A Guide to Driving in Bristol

Ah, Bristol. A vibrant city offering the perfect blend of rich history and modern attractions to tourists and locals alike. If you’re planning a weekend in Bristol, be sure to put some time aside to mentally prepare for driving and parking as Bristol’s roads have amassed quite a reputation in recent years…

A recent study by The Compensation Experts revealed Bristol to be home to the most dangerous drivers (beating London, Cardiff, and Leeds!), purportedly making Bristol one of the most treacherous places to get behind the wheel.

But don’t be put off by this title; in this blog, we’ll take you through the ins and outs of driving in Britain’s beloved ‘Brizzle’ — from knowing which streets to avoid at rush hour to keeping Clean Air Zone-compliant.

Bristol’s motorways

If you’re driving into Bristol from further afield, you’ll likely have to encounter one of the many motorways that connect the city to some of the UK’s peripherals. Let’s take a look at each in turn below.

The M32

Connecting drivers from the M4 directly into the city centre, the M32 is the most direct route for people travelling from the East of England. At just 4.4 miles long, the M32 is one of the shortest motorways in Britain. So, if you find yourself travelling along it, the chances are you’ll be taking an exit soon.

The M4

The M4 skirts around the very edge of Bristol as it stretches from London to South Wales, providing an essential link between the capital and the West of the UK.

The M5

Spreading further into the West Country, the M5 runs along the Western edge of the city to connect Bristol to Devon and Cornwall, as well as Birmingham and the Midlands to the North.

City centre roads in Bristol

Owing to its eclectic mix of old, narrow streets and modern infrastructure, driving in Bristol’s city centre can be a unique challenge for unseasoned drivers.

The city is known for its steep hills, one-way systems, and numerous pedestrianised areas. So, keep an eye out for the following hotspots when driving (especially during peak times like rush hour, school pick-up times, and bank holiday weekends):

• Roads like Park Street and Baldwin Street often get busy, particularly during peak times, and navigating can be tricky if you're unfamiliar with the layout and the steepness.
• The Centre, often referred to as Bristol’s hub, is an open, public space in the middle of a connection point between various major routes, including Anchor Road and Colston Avenue, leading in and out of the heart of the city. Be prepared for heavy traffic here, especially around Queen’s Square and the harbourside areas where both locals and tourists converge.
• The A38 and A4044 (Bond Street) are critical routes within the city centre, linking different districts. As such, these roads can become congested.

It’s also worth noting that many roads are lined with cycling lanes and bus lanes, on account of Bristol’s increasingly environmentally-friendly policies. As such, you should always keep an eye out for hidden cyclists when turning and double-check your blind spots.

Clifton Suspension Bridge

Arguably the most iconic part of Bristol, the Clifton Suspension Bridge is an architectural feat that has been attracting attention from tourists for decades.

If you’re heading into Bristol, the chances are you’ll be driving across the bridge at some point — and it’s a truly unique experience. Combining exquisite views of the Avon Gorge with the impressiveness of the bridge itself, the drive may be short but worth the £1 toll fee for motorists (cyclists and pedestrians go free). While the bridge is open 24/7, during peak times (especially in tourist hotspot season) the bridge can be busy. But, if you stick to the speed restrictions and be mindful of the narrow lanes, you’ll be fine.

Where to park in Bristol

Planning to do a bit of sightseeing in the city? Then you’ll need to park your motor in a safe space while you’re off taking in the culture. While there is plenty of on-street parking (just be mindful of permitted areas and double yellows), your best bet is to opt for one of the many large-scale car parks:

• Cabot Circus: A central shopping destination with over 2,500 parking spaces. Open 24/7, this car park also offers accessible and family parking spaces alongside EV chargers.
• Temple Meads Station: Located at the train station, this 24/7 car park offers short- and long-term parking for train travellers and commuters, also providing access to bus routes for travelling to surrounding areas.
• Brunel Lock Car Park: If you’re visiting Bristol because you want to see the sights, you’ll want to park here. Located right next to the harbourside, the iconic SS Great Britain, and the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, this small car park is ideal for exploring local landmarks.

Driving laws & regulations in Bristol

There are a number of driving regulations unique to Bristol city centre and the surrounding areas. Let’s run through each in turn.

Bristol’s Clean Air Zone

In recent years, Bristol has taken significant steps toward reducing its emissions, with the introduction of a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) in parts of the city centre.

Introduced to improve air quality and bring the city in line with regional emissions targets, the CAZ targets high-polluting vehicles travelling into certain parts of the city. This includes the Canon’s Marsh area, parts of Hotwells and core streets such as Victoria Street, Hotwell Road, and Queen Square. According to Bristol City Council, over 71% of vehicles travelling into Bristol already meet the zone's emission standards. That being said, the £9 daily charge will not apply to:

• Euro 4, 5 and 6 petrol vehicles, roughly 2006 upwards
• Euro 6 diesel vehicles, roughly end of 2015 onwards
• Fully electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
• Modified or retrofitted vehicles registered with the Energy Saving Trust's Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS)
• Motorbikes.

Speed limits in Bristol

In the city centre, a number of speed limits have been put into place to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, particularly in residential areas. These include central streets such as Baldwin Street and Park Street, certain roads in residential neighbourhoods such as Clifton, Redland, Southville, and Bedminster, and shopping hubs such as Gloucester Road and North Street.

So, keep a close eye on the road signs as, when driving in the busier parts of Bristol, you might suddenly enter a 20 zone without even knowing!

Why not stop at …

Now that we’ve covered the core laws and super-busy-rush-hour spots to avoid, let’s finish with some fun must-sees. If you’re visiting Bristol for a weekend trip, or passing through on your way to Wales or the West Country, consider adding the following places to your itinerary:

• Harbourside: A cultural hub in Bristol with a number of delicious restaurants to dine in.
• Clifton Village: A popular, quaint shopping and dining area.
• Ashton Court: Consider this Bristol’s nearby rural retreat, perfect for a countryside escape that’s not too far from the city.

Stay safe on Bristol’s roads with Kwik Fit

Regardless of whether you’re visiting from London for a weekend or passing through the city at the start of your holiday to Wales, it pays to familiarise yourself with Bristol’s roads.

If you encounter a bump on your journey, don’t worry, you're never far from a Kwik Fit. We have a selection of centres in and around Bristol so you can bring your vehicle in.

Whether you're heading on a weekend getaway or navigating Bristol’s busy city centre, it's essential to keep your car in top condition. From routine servicing to tyre replacements, the experts at your local Kwik Fit are ready to assist. Why not book an appointment today?