There are fresh calls to close a road running through one of Bristol’s most popular parks — in a bid to stop joyriders from tearing up the grass and damaging benches.
00:00There are fresh calls to close a road running through one of Bristol's most popular parks
00:06in a bid to stop joyriders from tearing up the grass and damaging benches.
00:12Circular road winds around the edge of the Downs, a large open space between Clifton and Westbury.
00:20It's used by drivers, cyclists and walkers, but recently antisocial driving has become a serious concern.
00:28Locals say that cars have been seen doing donuts and speeding across the grass at up to 50 miles per hour.
00:36Campaigners say that it's more than just a nuisance, it's also dangerous.
00:41At a public meeting on Monday 15 September, several residents urged the Downs Committee to push for change.
00:50Tony Nelson from the Protect the Downs campaign questioned why quick, low-cost safety measures like posts or barriers haven't already been put in place.
01:03The Downs Committee is made up of councillors and members of the Society of Merchant Venturers and doesn't have the power to close roads.
01:12That decision lies with Bristol City Council's Transport Committee, but it has previously supported closing circular roads to all vehicles except emergency services and disabled users.
01:25But not everybody agrees.
01:28Critics worry that a closure could spark backlash from pressure groups or cause traffic and parking problems in nearby streets.
01:36Some say that it's a delicate balance between protecting the park and keeping the city moving.
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