Bristol Spur
Hambrook to Bristol
The M32 is a spur in to the centre of Bristol from the M4, entering the city from the north but actually signposted as the way in from all directions on the M4 and M5. Its terrifically rubbish junction with the M4 is only the start of the traffic problems it suffers.
It was the UK's only single-carriageway motorway, and twenty years ago it ceased to exist. This is the story of the strange fascination it held, and of my place in history.
The second part of the story, where we learn why exactly the M4 gets narrower on the final approach to Europe’s biggest city.
The M4 into London was one of the UK's earliest and most ambitious motorway projects. It was bold, pioneering... and almost instantly regretted.
The UK has been driving in circles for a hundred years now, and this humble road junction has become part of British culture. Just what is so special about roundabouts?
