and wanted to get onto North Street. A new proposal is to introduce a "No Left Turn" where it meets North St. This is clearly to discourage people from driving down Frayne Road to get onto North St. It will also make it more difficult for residents of Frayne Road to get onto Clift House Road and to North Street. Currently vehicles on Frayne Road have to travel **0.2 miles** to get to Aldi on North St. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/7e/00/7e00f3c6-351e-48d6-a922-14b85820294b/content/images/2026/08/image-106.png) Under the new proposals the trip from Frayne Road to Aldi will require a **0.7 mile** trip. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/7e/00/7e00f3c6-351e-48d6-a922-14b85820294b/content/images/2026/08/image-108.png) The return journey covers 0.5 miles and is the same journey under the 2025 and 2026 proposals. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/7e/00/7e00f3c6-351e-48d6-a922-14b85820294b/content/images/2026/08/image-107.png) This is an **increase of 0.5 miles**, which may seem small, but is shows how local journeys will become more difficult and time consuming. If you take the thousands of local trips taken every day in Southville it shows how much extra travel time and pollution is likely to occur because of these proposals. In the Frayne Road example it is also likely to displace traffic onto Duckmoor Road and Raleigh Road. For this specific example you could say they people should not be using their cars and should walk or cycle. But have you ever tried to do a family weekly shop at Aldi without using your car? These type of trips may just "evaporate", but this could be because people are no longer shopping on North Street and could take their business elsewhere. The "No Left Turn" from Frayne Road is likely to be ignored by drivers unless is it enforced by Cameras and Fines. ### Businesses on North St Hear what [local businesses on North St have to say](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXCoCcgC5eQ&ref=bristol-uncovered.uk) about the SBLN proposals. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/7e/00/7e00f3c6-351e-48d6-a922-14b85820294b/content/images/2026/08/image-109.png) Derek from Lion Stores > "It's about control, money and fining people, that's all." --- ## Amerind Grove Development The 2025 proposals overlooked the new housing development on the Amerind Grove site and BCC forgot to include it on their 2025 map. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/7e/00/7e00f3c6-351e-48d6-a922-14b85820294b/content/images/2026/08/image-110.png) The Amerind Grove development has been considered in the 2026 proposals, with "No Left Turns" allowed from the development. Residents of this new development can only enter from Greenway Bush Lane and can only exit onto Raleigh Road. This one way system is not shown on the 2026 proposals map. The two new streets will be called Cavendish Street and Elmtree Road, but these names do not currently appear on the map. It was [pointed out to BCC](https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/popular-sunday-market-under-threat-11059596?ref=bristol-uncovered.uk) that this arrangement would mean that people would not be able to leave their homes by car when the Tobacco Factory Market was held on a Sunday and could result in the closure of the Tobacco Factory Market. I don't believe this was the intention of this SBLN proposal, but it clearly shows how the SBLN proposals could have unintended consequences that were not predicted by BCC, --- ## Inherent Zebra Crossings The new proposals include the installation of new crossings along North St.. > Trialling implied zebra crossings, which reinforce pedestrian right of way, on eight side roads, including Raleigh Road. The 2026 map shows nine new Inherent (informal) Zebras on eight side roads. There are two on Raleigh Road. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/7e/00/7e00f3c6-351e-48d6-a922-14b85820294b/content/images/2026/08/image-114.png) The important distinction is that it is **not legally the same thing as a conventional zebra crossing**. A formal zebra normally has the striped carriageway plus **Belisha beacons and prescribed markings**, and carries the specific statutory zebra-crossing rules. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/7e/00/7e00f3c6-351e-48d6-a922-14b85820294b/content/images/2026/08/image-115.png) It is not clear what the terms of the "Trial" will be, but I hope we will get further details from BCC in due course. --- ## No Left Turn There are 3 new "No Left Turns" in the 2026 proposals. One on Frayne Road and two on the Amerind Grove development. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/7e/00/7e00f3c6-351e-48d6-a922-14b85820294b/content/images/2026/08/image-116.png) Please note this article does not describe all of the 2026 proposal changes as I have covered the major changes proposed. ## Transport and Connectivity Committee At the last T&C meeting on 7th July 2026 there were [**67** questions submitted](https://democracy.bristol.gov.uk/documents/b39613/Public%20Forum%20Questions%209th%20July%20TC%20Policy%20Committee%20with%20answers%2009th-Jul-2026%2016.30%20Transpor.pdf?T=9&ref=bristol-uncovered.uk) by the public, most of them about the EBLN and SBLN schemes. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/7e/00/7e00f3c6-351e-48d6-a922-14b85820294b/content/images/2026/08/image-111.png) As of 30/08/2026 09:18 the [2026 Proposals](https://www.bristol.gov.uk/ask/projects/south-bristol-liveable-neighbourhood/sbln-proposals-2026/?ref=bristol-uncovered.uk) information referenced in this article has not been re-published by BCC, although it still appears in [Google search results](https://www.google.com/search?q=sbln+2026+proposals&ref=bristol-uncovered.uk), and is available to view on the [Wayback machine](https://web.archive.org/web/20260815051435/https://www.bristol.gov.uk/ask/projects/south-bristol-liveable-neighbourhood/sbln-proposals-2026/). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/7e/00/7e00f3c6-351e-48d6-a922-14b85820294b/content/images/2026/08/image-112.png) This means the details I have provided in this article could be changed when the information is formally published by BCC, although I believe this is highly unlikely. The next Transport & Connectivity Committee meeting will be held on the 17th September (view [meeting page](https://democracy.bristol.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=665&MId=12203&Ver=4&ref=bristol-uncovered.uk)). If BCC publish the 2026 Proposals at least a week before that meeting then people can submit relevant questions to that committee. I hope this article will help people understand more about the SBLN 2026 proposals as they are radically different from the 2025 proposals. Once the 2026 proposals are formally published I will update this article to reflect any material changes.