Bristol rush hour traffic - how bad?

[garycat]

Hi All,

My wife is considering taking a new job which will entail driving from Nailsea to Bristol city centre near Cabot Circus, probably via the A370. How long is it likely to take to get in and out during rush hour?

Train is not an option due to childcare commitments.

[Willie Dee]

I have heard that Bristol has the slowest moving traffic in the UK (excluding London.) Rush hour in the centre is horrific, it seems to have gotten slightly better since the recent changes but it's still pretty bad.

[custardkid]

hotwells is usually moving.
it used to be better, but then the council installed (empty) bus lanes and needless traffic lights

[frontbum]

I lived there a couple of years ago. It seemed like the traffic lights were purposely phased such that you never properly got moving, and if there ever any crashes the whole thing grinds to a halt for ages.

[miniman]

I come into Bristol down the M32 in the mornings, up to around 7:45 it's absolutely fine, later than that it can get quite busy. But it's never completely terrible, I can't remember the last time it took more than 10-15 mins to get from one end of the M32 to the other.

[jkh112]

I drive into the centre everyday and join the nailsea traffic as it goes onto the flyover by Ashton gate. As has been said earlier, the traffic at 7.30 to 7.45 is fine, as it gets towards 8.00 then it gets much busier but it does keep moving. Always better during school holidays!

[Six Fiend]

jkh112 said:

I drive into the centre everyday and join the nailsea traffic as it goes onto the flyover by Ashton gate. As has been said earlier, the traffic at 7.30 to 7.45 is fine, as it gets towards 8.00 then it gets much busier but it does keep moving. Always better during school holidays!

Colleague does the same, and says the same

[maffy32]

the 370 runs fine but its does go very slow once you get into hotwells

all depends on wot time she will be starting

may be faster to catch the bus

[maniac0796]

Willie Dee said:

I have heard that Bristol has the slowest moving traffic in the UK (excluding London.) Rush hour in the centre is horrific, it seems to have gotten slightly better since the recent changes but it's still pretty bad.

Heard it was Exeter

Probably the same wherever you go.

[garycat]

maffy32 said:

the 370 runs fine but its does go very slow once you get into hotwells

all depends on wot time she will be starting

may be faster to catch the bus

The park and ride bus? I guess thats an option, especially as parking is going to be £84 per month

[TDIfurby]

maniac0796 said:

Heard it was Exeter

Probably the same wherever you go.

Exeter has a tame rush hour compared to some I've seen (eg, Bristol)

[Yertis]

I commute in along the 370 to the centre, but fortunately not as far as your wife will need to go. Usually takes about 20 - 30 minutes for me but you should add 15 mins or so I guess if coming from Nailsea (depends on which bit of Nailsea!)

Is the Park and Ride an option?

[maniac0796]

TDIfurby said:

maniac0796 said:

Heard it was Exeter

Probably the same wherever you go.

Exeter has a tame rush hour compared to some I've seen (eg, Bristol)

True really, it just has bad traffic management and too many traffic lights in too short a space.