Traffic problems are on most Bristolians' minds at the moment, with the daily journey to work a nightmare for many of us.

Roadworks on the M5 are at the root of the problem. No surprises there.

Eventually, those roadworks will end, but as sure as night follows day, more problems will surface.

Coupled with the year-on-year rise in people using cars, population increases and lack of confidence in public transport, it is hard to see things getting much better.

However, one scheme which the city is crying out for is a link road from the A370 to Hengrove Way.

The money men reckon this could unlock huge growth for the south of the city, and now two options have been shortlisted. Of course, there are plenty of obstacles to be overcome.

The second phase of building in each case will involve a lot of work in already built-up areas.

And the phase connecting the A370 to the A38, in each case, will involve work on existing fields and open land.

Prepare for controversy – but there is no doubt the city stands to benefit.

And another group of people who will be watching this debate closely will be the residents of Barrow Gurney, the small village between the A370 and A38, which suffers almost constant streams of traffic as people from north and west Bristol cut across to reach Bristol International Airport.

They have suffered for a long time now, and must be praying that things are about to change.

But first of all, technical work needs to be done, then a bid made to the Government.

And at a time of looming cuts to public services – and a General Election next year – there cannot be any guarantees that the cash will be readily available.