Agenda item

5.1

The Executive Director, Place submitted a report presenting the objections received following the advertisement of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for the proposed bus lane on Boston Street.

5.2

RESOLVED: That:-

(a)

the Traffic Regulation Order be made in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 for the bus lane proposed on Boston Street;

(b)

those who made representations be informed accordingly; and

(c)

the proposed bus lane be introduced.

5.3

Reasons for Decision

5.3.1

The Traffic Regulation Order will deter general traffic from turning left out of Boston Street on to London Road in the morning peak period which impacts on journey times for bus passengers.

5.3.2

The TRO will extend the current hours of operation so that the restrictions start at 7.30am, assisting earlier buses on London Road and Boston Street.

5.3.3

The TRO would allow camera enforcement of the new restrictions.

5.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

5.4.1

Officers have considered enforcing the current restrictions, although this would be difficult and expensive to implement due to the need to provide an alternative route at the point where it becomes ‘no entry except buses’. Enforcing the bus lane (rather than the ‘no entry except buses’) at the existing times is an option, but would lead to an inconsistent implementation of bus lane hours of operation, which could lead to unnecessary Penalty Charge Notices being issued. In addition, officers have also considered removing the restrictions completely. This is not considered appropriate due to the potential increase in traffic using Cemetery Road/Boston Street as a through route, coupled with providing more conflict in terms of signal priorities at the Boston Street/London Road junction. Doing nothing is not supported by bus operators or passengers so the bus lane approach is regarded as the most appropriate way forward in that it provides public transport priority but aims to mitigate against traffic disruption on other routes.

5.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

5.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

5.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Simon Green, Executive Director, Place

5.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Economic and Environmental Wellbeing

5.1

The Executive Director, Place submitted a report presenting the objections received following the advertisement of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for the proposed bus lane on Boston Street.

5.2

RESOLVED: That:-

(a)

the Traffic Regulation Order be made in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 for the bus lane proposed on Boston Street;

(b)

those who made representations be informed accordingly; and

(c)

the proposed bus lane be introduced.

5.3

Reasons for Decision

5.3.1

The Traffic Regulation Order will deter general traffic from turning left out of Boston Street on to London Road in the morning peak period which impacts on journey times for bus passengers.

5.3.2

The TRO will extend the current hours of operation so that the restrictions start at 7.30am, assisting earlier buses on London Road and Boston Street.

5.3.3

The TRO would allow camera enforcement of the new restrictions.

5.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

5.4.1

Officers have considered enforcing the current restrictions, although this would be difficult and expensive to implement due to the need to provide an alternative route at the point where it becomes ‘no entry except buses’. Enforcing the bus lane (rather than the ‘no entry except buses’) at the existing times is an option, but would lead to an inconsistent implementation of bus lane hours of operation, which could lead to unnecessary Penalty Charge Notices being issued. In addition, officers have also considered removing the restrictions completely. This is not considered appropriate due to the potential increase in traffic using Cemetery Road/Boston Street as a through route, coupled with providing more conflict in terms of signal priorities at the Boston Street/London Road junction. Doing nothing is not supported by bus operators or passengers so the bus lane approach is regarded as the most appropriate way forward in that it provides public transport priority but aims to mitigate against traffic disruption on other routes.