Car share lane extension removed

Work to remove a controversial extension to the 2+ lane on the Avon Ring Road in South Gloucestershire has been completed.

In 2004, the A4174 high occupancy vehicle lane was extended from the Church Lane overbridge to the Wick Wick roundabout on an experimental basis.

At the time a consultation of 300 people suggested 80% of those replying were against the measures.

In April 2009 the shortening was agreed after a review of its effectiveness.

The review was ordered last year after traffic monitoring figures suggested usage of the 2+ lane had tailed-off over recent years, despite efforts to promote car sharing.

It is believed many of the remaining drivers cannot car share for various reasons.

Other changes announced in April include allowing lorries and driver-only taxis to use the lane and reducing the lane's hours of operation to 0730 to 0930 GMT.