Drivers in Bristol are using Avonview Cemetery as a shortcut to dodge traffic, causing damage to graves and prompting council action to prevent this behavior.
The Bristol City Council is responding by adding more bollards and signs. They want to stop drivers from using the cemetery as a cut-through. The changes are part of the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood project.
This project has created no-through roads and bus gates in areas like Redfield and St George. The goal is to reduce traffic, but it has made some routes longer. Now, some drivers are trying to bypass the congestion by cutting through the cemetery.
The cemetery has three entrances, but the new traffic rules make it hard to navigate. Some drivers are ignoring the bollards and driving over graves. Local resident Ian Calway expressed his frustration about the lack of respect for the cemetery.
The council is saddened by the damage caused by these actions. Cllr Stephen Williams, in charge of the community committee, said they will install permanent planters soon to prevent unauthorized vehicles from entering.
The Liveable Neighbourhood trial has faced challenges, including delays due to local protests. Many drivers are now facing longer delays on main roads, leading to complaints from residents and commuters.
