Agenda item

6.1

The Executive Director, Place submitted a report outlining the responses received to the advertisement of Traffic Regulation Orders for two proposed schemes on the Mosborough Key Bus Route at Mansfield Road and Birley Spa Lane.

6.2

RESOLVED: That:-

(a)

the Mansfield Road Bus Lane Traffic Regulation Order be made and the scheme be implemented. In response to the objection, the Double Yellow Lines on the western side of Newlands Road at its junction with Mansfield Road be reduced by 5m;

(b)

the Birley Spa Lane/Spring Water Avenue Traffic Regulation Order be made and the scheme be implemented, subject to the bus stop remaining at its current location;

(c)

the lead petitioner and the objector be informed accordingly; and

(d)

officers be requested to investigate work on an extra area of verge treatment to enable parking on the left hand side of the junction of Birley Spa Lane.

6.3

Reasons for Decision

6.3.1

Both proposed schemes were part of the Mosborough Key Bus Route – the 120 bus route – which was one of the best-used high frequency public transport services in the City. The key route contributed to the City Council’s objectives of improving socially-inclusive access to jobs; improving access to mainstream public transport for all; and improving public transport in order to increase its usage. It aimed to make bus journeys on this main route quicker and more reliable through infrastructure improvements and improving network management and enforceability at critical locations.

6.3.2

Having considered the objections in the TRO consultations, it was considered that the reasons set out in the report for making the Traffic Regulation Orders outweighed the unresolved objections.

6.3.3

It was considered unnecessary to move the bus stop as outlined in the proposals as keeping the bus stop in its current location would not prevent the introduction of the crossing points and a number of residents had objected to the move of the location of the bus stop.

6.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

6.4.1

There were no alternative options for the relocation of the Mansfield Road bus lane. The alternative options for the Birley Spa Lane/Spring Water Avenue bus stop were set out in paragraphs 4.8 to 4.13 of the report.

6.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

6.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

6.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Simon Green, Executive Director, Place

6.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Economic and Environmental Wellbeing

6.1

The Executive Director, Place submitted a report outlining the responses received to the advertisement of Traffic Regulation Orders for two proposed schemes on the Mosborough Key Bus Route at Mansfield Road and Birley Spa Lane.

6.2

Ian King, a resident of Birley Spa Lane, attended the Session to make representations to the Cabinet Member. He stated that he was representing a number of local residents who had signed a petition opposing the Birley Spa Lane proposals. The proposals would mean the bus stop would move to the end of his drive which would create a number of problems. The current location of the bus stop was more appropriate for safety reasons as the proposed location would mean that buses could not be seen until the last moment whereas currently they could be seen from much further down the road.

6.3

Mr King further commented that youths may congregate at the bus stop and, as this was at the end of his drive, may create privacy issues. The location would also make it difficult to get on and off his drive and create safety problems. Mr King had no problems with the other measures proposed and believed that they were needed.

6.4

James Burdett, Traffic Engineer, reported that the location of the bus stop had been the preferred option of Members of the local Community Assembly when both options had been put to them. The access to Mr King’s driveway would be maintained if the proposals were agreed.

6.5

John Bann added that most bus operators preferred bus stops on the road and not on a layby as at the current location; however the other works could still be completed if the bus stop remained where it was.

6.6

Councillor Bramall commented that on balance he did not see a persuasive reason for moving the bus stop and, although Community Assembly Members had voted for the move, there was not a strong wish to do so.

6.7

RESOLVED: That:-

(a)

the Mansfield Road Bus Lane Traffic Regulation Order be made and the scheme be implemented. In response to the objection, the Double Yellow Lines on the western side of Newlands Road at its junction with Mansfield Road be reduced by 5m;

(b)

the Birley Spa Lane/Spring Water Avenue Traffic Regulation Order be made and the scheme be implemented, subject to the bus stop remaining at its current location;

(c)

the lead petitioner and the objector be informed accordingly; and

(d)

officers be requested to investigate work on an extra area of verge treatment to enable parking on the left hand side of the junction of Birley Spa Lane.

6.8

Reasons for Decision

6.8.1

Both proposed schemes were part of the Mosborough Key Bus Route – the 120 bus route – which was one of the best-used high frequency public transport services in the City. The key route contributed to the City Council’s objectives of improving socially-inclusive access to jobs; improving access to mainstream public transport for all; and improving public transport in order to increase its usage. It aimed to make bus journeys on this main route quicker and more reliable through infrastructure improvements and improving network management and enforceability at critical locations.

6.8.2

Having considered the objections in the TRO consultations, it was considered that the reasons set out in the report for making the Traffic Regulation Orders outweighed the unresolved objections.

6.8.3

It was considered unnecessary to move the bus stop as outlined in the proposals as keeping the bus stop in its current location would not prevent the introduction of the crossing points and a number of residents had objected to the move of the location of the bus stop.

6.9

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

6.9.1

There were no alternative options for the relocation of the Mansfield Road bus lane. The alternative options for the Birley Spa Lane/Spring Water Avenue bus stop were set out in paragraphs 4.8 to 4.13 of the report.