Agenda item

The Director Planning, Development and Transportation submitted a report to the Commission to consider unresolved objections to the Leicester City Council (Melton Road A607, Leicester) (24 Hour Bus Lanes) Traffic Regulation Order 2021. Members were asked to give views to the Director to be taken into account when reaching a decision on whether or not to implement the proposed Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) and install the bus lanes.

Steve Richards, Senior Project Manager, presented the report and drew Members’ attention to the following:

·         As part of the Transforming Cities Programme the Council had advertised the proposal to extend the existing bus lanes on Melton Road towards Lanesborough Road, and from Lanesborough Road to Troon Way junction. The proposal was to improve bus journey times during busy periods. The Council had received six objections, and in summary were around operating the bus lanes 24/7, congestion concerns, potential impact on air quality,  U turn opportunities along the road, and the impact of larger vehicles having to turn into the bus lane in order to make a U turn.

·         To address some of those concerns the scope of the scheme had been extended to improve the U turn facility at Oakland Avenue, which would enable more vehicles to wait and not obstruct through traffic.

·         The scheme had been designed so the capacity of the signal junction at the Troon Way / Watermead Way junction was capacity neutral, i.e. it would not have an effect on the number of vehicles that would be able to travel through the junction at any one time.

·         The objectors had been offered an opportunity to talk about their reasons for objection, but the offer was only taken up by one person, who took the opportunity to reiterate their views on why it was not appropriate to introduce the bus lane on that stretch of the road.

Members were then given the opportunity to ask questions which were responded to as follows:

·         The main delays for buses were during the relevant peak hours, inbound in the morning and outbound in the evening. However, it was noted that Melton Road was a busy road throughout the day and traffic trends had changed in recent times, with an extended period of high traffic movement from midday around the city through to the early evening peak. Therefore the buses would be able to bypass any queuing traffic generated on Melton Road.

·         In terms of passenger numbers, reference was previous experience of the Aylestone Road bus lane had seen an increase in 13% passenger use as a result of the introduction of the bus lane, and it was anticipated that there would be a similar increase in passenger numbers on the proposed Melton Road given the residential development to the north of Melton Road with Rushey Mead and Thurmaston village, etc..

·         The current U turn facility was considered to be substandard. The proposal was to improve the reservoir for the right turn to enable turning vehicles to move out of the way of through traffic and create a safer environment

·         A Member asked if additional camera warning signs could be used to prevent drivers entering the bus lane.

Councillor Clarke made reference to Arriva being pleased with the performance of buses on the A426 corridor, and he was also pleased that electric buses in the shape of Park and Ride had been introduced on the A426 as the first electric buses, and the plan was to electrify every single bus service in the city. He added that in looking at public transport, buses were a priority and crucial in generating the modal shift in order the meet the outcomes needed in terms of air quality, the climate emergency, and he was also proud the city would have the first UK net zero bus station.

He added there was a plan for an expansive network of tram like buses to serve every community in the city, including employment areas. The discreet bus lane projects should not be looked at in isolation, but as part of a network that the city hoped would deserve to be compared with some of the best European models. Councillor Clarke added that when declaring the climate emergency in February 2019, it was done to make tough decisions that would improve the lives of people in the city, today and for the future.

Councillor Clarke also referenced the bus service that had been introduced from Broughton Astley to Leicester as a result of the introduction of the A426 bus lane and would circulate evidence to Members of the Commission to that effect.

In discussing the 24/7 element of bus lanes around the city, Councillor Bhatia queried if a similar system could be adopted as smart motorways, when a red sign would notify drivers that the bus lane was in use, and green meant a motorist could use the bus lane, which he believed would save confusion for the driver.

Andrew Smith, Director of Planning, Development and Transportation said he always welcomed smart solutions to highways issues and would take the suggestion back to the team for discussion. However, an important fact around bus lanes was the need to follow prescribed rules, how bus lanes were set out, and how they were signed. He explained the rules were tried and tested national rules so there was an understanding of the rules across the country, and users should understand the rules wherever they may be. He added that with the introduction of new technology, there needed to be considered the cost of running it and break down.

The Chair noted the comments made and asked that Councillor Clarke provide the requested information on the A426 passenger numbers to Councillor Porter, and officers take on board the suggestions made by Councillors Bhatia and Porter.

The Chair thanked the officers and Councillors for their comments and input.

AGREED:

That:

1.    The report be noted.

2.    Councillor Clarke provide requested information to Commission Members on passenger numbers on the A426 corridor.

3.    The suggestion of using technology to reinforce bus lane signage be taken by the Director of Planning, Development and Transportation.

4.    The suggestion of including camera enforcement signage on bus lanes be considered.