Issue - meetings

This report provides an update to Members on the progress of the various schemes incorporated in the Greater Redhill Sustainable Transport Package and seeks local committee approval for the introduction of a number of bus stop clearways at existing bus stops.

The Local Committee (Reigate & Banstead) agreed:

(i)To note the progress and delivery of schemes within the project.

And resolved:

(ii) To agree that bus stop clearways are introduced at existing bus stops along quality bus corridors where bus stop improvements are being undertaken, as specified in Annexes B and C.

REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. To update the Local Committee on the progress of Greater Redhill Sustainable Transport Package (STP).

2. Bus stop clearways: Buses require parallel alignment to the kerb to deploy ramping and kneeling equipment. Kerbing at bus stops has been raised to allow step-free access for wheelchair users, those with mobility problems, those with shopping trollies or child buggies and easier and quicker boarding/alighting for all passengers.

3. Parked vehicles within bus stops prevent this access.

4. Reliability of buses is improved if the vehicles are able to approach, stop at and depart from bus stops without hindrance, improving the accuracy of scheduled bus stopping times and encouraging usage of sustainable transport. Ease of boarding and alighting speeds bus operation and assists bus operators maintaining schedules and reliability.

5.Bus stop clearways enable Borough enforcement officers to issue penalty charge notices on any offending vehicles obstructing the bus stop area, thereby discouraging inconsiderate parking.

Declarations of Interest: None

Officers attending: Neil McClure, Transport Strategy Project Manager, Transport Policy

Petitions, Statements: None

Public Questions: Six (submitted before the meeting and answers to be forwarded to resident Mr S Rolth).

Member discussion – key points

1.    Officers confirmed that although no statutory consultation was required, those residents or businesses affected would be informed by letter of the changes.

The Local Committee (Reigate & Banstead) agreed:

(i)To note the progress and delivery of schemes within the project.

And resolved:

(ii) To agree that bus stop clearways are introduced at existing bus stops along quality bus corridors where bus stop improvements are being undertaken, as specified in Annexes B and C.

REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. To update the Local Committee on the progress of Greater Redhill Sustainable Transport Package (STP).

2. Bus stop clearways: Buses require parallel alignment to the kerb to deploy ramping and kneeling equipment. Kerbing at bus stops has been raised to allow step-free access for wheelchair users, those with mobility problems, those with shopping trollies or child buggies and easier and quicker boarding/alighting for all passengers.

3. Parked vehicles within bus stops prevent this access.

4. Reliability of buses is improved if the vehicles are able to approach, stop at and depart from bus stops without hindrance, improving the accuracy of scheduled bus stopping times and encouraging usage of sustainable transport. Ease of boarding and alighting speeds bus operation and assists bus operators maintaining schedules and reliability.

5.Bus stop clearways enable Borough enforcement officers to issue penalty charge notices on any offending vehicles obstructing the bus stop area, thereby discouraging inconsiderate parking.