ALLIANCE AGAINST SOUTH BRISTOL RING ROAD (SBRR)

WHO, OR WHAT, IS THE ALLIANCE

The Alliance is a group of local people from Stockwood, Whitchurch and Bishopsworth, plus a number of local MPs and Councillors, as well as a number of local and national organisations, including Friends of the Earth, (links to some of these are given elsewhere on this website). The Alliance is opposed to the concept of the building of the South Bristol Ring Road along the indicative route.

WHAT IS THE SBRR

The concept or proposal for a SBRR first appeared in the drafts of the Greater Bristol Strategic Transport Study, and it remains in the final report that was published in June 2006. The concept of a SBRR has been around for a number of years but the latest proposal is far more of a threat than the previous, rather 'half-hearted' attempts, to seek to build such a road.

THE ROUTE

The report, referred to above, contains an indicative route from the A370 (Bristol to Weston -Super - Mare) through to the A4 (Bristol to Bath) at Hicks Gate, where it would join the existing ring road (A4174 - Hicks Gate to the M32). It is envisaged that the proposed road would be built in three phases, possibly over a period of ten years, as follows:
1. from the A370 to the A38 (Bristol to Bridgwater). This first part of the route would be through open countryside
2. from the A38 to the Hengrove roundabout (also referred to as the Hartcliffe roundabout). This second part of the route would cross Highridge Common and through King George's Road in Bishopsworth. It then continues through parts of Withywood to join the existing dual carriageway and on to the Hengrove roundabout; and
3. from the Hengrove roundabout to Hicks Gate. The indicative route for this third phase is along Hawkfield Road and through parts of Hartcliffe. It would then proceed between Whitchurch and the north Dundry slopes, crossing the A37 (Bristol to Wells) south of Whitchurch Village and then south of Stockwood to Hicks Gate.

WHO IS PROMOTING THE SBRR?

The road is being promoted by the South West Regional Assembly (an un-elected quango) who included it in their road fund application made to Government in January 2006. References to the road are also contained in the Joint Local Transport Plan, submitted to Government in March 2006 and also in the Regional Spatial Strategy (this is being consulted on at the present time). However both the references in these documents are extremely brief and make no attempt to justify the building of the road. The Government, in their response to the South West Regional Assembly, have accepted the provisional plans to include the first two phases of the road (alongside 22 other road projects) but have pointed out that there is a huge amount of development work to be done and that there may not be enough funding for all 24 projects. The Joint Local Transport Plan stated how the initial work on the project should include plans for each and all of the three phases referred to above.
As we understand it, the next step is that funds will be required for the initial studies, leading up to the formal appraisal process that is required for any road project as large as the proposals for the SBRR.
It is possible that the Government may provide some of these funds, but the Local Authorities will also need to find funds from their budgets (council tax revenue!). The local councils involved would be North Somerset; Bristol plus Bath & North East Somerset. South Gloucester is part of the group responsible for the Joint Local Transport Plan, but may not wish to contribute, as the proposed road does not pass through their area!

WHAT ARE OUR AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Our aim is to oppose the concept, or proposal, to build the SBRR. One immediate aim of The Alliance is to seek to inform local residents of this "threat"and to try to persuade our local Councillors to vote against any proposal to allocate funds for the purpose of either the initial studies, or any appraisal processes, for the SBRR.

WHY DO WE OPPOSE THE SBRR

Our objections to the SBRR are based on practical grounds, environmental concerns, plus the effect it would have on local communities. These are listed below and you may find them useful to include in letters that you may wish to write to politicians, indicating your opposition to the SBRR. Please note that the points made here are, of necessity, in a much abbreviated form.
¢ The existing ring road is already heavily congested at peak times, particularly at Hicks Gate and the approach to the M32. Undoubtedly the SBRR would generate extra traffic and this would make the existing ring road even worse. The vague proposals to improve the existing ring road would not solve the problem. There are 11 roads between A4 Hicks Gate and the A38 that would require either a roundabout or underpass, ensuring that problems on the existing ring road would be replicated.
¢ There would be more carbon emissions as a result of the extra traffic.
¢ In recent years, and on similar major road projects, all the evidence indicated that nearby roads attracted extra traffic. This should be of concern to those who think that they may benefit from the proposal for a SBRR.
¢ The Green belt land to the South of Bristol is a superb amenity for residents of Bristol and the surrounding areas. It must be retained.
¢ The regeneration of Hartcliffe and Withywood does not need an extra road. It is already proceeding well.
¢ It does not make sense for the road to turn back towards Bristol and go very, very close to homes. The effect of noise pollution would be widespread and completely unacceptable.
¢ The air pollution that would undoubted occur would have a devastating effect, particularly on people, including children, that live, or work, adjacent to the proposed route.
¢ The loss of habitat would have a very serious effect on our wildlife. The pollution generated, including light pollution, would also have an adverse effect,
¢ Property prices would be depressed, plus inevitably there would be a loss of some amenities.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

The Alliance is seeking currently to provide further information to all households in those areas, and communities, that would be most affected should the current proposals for the SBRR become a reality.
We are at present, discussing a number of ideas for Posters and Leaflets, plus we plan to have a SBRR Information Stand at the forthcoming Whitchurch Fete at the end of August.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Whilst ten years may seem a long, long time away, and that therefore nothing needs to be done yet, The Alliance believes strongly that strong, determined opposition to the SBRR must start NOW. Over the coming weeks, and months, The Alliance will be asking for your support, in order that The Alliance can go from strength to strength.
Most residents in Hartcliffe and Whitchurch will have received a letter, dated 12th August, from Tim Kent, the Whitchurch Liberal Democrat Councillor, in which he urges residents to get more involved in opposing the SBRR. Included with that letter is a comment form, which you can use to make your views known to the South West RSS EiP at 2 Rivergate, Temple Quay.
PLEASE READ AGAIN TIM KENT'S LETTER AND ENCLOSURE, AND MAKE SURE YOUR VIEWS ARE HEARD.