Meeting documents

APPENDIX 1

Scheme Proposals and Results of Public Consultation

All the elements of the Major Scheme indicated below are subject to all necessary consents including planning consent and Traffic Regulation Orders, and further public consultation as the scheme develops.

Showcase Bus Routes

The scheme will include significant improvements to bus routes throughout the city, providing quicker and more reliable journeys and making buses an attractive alternative for more people. Showcase bus routes will feature:

B7 Bus priority measures to improve bus journey time reliability

B7 Accurate 93real-time94 passenger information

B7 Well-designed bus stops

B7 City centre changes to accommodate bus priority

Bus services 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 13, 14, 16 and 17 would benefit from these improvements. The public consultation responses indicate strong support (87%) for investment in the quality and reliability of bus services. 58% of respondents said they would be likely or very likely to use buses more, were such improvements to be made.

Bus Rapid Transit

This system will provide state-of-the-art public transport in Bath. It will replace conventional buses on the busiest routes with latest-technology vehicles featuring improved levels of comfort, ease of use, information and reliability. It will bring many of the benefits of modern tram systems, but at an affordable

cost. Vehicles would be provided by a public transport operator working under a strategic quality partnership with the Council.

The construction of a busway along the disused railway line will provide a segregated route from a new Park & Ride at Newbridge to the city centre, passing through the Bath Western Riverside regeneration area and Green Park. Existing users on part of the route including cyclists will still be accommodated. On-street routes will extend the system through the city centre, and up to Bath University and along the A4 London Road to Batheaston and Bathford and a new Park & Ride site.

The system will ensure a high degree of priority at traffic signals to ensure journey time reliability. It will have the flexibility to allow easy future expansion.

The public consultation responses indicate a high level of support (71%) for such a system.

New and Expanded Park & Ride

The scheme will provide a new 800-space Park & Ride site on the east of the city at Lambridge (subject to the necessary planning consents). This will serve traffic from the A46 and M4 motorway and the west Wiltshire towns.

Capacity will also be increased at the existing sites at Lansdown and Odd Down.

A new, larger Park & Ride is proposed at Newbridge in association with the Rapid Transit scheme described above. This will provide up to 1500 spaces, significantly increasing long stay parking capacity for traffic from the west. Rapid transit vehicles would link the Park & Ride to the city centre, with a conventional bus service to the Royal United Hospital.

The public consultation revealed strong support for the larger site at Newbridge (76%) and expansion at Odd Down (72%) and Lansdown (66%). Whereas only 53% of respondents were in favour of the site at Lambridge (35% against and 12% unsure) the comments indicated that most of those opposed to the site supported in principle the idea of Park & Ride to the east of Bath.

93Real-time94 Car Park Information Signs

The scheme will provide variable message signs to advise drivers of incidents and delays, encourage use of Park & Ride and advise drivers about availability of spaces in city centre car parks. The information gathered by the urban traffic control and the bus location systems will be used to provide real-time information on the condition of the road network to encourage motorists to avoid congested areas.

City Centre Pedestrian Improvements and Delivery Management

Changes are proposed which will reduce traffic delays in central Bath during the day, ensuring that public transport can be given the priority needed to improve reliability. By its nature this element of the scheme will help to reduce vehicle emissions, and improve the quality and safety of the pedestrian environment.

The proposals involve restricted access to High Street and Grand Parade allowing only buses, taxis, cyclists and permit holders to use these streets during the day. This will free up road space, allowing environmental and pedestrian safety improvements.

Restricting traffic on the Cheap Street/Westgate Street/Upper Borough Walls loop to emergency vehicles only during the day will improve pedestrian movement and safety in these streets and along the main shopping spine and key tourist areas. Access to the Mineral Hospital and disabled parking would be provided via Quiet Street and Barton Street.

Restrictions to deliveries in the central area are proposed during times of high pedestrian activity, subject to detailed consultation with the Chamber of Commerce and shops and other premises affected. A freight consolidation centre for Bath would provide a more efficient means of managing deliveries to this restricted area. Initial studies indicate such a facility could be financially viable.

Changes are proposed in St James' Parade, with a two-way bus lane between the Corn Street junction and Dorchester Street. Ambury would be changed to one-way (southbound), allowing a direct route from Avon Street car park to Churchill Bridge.

These proposals all received support in the public consultation, with only 16% of respondents disagreeing with the High Street and Cheap Street/Westgate Street proposals, and 17% disagreeing with the St James' Parade/Ambury proposals.

HGV Restrictions with Permits for Access

A lorry management plan is proposed which would restrict the through movement of HGVs, supporting the congestion and air quality objectives. Long-distance strategic signing would be provided to encourage use of motorways and trunk roads.

The restriction would take the form of a weight limit on Warminster Road. A permit scheme would provide exemptions to the restrictions for lorries needing access to the city.

This was the most popular initiative in the consultation, with 93% support. The proposal is supported by a 3400-name petition submitted last year by the Bath Chronicle as part of their 93no through route94 campaign.

Rossiter Road Traffic Management Scheme

As part of the lorry management plan, it is important to provide as efficient movement as possible for those lorries that need to travel in the city, and to minimise their environmental impact. The A36 currently carries lorries in the westbound direction through Widcombe Parade, causing disruption and environmental problems in this local centre and shopping street. It is proposed to make the parallel Rossiter Road two-way, to remove all through traffic from Widcombe Parade.

This received 76% support in the consultation, with only 4% opposed (and 20% unsure). The proposal is also strongly supported by Widcombe Association, who have submitted a petition and other documents urging that the scheme proceeds.