People living alongside the A4 Portway near Sea Mills railway station are demanding action to make the road safer - and quieter.

At one home, at the bottom of Roman Way, Stoke Bishop, a wall has been knocked down five times by speeding lorries.

But neighbours say the Portway should not only have a lower speed limit introduced.

They also want it resurfaced - in a so-called "quiet" tarmac - so that they can at last enjoy some peace and quiet.

The council says this would be far too expensive on current budgets.

"At the moment the noise from six million vehicles a year is intolerable," said leading campaigner Muriel Bolton, of Horseshoe Drive.

"It affects people's lives and their health. Sleep is affected and windows cannot be opened at night.

"The noise greatly increased after the road was resurfaced with large aggregate tarmac a few years ago.

"European Union legislation requires plans are put in place to alleviate effects of noise pollution."

Pensioner Mrs Bolton said there was a great deal of anger locally about the speed of traffic on the Portway.

Where the speed limit was 50 miles an hour, speeds were usually higher, he said.

"Crossing from the bus stop at Roman Way - or to and from the allotments - is hazardous," said Mrs Bolton.

"Children and the elderly particularly risk their lives."

More than 60 local residents have now signed a petition calling for a "quiet tarmac" surface to be laid on both sides of the Portway between Sylvan Way and the former Bristol and West Sports Ground.

It also calls for 40mph restrictions, traffic-calming measures and a pedestrian crossing or lights at the end of Roman Way.

Ward councillor John Goulandris will be raising the residents' concerns at the next full council meeting (Jan 13).

He told the Post: "Many other councils now use 'quiet tarmac' as the norm, whenever a road is resurfaced, recognising that it is their responsibility to make a positive effort to reduce noise pollution.

"Its use on the Portway would transform the lives of hundreds of people.To date Bristol City Council has used 'quiet tarmac' only on rare occasions.

"Quiet tarmac is a little more expensive than surface dressing, but what price can one put on people's health and quality of life?"

A city council spokeswoman said: "Following a recent complaint about speeding traffic we are asking Safecam to review their speed enforcement hours at the Portway.

"There are no current plans to provide any new crossings.

"The council continues to keep its road safety priorities under review, which are based on accident records.

"Following European legislation, the council is awaiting action plans from central government on noise reduction, including quiet tarmac.

"The council is enthusiastic about the potential of quiet tarmac, and it is applied when a main residential route has reached the stage when it requires a full resurface.

"However, current budget constraints mean that laying down quiet tarmac on all roads which would benefit, such as residential sections the Portway, would bust the council's £800,000 resurfacing budget by £1.5 million."