Agenda item

Report attached

The report before the Committee detailed responses to a consultation for the provision of fully accessible bus stops along Straight Road.

The introduction of bus stop clearways improves the accessibility of bus stops by providing sufficient space for buses to pull in close to the kerb. It had become even more important with the provision of buses that are fully wheelchair accessible, because the benefits of low-floor and “kneeling” buses are considerably reduced when the bus cannot be positioned next to the kerb.

Funding for Bus Stop Accessibility works mainly come from the Transport for London Local Implementation Plan (LIP), with occasional funding also secured as part of the development process.

Proposals for accessibility improvements had been developed for various existing bus stops along Straight Road.

In accordance with the public participation arrangements the Committee was addressed by a resident who operated a Dental surgery who spoke against the scheme, stating that the surgery was a busy NHS practice which needed direct access which the scheme would impede, especially for disabled people and deliveries. He felt that the proposal would only move the problem from one location to another and the practice needed access to their forecourt.

With the agreement of the Committee, Councillor Denis O’Flynn addressed the committee.

CouncillorO’Flynn explained that he and the community were against the relocation scheme detailed on diagram QM016/OF/40&41A, citing the noise and disturbance from bus users, especially being near McDonald’s. He was concerned about the proximity of a traffic island. CouncillorO’Flynn was concerned that the scheme would remove footway parking from outside the busy dental surgery, he requested that this element be rejected.

During general debate, Members sought clarification on the following:

·         That the bulk of the scheme would be implemented if the committee was minded to deleted the bus stop relocation.

·         That having two bus stops opposite each other would make traffic grind to a halt.

      Following general discussion a consensus was reached in support of recommendations 1 and 2(b) of the agenda item.

The Committee RESOLVED:

1.            To recommend to the Cabinet Member for Community Empowerment that the bus stop accessibility improvements set out in this report and shown on the following drawings be implemented;

·         QM016-OF-37A

·         QM016-OF-38&39A

·         QM016-OF-42A

·         QM016-OF-45A

·         QM016-OF-46A

2.            To recommend to the Cabinet Member for Community Empowerment that, having considered the representations made, the proposed relocation of the bus stops (affecting the northbound and southbound sites as they are linked) as shown on Drawing QM016-OF-40&41A be rejected and the Head of StreetCare investigate any other possibilities, notwithstanding the general lack of kerb space to create accessible stops.

3.         That it be noted that the estimated cost of £20,000 for implementation would be met by Transport for London through the 2013/14 Local Implementation Plan allocation for Bus Stop Accessibility.