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Bristol Clean Air Zone could drive traffic to Failand, Leigh Woods, and Long Ashton

Ashley Cartman • 26 February 2021

Bristols proposed clean air zone:  Bad news for local residents?

Bristol has a problem with air quality. The government has set a deadline for Bristol City Council to act to reduce emissions and pollution. Its response is to propose a clean air zone that would restrict and charge drivers for entering certain parts of the city. I have been watching this for a little while as the boundaries are absolutely crucial. While everybody agrees that a focus on air quality is important the manner in which it is tackled is of crucial importance - the devil is in the detail. 

The red C on the map below shows where the congestion charging zone is proposed to start. This is at the bottom of Bridge Valley Road. The black line I have imposed on the map shows the route road users who wish to visit North Somerset (for example to go to the airport) currently use if they leave the M5 at junction 18. 
Congestion charge Bridge valley road

If a congestion charge is introduced all this traffic will simply divert, come off the M5 at junction 19 (Gordano Services) and drive through either Failand, Leigh Woods, and by Long Ashton in order to avoid the congestion charge.


This has a couple of important implications. Firstly, the diversion of traffic will undoubtedly put immense pressure on the A369 and other local roads as people avoid the charge. Secondly, if people are heading down the M5 and now divert via the A369 rather than using the Portway (the route marked above) they will be making a longer journey and hence emitting more pollution. In summary the side effect will be more traffic and pollution for us.


I am concerned about this and as your representative am making sure that North Somerset Council is strongly expressing concerns to Bristol City Council. These are just proposals at the moment but I will continue to watch the situation closely and keep you informed.




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