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Liberal Democrats: questions raised over BRT scheme in Bath
July 18, 2008 11:47 AM
Liberal Democrats are raising serious questions about the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme which forms part of the £54m Bath Transport Package (BTP). There are doubts surrounding the information which has been given out to residents and the assumptions on which the BRT is based.
A map of showing possible BRT route options
Newbridge Councillor Caroline Roberts says that the main questions relate to the segregated section of the BRT route which would run along the disused railway between the Upper and Lower Bristol Roads. Caroline commented, "Residents who will be affected by the route are deeply concerned about the proposal and about the way the Cabinet member is handling it. These concerns prompted us to take a closer look at the proposals.
"Last month the Cabinet member decided to circulate a leaflet to residents in the Newbridge and Kingsmead area around the proposed segregated route. The leaflet shows three different routes: a 'chosen route' and two other possibilities which have been ruled out. However this leaflet was put out prematurely, before feedback from Councillors and Don Foster MP could be incorporated, and it does not seem to tell the full story. It seems as though the Cabinet member is trying to stop any opposition to the BRT route by presenting a fait accompli."
Councillor Gerry Curran (Twerton) continued, "We have asked questions about the supposed higher land costs and loss of parking spaces which have led to the other two routes being ruled out. There are doubts over the assessments leading to the figures used in the leaflet: for example, the leaflet claims 260 parking spaces would be lost along the Lower Bristol Road whereas in reality, the stretches of road in question are not commonly used for parking.
"If it is possible that a better value option could be found using the Lower Bristol Road why is the Cabinet determined to build a new road on the disused railway? The Lower Bristol Road option would run through Twerton and has the support of the ward Councillors for Twerton and Westmoreland; it would also make it easier for buses to access the depot."
Councillor Paul Crossley (Southdown) contends that the former railway land could, at some point in future, be used for a dedicated cycle and footpath. Paul said, "A dedicated cycle and footpath would not require compulsory purchases of local residents' gardens but would open up a new, safe, separate route into the city and help reduce CO2 emissions."
The Council also seems to be assuming that no variation is possible within the Bath Transport Package. City MP Don Foster has written to the Minister for Transport, Rosie Winterton MP, to seek clarification.
Commenting, Don said, "It is important that we clarify whether there is any flexibility in this plan. Many residents have suggestions and queries, but it seems that no-one knows what the boundaries are for altering the proposal.
"How much can we vary the Rapid Transit route, and to what degree can we alter funding within the package? It seems that the Council are totally unaware of the answers to these questions, and this has led to growing frustration among those who wish to suggest alterations to the proposal."
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