The Gazette is supporting the MP for Thornbury and Yate Luke Hall who is campaigning for a new Junction 18a on the M4.

Studies have shown that this 'M4 Link' at the Bristol and Bath Science Park roundabout, between Junctions 18 and 19, would slash journey times for thousands of commuters, reduce traffic in many South Gloucestershire towns and villages, and make the area more enticing for new businesses.

Currently traffic often leaves the M4 at Junction 18 to take the A46 south, cutting through the villages of Pucklechurch and Wick to enter North East Bristol.

Junction 18a would vastly reduce the need for this, while quietening local villages and quickening journey times.

·An independent study exploring the business benefits for Junction 18A is currently being conducted by Dr Phil Tomlinson, senior lecturer in Business Economics, and Marc Betton, PhD Researcher, from the University of Bath.

On September 16, the report will have its national launch at the House of Commons which is due to be attended by ministers, MPs including Mr Hall, councillors, business leaders, academics and local residents.