Traffic flow restored after pollution levels drop

Traffic restrictions introduced seven years ago to improve air quality have been lifted, after pollution levels returned to within legal limits.

The measures were introduced at the Hambrook junction on the A4174, near Bristol, in 2019 in a bid to reduce roadside nitrogen dioxide levels in the area.

South Gloucestershire Council confirmed traffic movements on the ring road, between Bromley Heath and the M32 roundabout, will be reinstated from today.

The authority added air quality will continue to be monitored "so we can strike the right balance between traffic flow and environmental considerations".

National standards set out by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) have now been met for two consecutive years.

Councillor Sean Rhodes said he is "confident" the area will remain within those limits.

"The report we've received in the last 12 months has shown quite a substantial drop in those [nitrogen dioxide] levels," he said.

"This has created enough headroom for us to be confident that by reopening the junction, we're not going to go above those legally compliant levels."

He added longer term strategies include encouraging active travel along the route, such as walking and cycling, and introducing public transport to the area.

Vehicles are now permitted to make movements that include:

• Right turns from the westbound A4174 ring road onto the B4058 Bristol Road

• Right turns from the B4058 Bristol Road from Frenchay onto the A4174

• Going straight ahead when leaving Frenchay towards Winterbourne on the B4058 Bristol Road, including the cycle crossing

• Bringing the westbound bus lane back into operation (revised lane destinations will be in place as a result)

Traffic heading north or west will no longer need to go around the M32 junction to reach areas north of the ring road.

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