Question Time.
Minutes:
Mr. Jeffrey Kauffman asked the Chairman the following
questions under Standing Order 35:-
A6 Oadby to
“1. Was
the
2. Who is it that decides
what is a major or minor change?
3. Does the change of design of the road layout alter the
4. On what grounds did the
5. What monitoring and evidence of improvement of bus running
times has there been during the experimental period?
6. Are you aware that since the bus lane was announced, a bus
company has ceased operating on the Oadby route?
7. What percentage of buses that do not stop at the racecourse
bus stop, use the bus lane?
8. Have speed checks been carried out on the few buses that
actually use the bus lane?
9. Do you agree that all buses that use the bus lane have to
pull out into a 40mph carriageway at the end of the bus lane? This was not in
the original design of the road layout?
Safety Concerns
10.
How
can it possibly be safe for the residents to exit their driveways by
reversing their vehicles into a 40mph bus lane, (bearing in mind the buses tend
to travel in excess of this limit) – it is not difficult enough
with pedestrians walking behind our vehicles when trying to reverse out?
11.
The
original service lane was implemented to provide safe ingress and egress to the
driveways of the residents’ houses. What was the reason behind its
implementation?
12.
How
can we possibly hitch up caravans, trailers etc without contravening the
restrictions you have provided?
13.
This
is an urban area and heavily used by pedestrians and cyclists, so why have we a
40mph speed limit with buses in excess of ten tonnes travelling at this speed
only feet away from the public?
14.
How
can disabled drivers wishing to visit park safely without contravening the
restrictions presently imposed?
15.
The
properties in this row were sought after, however, our experience shows
that since the introduction of the bus lane and the no-loading and parking
restrictions, house values have dropped and the interest in these properties
has waned because of the restrictions implemented. There is also ‘rumbling’ and
shaking of nearby houses when buses travel past. Has consideration been given
to compensating residents for this devaluation?”
The Chairman replied as follows:
“1. When the
Order is drafted and passed to the
2. The impact of any design changes is determined by the teams involved with the design in the Environment and Transport Department. They are therefore best placed to assess whether such changes are of sufficient magnitude to warrant being brought to the attention of Members, and if necessary ... view the full minutes text for item 112