Street sellers to be removed over safety concerns

Two public space protection orders have been signed off to prevent street vendors from blocking busy paths.

Bristol City Council drew up the orders after "serious safety concerns", when last year some sellers refused to move when blocking a footbridge during a busy event.

The protection orders will cover Ashton Gate and the Harbourside to prevent similar problems happening again in these areas.

Patsy Mellor, director of management of place, said: "This is not about stopping pedlars operating in these locations... last year there were severe problems with pedlars located on either side of Pero's Bridge and blocking the flow."

She added the council faced a "major issue" when "they [the vendors] simply refused to move from Pero's Bridge despite police requests and council officer requests".

The Local Democracy Reporting Service found that sellers will still be able to trade at events like football matches or the Harbourside Festival.

However, the new orders mean that the police or council officials will have the enforcement power to move them on.

The restrictions were carried out after a public consultation where some participants highlighted that vendors, who only leave small gaps for pedestrians, do not take into account space needed for people in wheelchairs.

One respondent said the street sellers "detract from enjoying the event with children as they're constantly asking for stuff that is being sold".

Others added that the Downs should also be considered for a new public space protection order as vendors are known to set up outside key exit routes from events such as Forwards Festival.

One street vendor said sellers "bring character, flexibility and vibrancy to events and public spaces, which ultimately enhances the visitor experience and supports the local economy".

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