Agenda item

The Committee considered a report that outlined the responses to a consultation for the provision of fully accessible bus stops with some footway improvements along Firbank Road and Cornell Way.

The proposals for accessibility improvements had been developed for various bus stops along Firbank Road and Cornell Way as set out in the following table:

The Committee noted that the proposals included works to the two Carter Drive side roads to tighten kerb radii and improve pedestrian dropped kerbs for local accessibility.

Members noted that at the close of consultation on 10 Augustfour respondents had commented on the proposals.

The report detailed that London Buses and a resident supported the proposals. The resident supported the removal of the stop outside 41/43 Cornell Way, stating that the existing stop was an invasion of privacy.

The report detailed that two residents objected to the relocation of the bus stop from east of 61 Cornell Way to the flank wall of 50 Firbank Road, giving the following reasons:

·         Impact on visibility from a stationary bus for drivers leaving Carter Drive (north),

·         Proximity to crossroads with Carter Drive and impact on road safety due to impatient drivers overtaking buses,

·         Need for traffic calming,

·         Creation of disproportionate distance between stops,

·         Impact on reversing off driveway,

·         Overlooking of property and failure to consider development works,

·         Concern about noise from relocated stop,

·         Vandalism problems associated with relocation of bus stop.

In officers’ view, there were currently two eastbound bus stops within 95 metres of each other (outside 41/43 Cornell Way and east of 61 Cornell Way). London Buses considered the two stops to be too close and so an amalgamation into a single stop would be appropriate. The current stop to the east of 61 Cornell Way was directly opposite the westbound stop adjacent to 154 Charlotte Gardens, officers were of the view that an amalgamated eastbound stop should be offset. The “tail to tail” arrangement as proposed was considered appropriate as it allowed drivers to overtake a stationed bus if it was safe.

The Committee noted that officers were not in agreement with the suggestion that the relocated stop would create safety issues at the junction with Carter Drive as the stopping position was in excess of 20 metres from the western kerb line of Carter Drive.

In accordance with the public participation arrangements the Committee was addressed by a member of the public who was against the scheme.

The resident speaking against the proposal to relocate the eastbound bus stop to the side of No.50 Firbank Road raised concerns over highway safety and overlooking of rear gardens. The resident questioned whether the length of bus stop clearway being proposed was required and whether the relocation of the bus stop would lead to an increased risk of collision between overtaking and oncoming traffic at the junction of Carter Drive.  

During general debate a member noted that wherever the bus stop was positioned it would impact on someone. Members sought and received clarification on reasoning for the relocation of the bus stop. Officers clarified that the relocation was to ensure that the eastbound and westbound stops would be ‘tail to tail’ to allow drivers to overtake stationary buses with care.

A Member suggested that the eastbound stop be moved west, closer to the bridge to alleviate the concerns of the resident.

The Committee considered and discounted the possibility of the bus stops being “swapped” in terms of orientation so the eastbound stop would be positioned west of the bridge and the westbound stop would be positioned east of the bridge.

Following a motion that the scheme be taken forward with the proposed position of the eastbound stop being moved back as near as possible to the bridge, subject to officers double checking dimensions,

The Committee RESOLVED:

1.            Subject to the eastbound stop being moved as close to the bridge as possible to recommend to the Cabinet Member for Environment that the bus stop accessibility and footway improvements on Firbank Road and Cornell Way set out as detailed in the report and shown on drawing QN008-OF-A225-A227-A be implemented;

2.         Noted that the estimated cost of £15,000 for implementation would be met by Transport for London through the 2015/16 Local Implementation Plan allocation for Bus Stop Accessibility.