Date: 21 JANUARY 2003
Title: OBJECTIONS TO ADVERTISED TRAFFIC ORDERS
REPORT OF
THE STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE AND ENVIRONMENT SERVICES
1. THE ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL
(BUS STOPS) (CLEARWAY) ORDER No 1 2002
SUMMARY
An Order to provide a clearway on bus stops
between 0600 hours to 2400hrs was advertised during December and three letters
of representation have been received.
Two of the letters are in support of the
proposed restriction with one asking why the proposed restrict applies to Well
Road, East Cowes, which has no bus stop, but not Dover Road East Cowes, which
does have a stop adjacent to the Red Funnel Car Ferry Terminal.
One further letter has been received
objecting to the proposed Order on the basis that the public notice is
confusing, and there was, therefore, no option but to object until
clarification of the impact of the proposed Order could be identified. I have
since spoken to the gentleman concerned, giving a detailed explanation of the
proposed order, who has subsequently confirmed that he would be more than
please withdraw his objection.
EVALUATION
During the
past twelve months a number of complaints have been received from the local bus
operator, bus users group, and members of the public regarding difficulties
associated with the boarding and alighting of buses, as a consequence of
vehicles parking, and obstructing bus stops. The problem is particularly acute
for the elderly and infirm.
In
accordance with the Local Transport Plan, the Isle of Wight Council, have
invested heavily in improvements to the bus infrastructure in an attempt to
improve access for the all bus passengers, with particular benefits for the
elderly and disabled. These arrangements rely heavily on ability for the
approaching bus to have unobstructed access to the stop so that the nearside of
the vehicle can stop within 50mm of the adjacent, bus friendly, kerbs. This
combined with the introduction of low floor buses has delivered significant
improvements for bus passengers and allows unrestricted access for people in
wheelchairs, and those with pushchairs or buggy’s.
Indiscriminate
parking on bus stops has proven to restrict pedestrian access, delay bus
services, and have a negative impact on road safety. As a consequence, and
after consultation with the local bus operator and the police,
it was
agreed that the proposed Order would achieve significant improvements for bus
users.
The
potential impact of the proposed restrictions have been analysed in detail and
are not felt to have any negative impact on the provisions of section 17 of the
Crime & Disorder Act 1998.
POLICE COMMENTS
Hampshire Constabulary have made no written
comment with regard to the proposed restriction.
That the
Order is implemented as advertised.
BACKGROUND
PAPERS
One letter
of representation, a copy of which is attached.
Contact
Point: Peter Taylor, Principal Engineer (Traffic & Transportation)
Strategic
Director
Corporate
and Environment Services