Liz Brennan, Conservative Group Leader on South Gloucestershire Council and local ward councillor for Frenchay and Downend, has welcomed the decision to reinstate normal traffic movements at Hambrook Junction , describing it as a “hard-fought campaign success for local residents.”
Following confirmation that air quality at the A4174 site has met national standards for two consecutive years, the Government has lifted the Ministerial Direction, with South Gloucestershire Council now moving to remove the long-standing traffic restrictions.
Liz Brennan said:
“Finally, after a great deal of pushing, we have reached the right decision for our community.
Residents have been raising concerns for years about the impact these restrictions have had, longer journeys, increased congestion, and real frustration for local families and businesses.
While I welcome this outcome, it is clear that both Government and the Council have been slow to act, delaying and putting off decisions.
But residents didn’t just put up with it , they took action.
We created and signed petitions, surveys , wrote to MPs and leaders, contacted the Council, and made our voices heard loud and clear. That persistence has been vital in getting us to this point. Without it, I do not believe we would be seeing this change today.”
Cllr Brennan added:
“I want to say a genuine thank you to everyone who stood up and supported this campaign. This shows what can be achieved when communities come together and keep pushing for change.
Now, we must get traffic moving again and see a proper long-term plan for the ring road, with 22,000 new homes being pushed forward by the Lib Dem/Labour run Council and the Labour Government.
Work to reopen the junction will take place alongside resurfacing of the A4174 and is expected to be completed by 27 April 2026.
