Residents in Pilning, a picturesque village on the outskirts of Bristol, are raising their voices against the neglect of their local infrastructure. The rapid expansion of Bristol and South Gloucestershire has residents expressing grave concerns about increased traffic and the overall impact on their once serene village.
The Rise of the Rat-Run
Recently, Bristol Live reported on large trucks passing through Pilning and causing significant disturbances, including shaking one man’s house. The knock-on effects of Bristol’s urban sprawl are now being vividly felt by the quiet village community.
Pilning residents describe their village as typically rural with family-run pubs like The Plough Inn and The King’s Arms, alongside a beautiful Victorian parish church. Despite these quaint features, the community’s connectivity is limited. The hourly Stagecoach 12 bus service routes residents from Bristol Parkway to Severn Beach, requiring a transfer at Cribbs Causeway to reach Bristol city centre.
Community Concerns
One anonymous resident referred to the road past his house as a “rat run” and shared experiences of vehicles being diverted through Pilning and Easter Compton whenever the A403 is closed. His concerns were underscored by a recent near-miss incident involving an overhanging truck.
During roadworks on the A403, restrictions on trucks exceeding 7.5 tonnes were lifted, leading to an influx of heavy traffic through the village. The proximity of the Western Approach Distribution Centre, just four minutes away, compounds traffic issues, especially since the establishment of Tesco and Amazon warehouses.
Pilning’s train station, which ranks among the UK’s least used, only runs two trains a week to Penzance, offering limited alternatives to road travel.
Planning and Development Woes
South Gloucestershire Council’s local plan envisions the construction of 20,490 new homes by 2040. In the nearby Easter Compton, 790 homes are planned, exacerbating traffic issues as key roads such as the B4055 are not slated for upgrades.
The new M49 motorway junction aims to alleviate some pressure, with construction anticipated to begin this summer and last approximately 12 months, according to a March 2024 update from South Gloucestershire Council.
Council Initiatives and Resident Feedback
The South Gloucestershire Council acknowledges local traffic concerns and has implemented several measures, including a 20mph zone and various traffic calming schemes like speed tables. While monitoring suggests these efforts are helping, local authorities stress that the responsibility lies with motorists to adhere to traffic regulations.
A council spokesperson remarked, “We are aware of local concerns around traffic in Pilning. Our Highways Officers have liaised with residents, the Local Ward Member, and Parish Council to explore possible improvements. Although some traffic restrictions can be enforced by the council, dangerous or inconsiderate driving should be reported to the Police.”
Residents are now calling for more robust solutions to safeguard their village from the adverse effects of increasing traffic and ongoing urban development in the surrounding areas.
