Bus shelter and real time passenger information in Probus: revised plan published

In August this year, the Council put forward for consultation a proposal to install a bus shelter in The Square in Probus.

The Council received numerous objections to the original proposal including petitions signed by over 100 people. Some of the objectors to the proposals were of the opinion that the shelters would be detrimental to the setting of the conservation area. Some felt that there was no need for the shelters at all. A large number of people were concerned about the possible loss of parking spaces in The Square which would disadvantage the local businesses and local residents who rely upon the on street parking for their own needs.

There were, however, others who expressed support for the proposal. They did so because, in their opinion, having a shelter from inclement weather provides a much desired benefit to bus passengers and would make bus travel that much more attractive to users.

The Council has a duty to listen to the views of residents through these consultation processes and to make a decision on the way forward based upon a balance between the benefits of the project and the detriment caused by the proposal.

Although many expressed concern at the possible loss of parking spaces, it was never intended to ban parking in The Square or to reduce it significantly. The original proposal would have meant the loss of just one parking space.

During the consultation process, First Buses were asked to review the plans. They expressed concerns about the tight turning circle around the Jubilee lamp, particularly if some of the parked cars did not keep strictly within the designated spaces for parking. In view of their comments, the Council has withdrawn the original proposal and has worked up an alternative layout which will avoid this problem. Within the revised layout, no parking spaces will be removed; in fact, there will probably be room for one additional parking space on the road.

The revised plan has now been published, see below. Some residents will have received letters from the Council directly about this latest proposal. Please consider it carefully and, if you wish to make a comment, please do so either to me or directly to the Council.

You can download a standard consultation response form by clicking on Response form

November 2013