‘If we are seen to falter, we risk losing it all’
By Plans to build the £50million South Bristol link road have been approved by the West of England Partnership in the face of widespread opposition.
Bristol and North Somerset councils will need to make the final decision, but the cabinet member for transport stressed the importance of the scheme.
“If we are seen to falter, we run a real risk of losing it all,” said Cllr Jon Rogers at yesterday’s partnership meeting in Keynsham.
Meanwhile, his opposite number in North Somerset, Elfan ap Rees, accused opponents of the scheme of making “lots of mischievous misleading comments” and claimed the scheme will benefit North Somerset residents by making commuting by car into Bristol quicker.
The scheme includes a new road between the Hartcliffe roundabout and the A370 at Long Ashton, completing the ‘ring road’ through from the Cumberland Basin approaches to the A4 east and north. Alongside the new stretch, through green belt land and residential areas, will be a bus rapid transit route.
The plans had already come in for criticism from councillors of the four local authorities who complained of the ‘incompleteness’ of the economic case for the Link, and refused to back it without further information.
The same complaint was made by several of the many objectors at the meeting, including the Bristol South Green Party.
They added a critique of the impacts of more traffic through South Bristol, and serious doubts about the viability of the proposed bendy bus route.
Business and some transport groups backed the plans, saying traffic levels were so high in the area that a relief road was vital and was supported by the quiet majority of residents.
Bristol and North Somerset councils must now approve the bid – if a public inquiry is needed it is expected to take place before the end of 2011. Final approval would be given in 2013 with construction taking place between 2014 and 2016.
The decision will be made in North Somerset on March 23 while Bristol will vote two days later.
"Elfan ap Rees, accused opponents of the scheme of making “lots of mischievous misleading comments” and claimed the scheme will benefit North Somerset residents by making commuting by car into Bristol quicker." through the green belt of course
And this is the leader of the council with member Bob Cook you did not approve a very very small road made to allow access to the proposed new BCFC stadium in the same green belt.
hypocrites the lot of them.
We're still trying to find out how the inward commute times (by car) will be affected. But the consultants report published a year ago reckoned that the Airport to Temple Meads trip (morning peak) would take longer if they build the road.
It's become pretty clear that the only reason the BRT scheme is included has nothing to do with it serving any useful purpose. It's just that a 'road only' scheme wouldn't attract government funding.
So you are heading for South Bristol along the A370. You then have the option of sitting in the traffic on the Long Ashton Bypass to reach the Link Road or cutting through Barrow Gurney and using the A38. I know which I would chose.
"the scheme will benefit North Somerset residents by making commuting by car into Bristol quicker."
I thought the idea was to reduce commuting by car into Bristol – or is this Jolly Jon's real agenda? I think we should be told…
Perhaps someone can explain who is going to use the RTS part of this scheme. Afterall, it doesn't actually run through Hartcliffe, catches the edge of Withywood, skirts around Highridge and is pretty useless for anyone living here on Bedminster Down. This in an area well served by a "showcase" bus route.