Bus Operator Attributes Route Delays to Liveable Neighbourhoods

A bus operator has issued a warning that liveable neighbourhoods are contributing to delays on busy routes. First Bus, the primary operator of bus services in Bath, states that the closure of a city centre road to through traffic has diverted vehicles onto alternative streets, leading to increased congestion and subsequent delays. Bath and North East Somerset Council is implementing liveable neighbourhoods, also known as “low traffic neighbourhoods” or LTNs, throughout the city. The operator cautions that the council’s proposals to modify additional routes could result in further disruption and potentially render cars “the most attractive option” for residents. These contentious schemes are designed to reduce speeding and rat-running on residential roads and to establish safer environments for cyclists and pedestrians; however, First Bus has cautioned that they might encourage individuals to opt for cars. The operator stated, “Any LTN’s push traffic out onto main roads and increase traffic, thus delaying bus services and making the car the most attractive option”. The liveable neighbourhood implemented on Sydney Road in April has elicited varied reactions, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. While residents on the road have expressed feeling “freed from the tyranny of the motor vehicle,” those on adjacent streets have indicated that it is exacerbating traffic issues near their residences. First stated, “The recent Sydney Place LTN has pushed a lot of traffic out onto the bottom of Bathwick Hill, delaying service U1 and U2.” Additionally, the council plans to implement modifications to Gay Street as part of a separate liveable neighbourhood initiative. First warned that these plans would “prevent any buses from operating to the north of the city in the event of George Street being closed.” In response, BANES council commented that road closures in the area are “not common and are usually “of limited duration.” The council initially intended to introduce 15 liveable neighbourhoods in Bath; however, this number has been reduced to 11, citing “funding constraints” and the effects of inflation on construction expenses.