One of the criticisms levelled at Bristol International Airport is the lack of transport links.

People say that compared to Filton, which has convenient bus, rail and motorway links, Lulsgate is isolated and inaccessible.

But going hand-in-hand with the proposed expansion of Bristol International are a range of transport improvements planned for the next decade.

The West of England Partnership (WEP), made up of all four greater Bristol councils, is pushing through plans for an extension to the Avon Ring Road through south Bristol.

It is currently consulting on a variety of options, including high-speed bus routes or a normal road, between A370 and the A38 over the Hartcliffe Roundabout and on to Hicks Gate.

A report on the consultation is set to be revealed next month and work is expected to take place between 2011 and 2013.

Also in the pipeline is an extension to the Rapid Transit bus route between the city centre and Ashton Vale, continuing to the airport.

The first part of the route is not expected to be complete by 2013 and the further link to the airport would take at least another year to complete.

In the mean time, usage of the Bristol Flyer bus service has risen by 14 per cent in the 12 months leading up to November 2008 and more than 500,000 people a year now use it.

This year should see a new fleet of coaches for the service and a new transport hub next to Temple Meads is planned as part of the station's redevelopment.

Also key to the transport provision for the expanded airport are enhanced bus routes to tourist attractions in Weston-super-Mare and Bath.

Both are well served by railways - Bath Spa of course is on the main line from London and there are plans to make Worle a more regular stop on the main line to Exeter.

Better bus routes to the airport would be crucial to boosting tourism around the South West and both Bath and Weston, which is due for improvements at M5 Junction 21, are set for enhanced transport links.