IPB

Welcome Guest ( Log In | Register )

2 Pages V   1 2 >  
Reply to this topicStart new topic
> Bus lane for A4
Bofem
post Apr 1 2011, 10:49 AM
Post #1


Advanced Member
***

Group: Members
Posts: 485
Joined: 28-May 10
From: Newbury
Member No.: 924



A couple of years ago, there was an idea to turn a lane of the A4 between Newbury and Thatcham into a bus lane. It's now happening next year (see p164)

It appears from this that it's just westbound.



--------------------
Newbury's #1 ill-informed internet poster
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
JeffG
post Apr 1 2011, 10:55 AM
Post #2


Advanced Member
***

Group: Members
Posts: 3,762
Joined: 14-May 09
Member No.: 56



Rather than have everyone wade through hundreds of pages of council output, could you post a brief summary, please?

Edit - sorry, I see you posted a page number. Do you really read all this stuff? smile.gif
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Bofem
post Apr 1 2011, 11:05 AM
Post #3


Advanced Member
***

Group: Members
Posts: 485
Joined: 28-May 10
From: Newbury
Member No.: 924



QUOTE (JeffG @ Apr 1 2011, 11:55 AM) *
Rather than have everyone wade through hundreds of pages of council output, could you post a brief summary, please?

Edit - sorry, I see you posted a page number. Do you really read all this stuff? smile.gif


You're right Jeff, sorry it's dreary to understand what's going on locally and why. Maybe WBC have had to let go of their Website Development Manager in a bid to protect frontline services ohmy.gif


--------------------
Newbury's #1 ill-informed internet poster
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
blackdog
post Apr 1 2011, 01:01 PM
Post #4


Advanced Member
***

Group: Members
Posts: 2,945
Joined: 5-June 09
Member No.: 130



QUOTE (Bofem @ Apr 1 2011, 11:49 AM) *
A couple of years ago, there was an idea to turn a lane of the A4 between Newbury and Thatcham into a bus lane. It's now happening next year (see p164)

It appears from this that it's just westbound.

Obviously there is far greater need to get people quickly into Parkway than to take them away. wink.gif

I guess there is not enough space to do it both ways - unless they did it up the centre of the road? As there are so few buses they would almost never meet in the middle. Might be a bit of a problem dropping off passengers blink.gif .
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Strafin
post Apr 1 2011, 06:00 PM
Post #5


Advanced Member
***

Group: Members
Posts: 3,933
Joined: 14-May 09
From: Newbury
Member No.: 55



I always thought that would be a good idea IF they make it a part time bus lane.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
NWNREADER
post Apr 1 2011, 06:01 PM
Post #6


Advanced Member
***

Group: Members
Posts: 3,414
Joined: 20-November 10
Member No.: 1,265



QUOTE (Bofem @ Apr 1 2011, 11:49 AM) *
A couple of years ago, there was an idea to turn a lane of the A4 between Newbury and Thatcham into a bus lane. It's now happening next year (see p164)

It appears from this that it's just westbound.


You may have misinterpreted the information. As it is not costed (yet) I doubt it will be done next year, and almost certainly not fo0r any great lengths of the route. With the land required and engineering costing a fair amount there will be quite a run-up before work begins.
This is a proposal that was given a target for delivery (hence 2011/12 and 1012/13), and stands as an agreed item.

I wouldn't start driving down the middle of the road just yet.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
GMR
post Apr 1 2011, 09:16 PM
Post #7


Advanced Member
***

Group: Members
Posts: 6,085
Joined: 13-May 09
From: Newbury, Berkshire.
Member No.: 33



QUOTE (Bofem @ Apr 1 2011, 11:49 AM) *
A couple of years ago, there was an idea to turn a lane of the A4 between Newbury and Thatcham into a bus lane. It's now happening next year (see p164)

It appears from this that it's just westbound.



That is exciting.... are you bored then?
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Richard Garvie
post Apr 1 2011, 10:39 PM
Post #8


Advanced Member
***

Group: Members
Posts: 2,974
Joined: 8-September 10
Member No.: 1,076



QUOTE (Bofem @ Apr 1 2011, 10:49 AM) *
A couple of years ago, there was an idea to turn a lane of the A4 between Newbury and Thatcham into a bus lane. It's now happening next year (see p164)

It appears from this that it's just westbound.


So after the main bus route was diverted via Turnpike (number 1), we now get a bus lane even though the number of buses on the A4 has significantly reduced? I'd rather see this money spent on resurfacing works.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
NWNREADER
post Apr 1 2011, 11:09 PM
Post #9


Advanced Member
***

Group: Members
Posts: 3,414
Joined: 20-November 10
Member No.: 1,265



QUOTE (Richard Garvie @ Apr 1 2011, 11:39 PM) *
So after the main bus route was diverted via Turnpike (number 1), we now get a bus lane even though the number of buses on the A4 has significantly reduced? I'd rather see this money spent on resurfacing works.

And there you have a core problem with (local) Government funding...... Once something goes in a programme it stays there, regardless of need and regardless or whether something better comes up (almost).
Having decided to put in a bus lane, changing the plan is all but impossible - especially if the opposition would latch on to it as a U-turn by the majority group. The locals who drove the idea, and the councillor who sponsored it would kick up an awful fuss....
Maybe the better reason for a bus lane is the income from enforcement......
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Andy Capp
post Apr 1 2011, 11:26 PM
Post #10


Advanced Member
***

Group: Members
Posts: 11,902
Joined: 3-September 09
Member No.: 317



Another utter waste of money from the loonies.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Bofem
post Apr 2 2011, 07:26 AM
Post #11


Advanced Member
***

Group: Members
Posts: 485
Joined: 28-May 10
From: Newbury
Member No.: 924



Well folks, looks like this is going to cost the local economy significantly, yet no one knows a thing about it.

The idea came from consultants, which was then put in a consultation document, which was put on an obscure page of the website. The result: we get something we didn't ask for.

Had a quick look at the timetable, and can't find any more than 7 buses an hour westbound in rush hour. Unsurprising when it runs parallel to a railway line and motorway!

So we have the paradox of traffic congestion being the top local concern, and the solution being EVEN more congestion for buses used by fewer than 5% of the population.





--------------------
Newbury's #1 ill-informed internet poster
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Richard Garvie
post Apr 2 2011, 07:37 AM
Post #12


Advanced Member
***

Group: Members
Posts: 2,974
Joined: 8-September 10
Member No.: 1,076



QUOTE (NWNREADER @ Apr 1 2011, 11:09 PM) *
And there you have a core problem with (local) Government funding...... Once something goes in a programme it stays there, regardless of need and regardless or whether something better comes up (almost).
Having decided to put in a bus lane, changing the plan is all but impossible - especially if the opposition would latch on to it as a U-turn by the majority group. The locals who drove the idea, and the councillor who sponsored it would kick up an awful fuss....
Maybe the better reason for a bus lane is the income from enforcement......


Who was the member that sponsored it, and what support did they have?
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Richard Garvie
post Apr 2 2011, 07:45 AM
Post #13


Advanced Member
***

Group: Members
Posts: 2,974
Joined: 8-September 10
Member No.: 1,076



QUOTE (Bofem @ Apr 1 2011, 10:49 AM) *
A couple of years ago, there was an idea to turn a lane of the A4 between Newbury and Thatcham into a bus lane. It's now happening next year (see p164)

It appears from this that it's just westbound.


Is there a costing for this anywhere?
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
NWNREADER
post Apr 2 2011, 08:38 AM
Post #14


Advanced Member
***

Group: Members
Posts: 3,414
Joined: 20-November 10
Member No.: 1,265



QUOTE (Richard Garvie @ Apr 2 2011, 08:37 AM) *
Who was the member that sponsored it, and what support did they have?

Not a Scoobie. Just commenting on the 'normal' way these things happen.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
NWNREADER
post Apr 2 2011, 08:46 AM
Post #15


Advanced Member
***

Group: Members
Posts: 3,414
Joined: 20-November 10
Member No.: 1,265



QUOTE (Richard Garvie @ Apr 2 2011, 08:45 AM) *
Is there a costing for this anywhere?


as per the document - not yet costed. Hence my comments re unlikely to be soon.

Politically, now it is in the plan and the plan must be delivered, 'something' could be done fairly cheaply - a bus lane to by-pass Turnpike roundabout, for instance. 150 yards can be a bus lane.

Truth is, the benefit is minimal. There is a long-standing wish to promote use of buses and to appear 'green'. I believe the idea first surfaced in the Lib-Dem years. If so, there is not likely to be much enthusiasm for cancelling the project.

Highways spend quite a lot on consultants for projects, That and cancelling some of the projects would be a way to reduce costs, but built environment projects are vote-winners. Savings would also only be in-year....
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
GMR
post Apr 2 2011, 11:14 AM
Post #16


Advanced Member
***

Group: Members
Posts: 6,085
Joined: 13-May 09
From: Newbury, Berkshire.
Member No.: 33



It does make you wonder; I thought we didn't have that much money and that is why we have to cut back?

In Gaywood Drive Turnpike they want to build trees and wooden bollards on the green. Maybe it is a myth that we have to cut back, or the cut backs haven't reached WBC yet.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Andy Capp
post Apr 2 2011, 11:29 AM
Post #17


Advanced Member
***

Group: Members
Posts: 11,902
Joined: 3-September 09
Member No.: 317



Well I think we have seen in other threads how serious the council are about saving money. Especially when it impinges on their self imposed importance.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
GMR
post Apr 2 2011, 11:43 AM
Post #18


Advanced Member
***

Group: Members
Posts: 6,085
Joined: 13-May 09
From: Newbury, Berkshire.
Member No.: 33



QUOTE (Andy Capp @ Apr 2 2011, 12:29 PM) *
Well I think we have seen in other threads how serious the council are about saving money. Especially when it impinges on their self imposed importance.



Oh, yes.... which means we've got a contradiction here. tongue.gif

Just a matter of interest; the work that was supposed to be carried out in Gaywood Drive, Turnpike was not wanted my the majority of the residents... but that didn't stop them trying to throw money at their project.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
NWNREADER
post Apr 2 2011, 12:22 PM
Post #19


Advanced Member
***

Group: Members
Posts: 3,414
Joined: 20-November 10
Member No.: 1,265



QUOTE (GMR @ Apr 2 2011, 12:43 PM) *
Oh, yes.... which means we've got a contradiction here. tongue.gif

Just a matter of interest; the work that was supposed to be carried out in Gaywood Drive, Turnpike was not wanted my the majority of the residents... but that didn't stop them trying to throw money at their project.


That is the way of the world. Capital projects that look good get grant money and Councillor enthusiasm. Maintenance (revenue) is not sexy, so is at the bottom of the pile. I don't think money can be moved from maintenance to capital (and reverse) either, so money for a project cancelled cannot simply be used to resurface roads etc. I also believe it is so that it cannot be transferred to social care, especially as it is 'in year' allocation and social care is a rolling cost.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post
Richard Garvie
post Apr 2 2011, 02:11 PM
Post #20


Advanced Member
***

Group: Members
Posts: 2,974
Joined: 8-September 10
Member No.: 1,076



QUOTE (NWNREADER @ Apr 2 2011, 12:22 PM) *
That is the way of the world. Capital projects that look good get grant money and Councillor enthusiasm. Maintenance (revenue) is not sexy, so is at the bottom of the pile. I don't think money can be moved from maintenance to capital (and reverse) either, so money for a project cancelled cannot simply be used to resurface roads etc. I also believe it is so that it cannot be transferred to social care, especially as it is 'in year' allocation and social care is a rolling cost.


If it had to be something new, why not infrastructure to improve Robin Hood Roundabout? Your other point is very sensible too, and I think you hit the nail on the head. Road condition is a big topic though too, lots of people raised it as an issue in Newbury Town Centre today at our stall.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post

2 Pages V   1 2 >
Reply to this topicStart new topic
1 User(s) are reading this topic (1 Guests and 0 Anonymous Users)
0 Members:

 

Lo-Fi Version Time is now: 29th March 2024 - 11:00 AM