Bus lanes along a key section of the South Bristol Link Road intended to carry the Hengrove Park-Ashton branch of the Metrobus service should be immediately opened up to all traffic now the long awaited service has been postponed.
That’s the view of Bristol builders Helm Construction, who say the shock postponement of the already controversial link means the bus lanes are little more than a White Elephant.
Chief Executive Gary Sheppard said: “It was revealed this week that the South Bristol Metrobus link is not expected to open until surrounding development has been completed. The bulk of the development they are referring to hasn’t even been started yet.
“But in the meantime the bus lane is being used by motorcyclists, taxis and the odd cyclist – while the car lane is nose to tail every rush hour.
“While ordinary commuters from South Bristol sit in a traffic jam for twenty minutes those fortunate enough to be flying out on holiday or able to afford a taxi are being whisked down a virtually empty bus lane.
“It seems the people of South Bristol have once again been left at the back of the queue when it comes to infrastructure and facilities.”
Helm Construction are active on a number of Brownfield sites across the city including key regeneration projects in Bedminster, Totterdown and Knowle.
Gary Sheppard said: “Opening up the bus lane to cars and other vehicles will help move traffic from the A38 to the A370 Weston Road. The link is currently heavily congested during the rush hour.”