ONE-WAY traffic imposed by the Metrobus works in South Gloucestershire is set to be reversed next month in an attempt to make the morning commute easier.

From Monday, December 12, the system in place at Stoke Lane will be reversed, with traffic being directed northwards towards UWE Frenchay Campus.

The new one-way system is designed to allow commuters easier access to UWE and Abbey Wood during the morning peak period, and allow contractors, Alun Griffiths, to restore Stoke Lane to two-way traffic by February next year.

South Gloucestershire councillor Colin Hunt, leader of the West of England Joint Transport Board said:  “We have listened to what residents and commuters have been telling us and we have been monitoring the situation on Stoke Lane and the surrounding area for several weeks.

“Traffic officers at both South Gloucestershire and Bristol councils have been working together to find an alternative that would address concerns of both commuters and local residents without causing more congestion on the wider road network.”

The reversal of the one-way system will be on an experimental basis and further public meetings will be arranged in January to review the changes and gain feedback from local residents and community groups.

Cllr Hunt added: “We have taken into consideration the correspondence that we have received on this matter and held a number of public consultation meetings before reaching this decision. 

“It is our belief that this option will provide the greatest benefit to the largest number of residents and commuters. MetroBus will be a great asset when completed, providing a smarter way of travelling that will speed up journey times, relieve congestion and reduce pollution levels.

“It will provide direct routes to key destinations around the area, enabling thousands of people to access employment, education and leisure opportunities from densely populated areas without using their cars.”

Amanda Vinall from the Stoke Lane Action Group said: “We are very pleased that we've been listened to, but sorry that people have suffered for so long.”

The MetroBus work will continue until summer 2017 with occasional short duration, short length temporary traffic lights for specific pieces of work.