A trial has included restrictions on the busy junction for several years due to air pollution(Image: Google)

New details are expected soon on when turning bans will be removed at a Bristol junction notorious for traffic jams. Since 2019 drivers have suffered queues and circuitous routes around the turning bans at the Hambrook junction on the ring road due to fears over air pollution.

A long-awaited report is due to be published exploring whether the restrictions have reduced air pollution levels enough that the junction can be fully reopened. This will look at the air quality in the area throughout 2024, a deciding factor on if the government will allow the bans to be lifted.

South Gloucestershire Council made changes to the Hambrook junction, linking Frenchay and Hambrook via Bristol Road. These included banning right turns in an effort to reduce harmful levels of nitrogen dioxide. And drivers travelling north along Bristol Road have to go onto the nearby M32 roundabout, rather than simply driving straight across the junction.

Claire Hazelgrove, the Labour MP for Filton and Bradley Stoke, said: “Locally, I know we want healthy air quality across our community and straightforward journeys. Since the restrictions to the Hambrook junction were introduced in 2019, following the area exceeding healthy air quality limits, getting around locally has been more challenging — particularly for people living nearby.

“Since being elected, I’ve regularly been in touch with South Gloucestershire Council to ask for updates on progress towards this and I’d like to thank them for their helpful updates, which I’ve been able to share with residents who have been in touch.”

(Image: South Gloucestershire Council)

She recently wrote to the government asking about how the council can plan ahead and how local voices can influence the next steps. She added: “I know we all hope to see the upcoming report confirm improved air quality — vital for health — and the opportunity for the council to be able to consider changes that help make journeys smoother.”

The trial was put in place when the Conservatives ran the council, before a coalition of Liberal Democrats and Labour councillors took control in 2023, and was imposed by the government. In a letter to the MP, Labour Councillor Sean Rhodes, cabinet member for communities and local place, said the report would be published on the council’s website.

Cllr Rhodes added: “We recognise how important this information is to residents and remain committed to ensuring the process is transparent. Resident input will be central to any future decisions.”

Last month the issue was also raised by Cllr Liz Brennan, leader of the Conservative group, who in an open letter to the council called for transparency and urgent action. She previously said that the roadworks in other parts of the area meant the current set up “wasn’t working”.

In her letter, Cllr Brennan said: “While we acknowledge the historical reasons for the changes implemented at the junction, residents are now facing unacceptable challenges undertaking daily tasks such as commuting to work, accessing education, attending medical appointments and shopping. These issues are not minor inconveniences.

“They are significantly impacting wellbeing and economic productivity across our area. Our communities deserve clear timelines and a commitment to solutions that keep pace with development. Failure to act will only exacerbate congestion, harm local businesses and diminish quality of life for thousands of residents.”

She added that the council should reinstate the banned right-hand turns at the junction, and also carry out a comprehensive review of congestion on the ring road. The council was asked to comment for this article on when the report would be published.