The EU study, by an independent transport planning consultancy, looked at 15 European airports, including the most congested ones, and involved key stakeholders.

BBC: EU Commission: Airport slots need improvement

The research, which was actually commissioned by the RAC Foundation, the Independent Transport Commission, the Office of Rail Regulation and Transport Scotland, also looks at the corresponding boom on the trains over the same period.

BBC: Which way forward for Britain's car and rail travel?

Mr Gollop, a former Lord Mayor of Bristol, is also promising to lower fares on Bristol's public transport and offer business rate relief for independent shops.

BBC: Bristol mayoral race: Geoff Gollop makes tax pledge

And independent voices agree - including the European Union's transport commissioner, Loyola de Palacio.

BBC: What next for BA?

Taking the place of four councillors who quit the cabinet last week are Independent councillors Bert Biscoe and John Pollard, who take on transport and localism.

BBC: Library

Sir Peter announced he had submitted his independent review of drink and drug-driving laws to the Department for Transport on 21 May.

BBC: Government ponders report on lowering drink-drive limit

Only the determination of the Transport Select Committee under its redoubtable chairman, Gwyneth Dunwoody, forced an independent inquiry.

ECONOMIST: Government

Planned transport schemes for Bristol, Bath and Weston would unlock 19, 000 jobs, an independent report has said.

BBC: Bristol, Bath and Weston transport plans vital: Study