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Toby Wells 💚

@tobywells.bsky.social
920 followers 417 following 48 posts

Green party councillor for Knowle, Bristol. Passionate about transport, planning & sustainability.

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Reposted by Toby Wells 💚
Cllr David Wilcox @david-on-a-bike.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
If the North of England gets these trains in 2034, the South West, including Bristol, will still have diesel-powered trains long after 2034. This is not an acceptable position. One of the Major sources of diesel pollution in Bristol is the trains. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
theguardian.com
New battery-powered trains will ‘bring faster journeys to north’
No 10 says new fleet of trains built in Derby will support 6,000 jobs across UK
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Toby Wells 💚 @tobywells.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
He's so close to getting it
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Cllr Emma Garnett @greenpartyemma.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Brilliant question-comment from woman in the audience (before this clip) as the Reform candidate rails against career politicians. "I'd rather have a career politician than a plumber who's a sexist." 👏👏👏👏👏👏
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Cllr Shona Jemphrey 🇵🇸 @shonajemphrey.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
Pleased to get to pop along to the action held today by @thejuryalliance.bsky.social outside Bristol Crown Court. The right to trial by jury is an essential part of the checks and balances in our legal system. And the changes proposed, would likely actually cost more! #Bristol #defendourjuries
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Reposted by Toby Wells 💚
Oxford Clarion @oxfordclarion.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
🎉 It’s happening! Direct Oxford–Bristol trains start on Monday, running every two hours from Monday to Saturday. Weekday Oxford departures are at 0700, 0903, 1103, 1303, 1504, 1904 and 2103: the journey takes ~1hr10.
GWR Intercity Express Train at Bristol Temple Meads (photo via Network Rail)
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Toby Wells 💚 @tobywells.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
From Monday, direct rail services between Bristol and Oxford will run regularly for the first time since 2003. The Green Group lobbied the ORR to support the bid from @gwr.com. These services provide important additional connections as well as extra capacity between Bristol, Bath and Swindon.
A screenshot of a train timetable showing a train departing Bristol Temple Meads at 07:14 and arriving in Oxford at 08:32.
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Reclaim Our Buses (West of England) @reclaimourbuses.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
How should WECA pay for franchising? We know that people in the West of England want more control over the buses through franchising. But there are a few different ways to fund it, with different pros and cons. Read our explainer below, and let us know what you think!
How should WECA pay for franchising? Tell us your viewsOptions to fund franchising:
Precept on council tax
Workplace parking levy
Local business levy
Grants from central government
Other ideas? Tell us!What is a precept?
A precept is an extra charge on your council tax. West of England residents already pay a precept for policing with Avon and Somerset Police.  
We don’t know how much the precept for franchising would be. 
Manchester has a general Mayoral precept which funds the fire service as well as transport. What is a workplace parking levy? A workplace parking levy is where employers have to pay a charge to the council or the mayoral authority for having a private car park used by their staff. In Nottingham, a workplace parking levy pays for the trams.
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Toby Wells 💚 @tobywells.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
So happy to see the Portishead line actually progressing with spades in the ground! I love that a Pacer was the best they could find for the PR opportunity 😅
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Melissa & Chris Bruntlett @modacitylife.com · 26/04/2026
Brussels has long carried a reputation as one of Europe’s most congested metropolises: a city of traffic jams, polluted air, and streets dominated by cars. Yet in recent years, the Belgian capital has become an unlikely case study in how bold political leadership can reclaim urban space for people.🧵
A series of photographs of low- and no-traffic spaces in the centre of Brussels, featuring pedestrian zones, terraces, trees and planter boxes, cycling infrastructure, and dedicated bus and tram lanes.A series of photographs of low- and no-traffic spaces in the centre of Brussels, featuring pedestrian zones, terraces, trees and planter boxes, cycling infrastructure, and dedicated bus and tram lanes.A series of photographs of low- and no-traffic spaces in the centre of Brussels, featuring pedestrian zones, terraces, trees and planter boxes, cycling infrastructure, and dedicated bus and tram lanes.A series of photographs of low- and no-traffic spaces in the centre of Brussels, featuring pedestrian zones, terraces, trees and planter boxes, cycling infrastructure, and dedicated bus and tram lanes.
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Carla Denyer @carladenyer.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Green-led @bristolcouncil.bsky.social received a glowing peer review from @local.gov.uk this month. It specifically noted how moving to a committee system has strengthened democratic engagement and transparency. But the Labour govt wants to stop all of that… news.bristol.gov.uk/press-releas...
news.bristol.gov.uk
New report highlights Bristol City Council’s progress and ambition
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Living Streets @livingstreets.bsky.social · 19/04/2026
It's happening! 📢 On Tuesday, MPs will consider an amendment to enable local leaders to ban pavement parking in their area. We need you to help us get this amendment on to the Bill. Ask your MP to agree to Amendment 265 when it's considered on Tuesday: bitly.livingstreets.org.uk/4tMU2Uq
An image of a person with a pushchair down a residential street near inconsiderately parked cars. The person is wearing striped clothing and walking past a black car. The setting includes brick buildings and a view of houses on a hill in the background.
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Bristol24/7 @bristol247.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
Developers are expected to get approval for revised plans to redevelop a south Bristol shopping centre
bristol247.com
Green-light due for revised plans to redevelop shopping centre
Developers have drastically reduced the number of new homes they will build
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Jan Rosenow @janrosenow.bsky.social · 12/04/2026
France 🇫🇷 doubles electrification support to €10bn/year through 2030 — EVs, heat pumps, industry. The reason? The Strait of Hormuz crisis making fossil fuel dependence impossible to ignore. Geopolitical shocks don’t just raise prices. They change what’s politically possible.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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Bristol Green Party @bristolgreenparty.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
Bristol’s Green leadership has been praised in a new, politically independent report from the Local Government Association. The evidence is clear: strong leadership, real collaboration, and a city moving forward together. We’re proud of how far we’ve come. And we’re just getting started.
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Jan Rosenow @janrosenow.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
For the first time ever, heat pumps outsold gas boilers in Germany in 2025. 48% of all new heating systems installed last year were heat pumps. Gas fell to just 39%. A decade ago, heat pumps had a 7% market share. The transformation has been remarkable.
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Cllr Shona Jemphrey 🇵🇸 @shonajemphrey.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
Congratulations Yassin!!! The city's first Somali Lord Mayor! Can't wait to see you shine! 💚 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
'Deep honour' as Bristol City Council's new Lord Mayor announced
Councillor Yassin Mohamud said he intended to
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Toby Wells 💚 @tobywells.bsky.social · 05/04/2026
Have just requested this for my birthday!
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Andy Cox @andy-cox.bsky.social · 05/04/2026
“Exceptional hardship” is granted (for proven habitual road crime offenders) in around 1 in 5 cases—yet the definition of exceptional is “rare and extraordinary”. In the UK, 5 people will die today in a road collision. We should prioritise safe travel, not leniency for repeat offenders.
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Bristol24/7 @bristol247.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Pedestrians now have less time to wait for the green man at stand‑alone push‑button pedestrian crossings
bristol247.com
Shorter waiting times for green man at Bristol crossings
"Reducing waiting times at crossings is a simple but important change that helps everyone feel more confident when crossing the road"
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Toby Wells 💚 @tobywells.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
The Bristol Green group of councillors submitted a supporting letter for this application. Direct services to Oxford will provide important extra connectivity whilst also adding capacity between Bristol, Bath, Chippenham and Swindon.
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Cllr Ed Lamb @edwardlamb.bsky.social · 29/03/2026
In amongst the mayhem, the UK grid is showing some insights into what is possible in the coming years. Terrible weather so no solar for us, but we get free electricity regardless thanks to @octopus.energy Agile and extremely low carbon intensity generation Imagine being a fossil fuel shill rn
Chart showing Octopus Energy Agile pricing for today, with rates extremely low till 4pmChart showing Octopus Energy carbon intensity for the day, with figures as low as 3g/CO2kWh
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Cllr David Wilcox @david-on-a-bike.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Gosh. A franchised Bus Service delivering services that people both need and want. Can't wait for this to happen in the West of England Combined Authority area. Might have to wait while though, because it's not in the Mayors Transport Vision.
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Toby Wells 💚 @tobywells.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
It's WECA scrutiny tomorrow and I have so many questions written up that I could easily fill the entire 2.5 hours myself! Will be asking the mayor when we can expect some answers on much needed bus reform (cc @reclaimourbuses.bsky.social)
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Patrick McAllister 🌱 @patdbmcallister.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
✅ As my colleague @tobywells.bsky.social points out, "franchising is such a good idea that it was universally supported by all parties" in the mayoral elections. ❌ But now she is in power, Labour's mayor is dragging her feet. 🚌 We need better buses, not more Labour delays and broken promises.
bristol247.com
'The mayor must be more ambitious and back control of our region's bus network'
Green councillor Toby Wells says metro mayor Helen Godwin needs to deliver "desperately needed change"
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Bristol Green Party @bristolgreenparty.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
Green councillors are supporting the introduction of direct trains to Oxford, with an open letter to GWR. “These services will offer improved connectivity to and from our city, enabling and incentivising more of our residents to make sustainable long-distance journeys,” says @tobywells.bsky.social
bristolpost.co.uk
Direct trains from Bristol to Oxford to start running again
If successful the services could eventually be made permanent
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Cam Hayward @greencamhayward.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
We've been making steady steps forward in recent years, but now we need to take a huge stride. The political stage is set for a real alternative that challenges the elites and gives power to the people. We need to grab it with both hands with @zackpolanski.bsky.social as our next Green Party leader!
A graphic showing 12 councillors and 10 key organisers from Bristol Green Party who are backing Zack Polanski's leadership bid. It includes the following statement: "Bristol has shown what Greens can achieve with ambition and vision. For us to break through nationally, we now need bold leadership that will reach people everywhere. That’s why we’re backing Zack Polanski for Green Party Leader."
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Ed Plowden @edplowden.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
Local Councillor Ellie Freeman and I were pleased to see the Festival Way reopened after a long closure (with a well signed diversion route). It’s been done to a good standard, with a bat corridor and lots of trees. Although it could have been widened beyond 3m.
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Bristol Green Party @bristolgreenparty.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
♻️ Bristol City Council are set to spend more money on tackling street litter and flytipping. ♻️ Green Council Leader, Tony Dyer, confirms that the Green Led Council will listen to the public and inject much needed investment into tackling street cleanliness.
"We are hearing loud and clear that one of the most pressing priorities for Bristol residents is to keep our streets clean.
It's no surprise that this is a problem
Labour took £700,000 out of tackling street cleansing and fly tipping in 2023.
I plan to prioritise this funding to respond to concerns raised about
street litter and flytipping."
TONY DYER
LEADER, BRISTOL CITY COUNCIL
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Cllr David Wilcox @david-on-a-bike.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
The world did not end when the bridge was closed for two years between 2015 & 17. Twenty-four thousand pedestrians and cyclists use it daily; those numbers will only increase if motor vehicles are excluded. Bonus: the bridge will need a lot less maintenance!
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Stephen Frost @sfrost.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
This would be a big improvement when walking with the kids Agree with @tobywells.bsky.social that current layout is a poor use of space: “Prince Street Bridge carries far more pedestrians and cyclists than it does people in private motor vehicles, but they’re squeezed into a much smaller space”
bristolpost.co.uk
Busy bridge over Bristol harbour could close to cars
Councillors were split on whether the closure would be a good idea
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Bristol Green Party @bristolgreenparty.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
About that claim that #Bristol is selling 1200 council homes...
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Toby Wells 💚 @tobywells.bsky.social · 18/01/2025
WECA Scrutiny meeting is coming up on Monday 27th Jan. This time we have some scrutiny specific papers on: 🚍 Bus Franchising 👩‍🏫 Adult skills programmes I'd really appreciate comments and Qs from the public submitted to the meeting! westofengland-ca.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocume...
westofengland-ca.moderngov.co.uk
Agenda for West of England Combined Authority Overview & Scrutiny Committee on Monday, 27th January, 2025, 10.30 am - Modern Council
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Toby Wells 💚 @tobywells.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
Working my way through the devolution white paper. It looks like the mismanagement of WECA over the past years means it won't be able to have greater control of its budget (integrated settlement) or greater levels of devolution.
Text from section 2.2.4 of the devolution white paper, available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/english-devolution-white-paper-power-and-partnership-foundations-for-growth/english-devolution-white-paper

2.2.4 Deepening devolution in Established Mayoral Strategic Authorities
Mayoral Strategic Authorities with a strong track record of delivery, which can demonstrate exemplary stewardship of public finances, can request access to a deeper level of devolution, including the Integrated Settlement.

Eligibility for Established Mayoral status

As part of ending devolution by deal in favour of devolution by default, the government is setting clear criteria for accessing the Established Mayoral tier. Specifically:

The Mayoral Strategic Authority (or predecessor Mayoral Strategic Authorities) have been in existence, with a directly elected Mayor in place, for at least 18 months at the point of submitting a request to move up to the Established Mayoral tier and access the Integrated Settlement;
The Strategic Authority has a published Local Assurance Framework in place;
In the previous 18 months the Strategic Authority has not been the subject of a Best Value Notice, a MHCLG commissioned independent review, or a statutory inspection or intervention;
The Strategic Authority is not subject to any ongoing (or implementing) recommendations from an externally mandated independent review; and
There are no material accounting concerns covering the current or previous financial year which relate to the Strategic Authority’s ability to manage public money.
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Heather Mack @heathermackbristol.bsky.social · 15/12/2024
It's brilliant news that more transport powers will be devolved. Local politicians know best what's needed & how to integrate the options locally. Now we need a mayor who will show leadership on this, which is something we've not seen from Labour.
theguardian.com
Metro mayors to control rail services under unprecedented England devolution plans
White paper paves way for London-style contactless-payment travel networks and unitary authorities to replace two-tier county and district councils
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Toby Wells 💚 @tobywells.bsky.social · 10/12/2024
My maiden speech today in the council chamber was about openness and transparency. The new committee model sets us up in good stead, but we are still not getting it right all the time. Culture shift is required across the council, for both officers and elected members.
Councillor Toby Wells, stood up in the benches of the council chamber in Bristol City Hall, mid speech
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Patrick McAllister 🌱 @patdbmcallister.bsky.social · 08/12/2024
The biggest obstacle to building more homes (that people can actually afford - that part always gets left out!) is not council planning committees. It's the systematic underfunding and weakening of local authorities, and Labour is to blame just as much as the Tories. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Planning reforms will end development chaos, says Angela Rayner
Officials will be able to rubberstamp development plans without local authority permission under the changes.
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Ed Plowden @edplowden.bsky.social · 07/12/2024
In this coverage we also hear from @tobywells.bsky.social directly www.bristol247.com/news-and-fea...
bristol247.com
Judicial review into Broadwalk redevelopment withdrawn
Developers and local campaigner Laura Chapman reached an 11th hour agreement
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Cara Lavan @caralavan.bsky.social · 06/12/2024
Brilliant story about victory for people power pushing back against developers in Knowle. Super proud of my Green Cllr colleagues @edplowden.bsky.social who took an early stand and @tobywells.bsky.social and Cam Hayward who have worked hard for this outcome. www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol...
bristolpost.co.uk
'Victory for people power' as Broadwalk compromise deal done
The shopping centre WILL be demolished and 'Redcatch Quarter' built, but scaled back after residents took the council to court
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Brent Toderian @brenttoderian.bsky.social · 29/11/2024
Hey UK folks, am I missing something? A transport minister with “the most compelling vision for transport that we’d seen in decades” resigns over a pretty irrelevant sounding thing in her past that was resolved and properly reported. Why do good people resign too easily and bad people never resign?
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Toby Wells 💚 @tobywells.bsky.social · 29/11/2024
Transport secretary announces a progressive transport agenda, then "resigns" the next day over a minor misdemeanor from a decade ago which was already known about...
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Cara Lavan @caralavan.bsky.social · 23/11/2024
There are so many questions to be asked about this. Greens asked for the meeting to be webcast as there is significant public interest in understanding whether this is incompetence, cronyism or corruption - but we were told no. I worry about the impact it is having on trust in local politicians.
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Patrick McAllister 🌱 @patdbmcallister.bsky.social · 23/11/2024
What is just as worrying is that we were asked to submit our questions on this *in advance*. There is no constitutional process for this and it stinks of trying to limit scrutiny of this decision by the previous Labour administration. Greens will be robustly challenging this in committee.
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Tristan Cork @tristancorkpost.bsky.social · 22/11/2024
A one-page report to the Audit Committee at Bristol City Council outlines the results of its investigations into the council's 'Stepping Up' programme over the past 6 years. Read the full story here: www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol...
bristolpost.co.uk
Council 'didn't follow its own rules' over companies' £600,000 contracts
Report reveals the ex deputy mayor used different name when registering as a director
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Ani Townsend @anist.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
We have an emergency protocol in Bristol when the weather gets this cold. Being out in sub zero temperatures often results in death, here’s everything you need to know about what to do when you see someone sleeping out & rough. Action will save lives www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol...
bristolpost.co.uk
Severe Weather Emergency Protocol activated in Bristol
Extra accommodation will be made available to ensure homeless people do not have to sleep on the streets
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Toby Wells 💚 @tobywells.bsky.social · 17/11/2024
Great to see this legislation coming forward, WECA needs to be gearing up to take advantage of it ASAP.
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Toby Wells 💚 @tobywells.bsky.social · 17/11/2024
From @edplowden.bsky.social : “I would like to see the metro mayor do what some of the other combined authority mayors have done: announce that they’ll use their own funding to maintain the £2 fare cap." (1/2)
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Toby Wells 💚 @tobywells.bsky.social · 16/11/2024
A glitch has occurred in Totterdown. Nothing to see here. Please move on.
A pub (the shakespeare) in Totterdown, Bristol, with large purple tentacles emanating from the upstairs windows, reaching out over the road in front.
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Rob Bryher @robbryher.bsky.social · 16/11/2024
Yes! Some more Bristol Green councillors have arrived here 😄 Please follow @lisastone70.bsky.social & @is0belrussell.bsky.social!
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Toby Wells 💚 @tobywells.bsky.social · 15/11/2024
Well done to everyone involved in the investigation and the court case. I hope the families can take some comfort in knowing that justice has been done, although of course nothing can compensate for the loss of the 2 boys.
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Marie Le Conte @youngvulgarian.marieleconte.com · 14/11/2024
don't know if it's properly escaped British containment yet but I really need the whole world to know that Rivals is maybe the single most entertaining TV show made this year, I promise you that even if you think "horny Brits who work in TV in the 80's" isn't your thing: it will be your thing
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