As part of First’s ongoing fare review process in Bristol they are asking your views on local bus travel.

Their questionnaire is aimed at First bus users as well as those who don’t currently use the bus. It asks for information about the way people use First buses at the moment and your views on the fares First charge. You can complete the survey online. The consultation closes on 29 June 2013.

First Bus is also organising a number of events where people can discuss the fares consultation and any issues about their services in the Greater Bristol area face-to-face with representatives from First Bus.

Please note, this is a First Group coordinated consultation.  We are featuring this on ASK Bristol to assist in promoting a dialogue between First and the public as we know affordability of public transport is an important issue in Bristol.

Safety, health and community are the three key benefits of introducing a reduction from 30mph to 20mph on Bristol’s roads.

Lower road speeds mean that walking and cycling are more attractive choices, making us healthier; they also support local communities making crossing the road and using local facilities and businesses easier, and increase opportunities to meet and mix with other people living and working in our neighbourhoods.

And of course, reduced road speeds mean that collisions are less likely, and the injuries, when they do occur, are less serious.

How could it work in practice?

There has already been a successful pilot scheme in areas of South and East Bristol where we trialled 20mph. Results from the pilots showed a drop in average speed, an increase in walking and cycling and no change in journey times and reliability for buses. 82% of those who live in the pilot areas support 20mph.

In July 2012,  the Council gave its approval to bring in a 20mph speed limit in Bristol, meaning that all roads except 40mph, 50mph and dual carriageways will be considered for a 20 mph speed limit.  The speed limit change would be introduced throughout Bristol in six phases. The first phase, which covers central Bristol begins in July 2013. The speed limit applies to all vehicles on the road.

Who’s paying for it?

Funding to cover the £2.3 million it costs to implement the scheme will come from the Local Sustainable Transport Fund, awarded to the Council by the Government in 2012.

How would it be enforced?

The 20mph speed limit is the new legal limit. If you drive over the legal limit, you are breaking the law. As with the current 30mph speed limit, it is intended to be self-enforcing with periodic endorsement from the Police.

Vehicle Automated Signs (VAS) will be used to remind drivers of their speeds, and a communications campaign to highlight the lower speed limit and tell people about the benefits will take place as the roll out of each phase begins.

How do I find out more?

You can find out more information on www.bristol.gov.uk/20mph.

Update and progress report

This consultation closed on 29th October 2012.  A Progress Update for the 20 mph project has been produced incorporating the feedback from the Neighbourhood Forums, meetings, briefings, survey and displays that were carried out in central Bristol and the wider area from September to December last year. This is not your last chance to voice your views as there will also be a further opportunity to express views during the formal Traffic Regulation Order consultation for Phase 1 later this year.

Nearly 300,000 people are estimated to have attended this year’s Harbour Festival which brings much cultural, social and economic benefit to the city.

What did you think?  Are there any lessons to learn and improvements we could make?  What ideas do you have for how we can attract more sponsorship and increase income to cover costs?

Your responses will help us to better understand the economic impact of the festival and help attract more sponsors and support from businesses and community organisations to organise the 2013 festival.
Click to give your views now in our online survey

We’ll publish the overall results of the survey so interested parties can see the feedback.  If you visited it, we hope you had a great time and look forward to reading about your experiences.  The 2012 Harbour Festival was organised by Bristol City Council with Richmond Event Management.

Give your views now