Issue - meetings

Forward Plan Ref: 2020/151

Contact: Hugh Potter, Group Manager – Area Operations Hub Tel: 07766 998704/David Bellchamber, Officer – Bus Infrastructure Tel: 07939 576546

Report by Director for Community Operations (Interim) (CMDE8).

The report presents objections received to a statutory consultation to introduce build outs at bus stops in Acre End Street, Eynsham and Corn Street and Newland in Witney, noting that no objections were received in respect of  proposals for Newland, Witney  The proposals have been progressed as a result of concerns raised by bus operators that bus passengers have difficulty safely entering and leaving a bus at these locations adversely affecting journey time reliability and difficulty for passengers in safely entering and leaving a bus at these locations due to on-street parking. The Equality Act (2010) obliges public transport operators and highway authorities to make reasonable adjustments for all users so that disabled passengers are not disadvantaged and providing access between a low-floor bus and the footway is seen as crucial to fulfilling those duties. It is also important to consider the needs of other disabled groups such as blind or cognitive impaired bus passengers, as well as those carrying heavy luggage and pushchairs.

The Cabinet Member for Environment is RECOMMENDED to approve the proposed build outs at bus stops in Acre End Street, Eynsham and Corn Street, Witney as advertised.

Deferred.

The Cabinet Member for Environment considered (CMDE8) a report presenting objections received to a statutory consultation to introduce build outs at bus stops in Acre End Street, Eynsham and Corn Street and Newland in Witney. The proposals had been progressed as a result of concerns raised by bus operators that bus passengers were having difficulty safely entering and leaving a bus at these locations due to on-street parking which in turn was adversely affecting journey time reliability.

Councillor Charles Mathew stated that when first elected in 2006 he became strongly aware of the traffic problems of Acre End Street leading to the central square of Eynsham. He had at that time offered a solution which had been rejected as it interfered with resident’s planning choice. This current proposal was a revisit of the problems for bus convenience, which he thoroughly respected (wheelchairs and buggies). He referred to the responses given by Residents 5, 12 and 14 and the impact this build out would have on Acre End street creating access issues and pinch points and the viability of Acre End street as a throughfare. The solution as he saw it would be to move or remove bus stop (the stops here were close together) or remove the ability/permission for parking to enable buses to pull in, pass easily and also to enable easy access for wheelchairs to board buses. 4 m would deprive two parking spaces but three/four would clear parking to the next entrance/resident’s drive.  He asked that this be considered in full with Stagecoach, himself as local member, the Parish Council and OCC and on site in order to reach a conclusion/decision to the satisfaction of all. He urged that the build out not be approved as proposed in view of the major inconvenience and chaos it would cause. He added that there had been no consultation with him or the parish council.

Having regard to the representations made to her at the meeting and responses from officers regarding the merit in exploring other options to address concerns the cabinet Member confirmed her decision as follows:

to defer a decision on the provision of proposed build outs at bus stops in Acre End Street, Eynsham and Corn Street, Witney to enable further discussions and consideration of other options with local members, local representatives and bus operators

Signed……………………………………..

Cabinet Member for Environment

Date of signing………………………….