Bristol transport chiefs want public opinion on their plans

People are being given the chance to have their say on proposals to change the transport infrastructure in South Bristol.

Two schemes are proposed – a road from the Hartcliffe roundabout to the A38 and the Long Ashton bypass and a rapid transit bus from Ashton Vale to the city centre.

The West of England Partnership, of all four councils in the former Avon area, is throwing the issue open to the public.

Options for the first scheme include an extension to the Avon Ring Road, a rapid transit route, a combination of both or the remodelling of roads between the three points.

The rapid transit bus service from Long Ashton's park and ride and Bristol Temple Meads, which would run along new tracks, could be run on a variety of fuels.

The public consultation will have exhibitions throughout November, some with transport staff to answer questions about both projects.

"This exercise provides an early opportunity to comment on the options for addressing long-standing access and transport issues affecting South Bristol," said Mark Bradshaw, Bristol council cabinet member for transport.

"Residents, businesses and other stakeholders are invited to engage in this work and help shape the detail of the proposals as we seek the funding to transform public transport in our city region."

The consultation for the Bus Rapid Transit system is taking place at the following places on the following dates: November 7-8 at Long Ashton park and ride (unstaffed), November 10-12 at Bristol City Council House (unstaffed), November 13 at Bristol Temple Meads (staffed from 7.30am to 6pm), November 13 at Long Ashton Village Hall (staffed from 1pm to 8pm), November 15 at Broadmead Shopping Centre (staffed from 10am to 6pm), November 17 at Create Centre in Cumberland Basin (unstaffed), and November 18-19 at Create Centre (staffed from 11.30am to 8pm on Tuesday and 6pm on Wednesday).

The South Bristol Link consultation takes place from November 7-13: Long Ashton park and ride (unstaffed), November 11 from 1pm to 8pm at Gatehouse Centre in Hartcliffe (staffed), November 7-10 and November 12-14 at Bishopsworth Library (unstaffed), November 13 at Long Ashton Village Hall (staffed from 1pm to 8pm), November 14- 21 at At-Symes in Hartcliffe (unstaffed), November 17 at Create Centre (unstaffed), November 18-19 at Create Centre (staffed from 11.30am to 8pm on Tuesday and 6pm on Wednesday), November 21-24 at Sainsbury's in Winterstoke Road (unstaffed) and November 25 at Ashton Vale Community Centre (staffed from 1pm to 8pm).