AN EXTENSION to the high occupancy car lane on the Avon Ring Road will go ahead, despite strong opposition.

The scheme, aimed at reducing traffic queues on South Gloucestershire's notoriously jam-packed roads, only allows vehicles with two or more people in to use the lane.

It is currently in operation between the Bromley Heath and Badminton Road roundabouts, although not for the entire length of that stretch of road. The 2+ lane will now be in force, during morning rush hours only, along all the whole of that particular part of the ring road.

Previous plans did propose to extend the high occupancy lane much further on the eastbound carriageway, up to the Westerleigh Road roundabout, but after a dispute amongst councillors, a compromise has been reached.

The extension, of about 40 yards, is only temporary for the next 18 months, when its success will be assessed and commuters and residents' views will be welcomed.

However, the extension has been condemned by some councillors who want to see a park and ride scheme in Nibley first.

Cllr Colin Hunt (Con.Siston) said: "We believe that it is completely wrong for the council to be further restricting the use of the roads when the alternatives are not in place.

"Our policy is quite clear - that the operation of the entire 2-plus lane should be scrapped until park and rides are in place at Yate and Emersons Green, offering people a real choice to commuting by car."

He added that "better" public transport was needed on the district's roads and that the Tories would continue to fight against the extension plans. Cllr Mike Robbins has however, previously called the high priority lane "the best thing since sliced bread".

The special lane is part of South Gloucestershire Council's attempt to ease traffic, reduce pollution and encourage a healthier lifestyle. Its car share scheme has been seen as a major success with more than 1,000 members registered on the council's award-winning website 2carshare.com

Supporters argue if all car journeys in South Gloucestershire were shared by two or more people, drivers could save themselves more than 1,200,000 miles per year.

The extension is due to be implemented imminently, through money awarded to South Gloucestershire Council from the government, in recognition of its "excellent" status in road safety.