Removal of Bus Lanes on Curzon Street, Duffield Road and Kedleston Road
The Council has confirmed its intention to remove bus lanes on Curzon Street, Duffield Road and Kedleston Road. Having considered the views of interested parties and those people making objections it is felt on balance that the disbenefits continue to outweigh the benefits.
On Curzon Street it is proposed to remove the bus lane which runs between Wardwick and Abbey Street. New restrictions are planned on this area as part of Connecting Derby which would continue to limit access to buses, taxis and cycles. However, motorists who park in private car parks on Curzon Street would have improved access to the new inner ring road.
On Kedleston Road it is planned to remove both inbound bus lanes. Existing loading restrictions, associated with the bus lanes, would also be revoked.
In the case of Duffield Road it is proposed to remove the bus lane in its entirety but also introduce new on road cycle lanes in both directions from Broadway to Palm Court Roundabout. This would provide much improved benefits for cyclists and help to control excessive traffic speeds. The 30mph speed limit will be retained.
The works are planned to place in mid April and will cost approximately £20,000 (in total).
Duffield Road Action Group
Duffield Road Action Group was established in Feb 2007 to highlight the negative impacts of the bus lane scheme on Duffield road. Our team logs accidents and incidents, report news and monitors bus behavior and general use of the bus lane. This blog is a central archive and record of our activities and campaigning for use in any litigation brought when a serious accident takes place.
Thursday 17 March 2011
Monday 21 February 2011
Tuesday 15 February 2011
No Decision taken by Council Tonight
Just been sent a message via twitter from Chris Doidge BBC Derby's Political reporter who messaged us to say no decision has been taken tonight re the bus lane. Follow Chris on twitter @bbcchrisd
U Turn Plan to Keep Duffield Road bus lane
Saturday 12 February 2011
Trent Barton begin 'Save our Bus Lanes' Campaign
Trent Barton are throwing all their corporate muscle in to a campaign to persuade the people of Derby that the controversial bus lanes on Duffield Road and Kedleston Road should stay.
Following an amusing Radio Derby interview this morning they claim that the bus lane has increased passenger numbers by 11% and that they are responsible for taking 60% of all Cathedral Quarter shoppers in to this location. These spurious claims just insult our intelligence. How can they isolate the bus lane as the main factor behind bus passenger increases.......a survey of bus passengers no doubt...because thats not a biased and engineered way to prove a statistic is it!!!
Also TB are working hard on a survey asking bus passengers if they are in favor of keeping the bus lanes. This is like asking the Cliff Richard Appreciation society if they want to keep Cliff!
The facts remain. The impact of the bus lanes on Duffield and Kedleston Road is negative, they make the road environment more dangerous and their benefits are negligible. Hence the reason why Trent Barton need to invent the figures above and ask bus passengers to complete pro bus lane surveys.
If you have had a bad experience on Duffield Road or Kedleston Road please email matthew.holmes@derby.gov.uk
Following an amusing Radio Derby interview this morning they claim that the bus lane has increased passenger numbers by 11% and that they are responsible for taking 60% of all Cathedral Quarter shoppers in to this location. These spurious claims just insult our intelligence. How can they isolate the bus lane as the main factor behind bus passenger increases.......a survey of bus passengers no doubt...because thats not a biased and engineered way to prove a statistic is it!!!
Also TB are working hard on a survey asking bus passengers if they are in favor of keeping the bus lanes. This is like asking the Cliff Richard Appreciation society if they want to keep Cliff!
The facts remain. The impact of the bus lanes on Duffield and Kedleston Road is negative, they make the road environment more dangerous and their benefits are negligible. Hence the reason why Trent Barton need to invent the figures above and ask bus passengers to complete pro bus lane surveys.
If you have had a bad experience on Duffield Road or Kedleston Road please email matthew.holmes@derby.gov.uk
Monday 24 January 2011
Council to Scap Duffield Road Bus Lane
It has been some time since I last posted news on the DRAG blog. This is because I have had nothing much to report but today we have received the news we have been waiting for. Derby City Council in a full council meeting yesterday has decided to scrap the bus lane. The Conservative group who have always supported the notion that implementing a bus lane on Duffield Road made the road environment more dangerous have delivered on their promises. No matter what your political persuasion it is satisfying to see local politics working for real people. The council will no put a traffic order together as part of the process of removing the bus lane. On a personal note I am delighted that the members of DRAG have influenced key decision makers at Derby City Council and the outcome is one of common sense
Tuesday 18 January 2011
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Derby City Council to Scrap the Duffield Road Bus Lane
It has been some time since I last posted news on the DRAG blog. This is because I have had nothing much to report but today we have received the news we have been waiting for. Derby City Council in a full council meeting yesterday has decided to scrap the bus lane. The Conservative group who have always supported the notion that implementing a bus lane on Duffield Road made the road environment more dangerous have delivered on their promises. No matter what your political persuasion it is satisfying to see local politics working for real people. The council will no put a traffic order together as part of the process of removing the bus lane. On a personal note I am delighted that the members of DRAG have influenced key decision makers at Derby City Council and the outcome is one of common sense.
How long before another accident happens?
I don't think anyone can argue with this picture. Would you feel comforable with someone you care about walking along this path. Everyday school children and other pedestrians are faced with buses and large vehicles travelling past them in the gutters. This situation created by squeezing three 3metre lanes (below in places) on to Duffield Road. Try pushing a pram up here when someone is walking past in the opposite direction!
You may argue that it is not as dangerous as other roads in Derby as if that is an excuse but this scheme is completely inexcusable and we want to ensure that people using this road and its footpaths safely.
If the bus lane has failed and caused an accident on a pedestrian crossing we are certain that future accident will be worse.
As such we will use this online space to document for the record our concerns so when something does happen we can use this to hold those responsible directly accountable.
You may argue that it is not as dangerous as other roads in Derby as if that is an excuse but this scheme is completely inexcusable and we want to ensure that people using this road and its footpaths safely.
If the bus lane has failed and caused an accident on a pedestrian crossing we are certain that future accident will be worse.
As such we will use this online space to document for the record our concerns so when something does happen we can use this to hold those responsible directly accountable.
The Bus Lane will be made permanent - no suprise there!
Council Officers have manipulated statistics, engineered petitions, ignored objections, Dft guidance and practical demonstrations given by residents showing the genuine risk of accidents on the northbound carriageway. Lib Dems and Labour councillors have made a politically motivated decision which has compromised people’s safety all for an average five minute time saving for rush hour bus passengers in term time only. This decision should deeply concern the people of Derby whose influence over the council is deliberately restricted. The decision is negligent; the process flawed and the outcome is nothing less than an organised crime. DRAG will continue to monitor the situation carefully and will now campaign to ensure adjustments are made to improve safety. Thanks to the hundreds of people who have contacted DRAG to offer support. Thanks to Kirsty Green and the Derby Evening Telegraph, RAM FM and Radio Derby who have actively followed the story. This media coverage has increased awareness of the dangers and stopped accidents from happening.
Meeting with Lucy Care September 1st
At last someone from the council is coming to my house to see what all the fuss is about. Its only taken 18 months!
On Monday Lucy Care, Cabinet Member for Transport and Planning is meeting with me to enable me to demonstrate the issues on the northbound stretch of Duffield Road.
I plan to undertake a simple exercise that will show the problems we face and those experienced by other road users.
I am delighted that at long last we will get the opportunty discuss this within the environment. I am also pleased that we will be able to do this before the schools go back as doing this at peak times in term time would be extremely dangerous.
On Monday Lucy Care, Cabinet Member for Transport and Planning is meeting with me to enable me to demonstrate the issues on the northbound stretch of Duffield Road.
I plan to undertake a simple exercise that will show the problems we face and those experienced by other road users.
I am delighted that at long last we will get the opportunty discuss this within the environment. I am also pleased that we will be able to do this before the schools go back as doing this at peak times in term time would be extremely dangerous.
Report Recommending Permanent Bus Lane
Please copy an paste the links below in to your browser to read the report written by Officers from Derby City Council. This report concludes that the levels of risk and danger that we have highlighted are acceptable. I have requested data and information about how the Officers undertook exercises and risk assessment to measure risk and danger but haven't received anything back as yet.
http://cmis.derby.gov.uk/CMISWebPublic/Binary.ashx?Document=11783
http://cmis.derby.gov.uk/CMISWebPublic/Binary.ashx?Document=11782
I would like to say that in 18 months nobody from the Council has ever taken the time to undertake the manoevres I have to make everyday which are putting people in dangerous situation as a means of either assessing and/or veryfying that there is actually a problem here.
As the report demonstrates the issues we have all raised are listed very concisely and then completely ignored.
If a risk assessment has taken place in light of the issues raised then at least the council has done something constuctive and will therefore be able to demonstrate that these dangers are acceptable. We will wait and see what they produce and will be asking for this data by using the Freedom of Information Act.
If no risk assessment has taken place and they have based their conclusion on gut feelings then this is completely unacceptable. We will wait to see what they come back with.
http://cmis.derby.gov.uk/CMISWebPublic/Binary.ashx?Document=11783
http://cmis.derby.gov.uk/CMISWebPublic/Binary.ashx?Document=11782
I would like to say that in 18 months nobody from the Council has ever taken the time to undertake the manoevres I have to make everyday which are putting people in dangerous situation as a means of either assessing and/or veryfying that there is actually a problem here.
As the report demonstrates the issues we have all raised are listed very concisely and then completely ignored.
If a risk assessment has taken place in light of the issues raised then at least the council has done something constuctive and will therefore be able to demonstrate that these dangers are acceptable. We will wait and see what they produce and will be asking for this data by using the Freedom of Information Act.
If no risk assessment has taken place and they have based their conclusion on gut feelings then this is completely unacceptable. We will wait to see what they come back with.
Conservatives Request Bus Lane is Scrapped for the 2nd
The Conservative Group have put a motion forward to scrap the bus lane experiment on Duffield Road at a full council meeting in July. This is the second time that the Conservatives have attempted to pursuade other parties of the dangers of the scheme. They hope that the new political make up of the council will make a difference on this occasion. This stance may also be connected to the up and coming by-election in Darley Ward. It is clear that the bus lane experiment is extremely unpopular on multiple levels and is almost a guaranteedvote winner. On behalf to the members of the Duffield Road Action Group we wish you success with this motion.
Its official - Four Minute Time Savings on Buses!
After requesting the data related to the bus lane experiment the results are in. The bus lane saves on average four minutes per bus during rush hour (8am-9am). Scheduled buses travel every fifteen minutes. Outside rush hour there is no congestion. So if you are bus user and travel at morning rush hour the new bus lane saves you four minutes......whoopeedoo!
The bus lane has also slowed down journey times for car users creating great congestion. These are facts, not speculation based on a DCC traffic survey over many months. Final results will be available at the review in September.
Taking all the problems and dangers in to consideration and the cost (£120,000 +) is it worth it?
The bus lane has also slowed down journey times for car users creating great congestion. These are facts, not speculation based on a DCC traffic survey over many months. Final results will be available at the review in September.
Taking all the problems and dangers in to consideration and the cost (£120,000 +) is it worth it?
May 1st Elections - Political Stance RE: Bus Lane
Anyone living in Darley Ward will be aware by now of the Labour party and Conservative stance regarding the bus lane on Duffield Road. However the Lib Dems have not made comment.....yet.
Labour - Know changes are needed. Option 1 - Widen the road with possible removal of tree on the citybound side to accomodate a 4th lane for cyclists. Option 2 - Remove bus lane at Mileash Lane to Broadway (worst affected area).
Conservatives - Short and sweet - Scrap it!
I have asked Finbar Richards (Lib Dem Campaigner / Darley Ward) to clarify his thoughts and position on this and I will report my findings assuming he wants to answer the question.
It would be disappointing and a little odd if the Lib Dems decided to sit on the fence on this issue however we will wait to see what happens.
Labour - Know changes are needed. Option 1 - Widen the road with possible removal of tree on the citybound side to accomodate a 4th lane for cyclists. Option 2 - Remove bus lane at Mileash Lane to Broadway (worst affected area).
Conservatives - Short and sweet - Scrap it!
I have asked Finbar Richards (Lib Dem Campaigner / Darley Ward) to clarify his thoughts and position on this and I will report my findings assuming he wants to answer the question.
It would be disappointing and a little odd if the Lib Dems decided to sit on the fence on this issue however we will wait to see what happens.
Recent Correspondance for Chris Wynn (Labour)
The letter below was written to me after I wrote to the council to outline my ongoing concerns with the scheme. I highlighted that the bus lane from Church Lane to the Broadway could only demonstrate a 4 minute time saving and had actually increased car journey times over the same route by 1.5 minutes (data supplied by DCC for these figures). In my letter I also logged concerns on behalf of the cyclists who had contacted me after having minor accidents.
Here is Chris's response:
Simon,
I agree with you over the need for a northbound cycle lane, as I believe I told you at the time. It actually returns the centerline of the road back to near where it was before on a critical stretch of road, with the added advantage of keeping northbound vehicles away from the kerbline.
If the minor road widening necessary to achieve that cannot be done, for whatever reason, then I am firmly of the opinion that we should curtail the bus lane at Mileash Lane. My view will not change if I am ever re-appointed to that cabinet post.
Please feel free to publish this email if you wish.
Kind regards
Chris Wynn BSc CEng MICE MIHT
___________________________________________
I would be very interested to hear your thoughts on this plan. Please email me at duffieldroadaction@hotmail.com I will pass on any emails directly to My Wynn if required.
Here is Chris's response:
Simon,
I agree with you over the need for a northbound cycle lane, as I believe I told you at the time. It actually returns the centerline of the road back to near where it was before on a critical stretch of road, with the added advantage of keeping northbound vehicles away from the kerbline.
If the minor road widening necessary to achieve that cannot be done, for whatever reason, then I am firmly of the opinion that we should curtail the bus lane at Mileash Lane. My view will not change if I am ever re-appointed to that cabinet post.
Please feel free to publish this email if you wish.
Kind regards
Chris Wynn BSc CEng MICE MIHT
___________________________________________
I would be very interested to hear your thoughts on this plan. Please email me at duffieldroadaction@hotmail.com I will pass on any emails directly to My Wynn if required.
Work begins on gardens to accomodate the narrow lanes
Unable to wait any longer residents have begun the garden alterations that they were so keen to avoid. Without any assistance or funding from DCC residents are now being forced to widen drives, remove trees etc to improve safety and make space for additional parking. Taking out trees and greenery and replacing it with tarmac is very depressing especially when this scheme is supposed to be green! Due to the narrowness of the new lanes it has become impossible to enter and exit drives safely. As a result urgent alterations are needed. Although residents have requested assistance and funding from DCC to help with alterations nothing has been offered.
Results of Motion to Remove Bus Lane - Council Meeting 12th
Well, where do we start. On a positive note I am delighted that this issue is beginning to get the airtime it deserves. On watching the debate it was clear that the safety issues we've been highlighting for six months are starting to hit home at the highest level. The conservatives delivered an honest appraisal of the current situation and accurately represented the views of the majority who want to see the bus lane removed due to it's ill affects. The Lib Dems didn't seem to have the confidence or will to invest in this idea. Although they certainly did not agree with Labour either and felt there should be a full investigation resulting in hard facts before they could agree to such a motion. Labour on the other hand were against the Lib Dems idea. I am sure they don't want this scheme to be scrutinesed professionally as this will expose their failings and lack of hard data to back up their so called 'facts'.
So the lack of progress and honest decision making can be put down to rather pathetic political in fighting. I am positive that if there had been a chance to separate the individuals from their political parties that a sensible and resounding result would have taken place in favor of the abolition of the scheme. The motto and most sensible view would have been if in doubt take it out!
It amazes me that an experiment such as this is going to continue with such overwelming information from the public and countless experiences from people stating the dangers.
Collectively the council didn't come to a decision because they couldn't agree not because the majority were in favor of keeping the bus lane. A travisty when they are putting people's lives at risk.
Time will be the biggest judge of this scheme and on the 12th of September DCC agreed to continue the bus lane scheme. They are stated that there were no dangers involved. As I leave my house every day and witness the reality I am sure they will live to regret they ever said this!
So the lack of progress and honest decision making can be put down to rather pathetic political in fighting. I am positive that if there had been a chance to separate the individuals from their political parties that a sensible and resounding result would have taken place in favor of the abolition of the scheme. The motto and most sensible view would have been if in doubt take it out!
It amazes me that an experiment such as this is going to continue with such overwelming information from the public and countless experiences from people stating the dangers.
Collectively the council didn't come to a decision because they couldn't agree not because the majority were in favor of keeping the bus lane. A travisty when they are putting people's lives at risk.
Time will be the biggest judge of this scheme and on the 12th of September DCC agreed to continue the bus lane scheme. They are stated that there were no dangers involved. As I leave my house every day and witness the reality I am sure they will live to regret they ever said this!
D Day - Wed 12th September - Full Council Meeting
At 6pm this evening a full council meeting is taking place to debate the Duffield Road bus lane, it's benefits and the negative affects. I noted with interest leaving my house at 8.40am this morning that the traffic was moving freely with no apparent congestion city bound. I saw no buses or taxi's using the bus lane but saw a Trent Barton man hanging over the bus lane from the pavement. Selfishly I am hoping that he was wishing it farewell! However the debate is by no means over. We hope that finally the majority will see that although the bus lane respresents DCC's commitment to public transport (a good thing) it creates negative affects that means it is not feasible or practical to permanently implement it. The dangers are well documented as are people's experiences, mostly negative including the accidents. It cannot be deemed environmentally friendly as it fails to encourage others to adopt sustainable methods of transport. It does the opposite and stops people from cycling in and out the city centre, it increases dangers to pedestrians and is wholly inconsiderate and dangerous for residents. To accomodate these groups further changes will be required. This may invole road widening to make room for a cycle lane which in turn will involve removing trees and grass verges and for some residents their front gardens. Please remember that congestion happens everywhere. Duffield Road in my opinion is one of the least congested roads in Derby save for 25 minutes on the most busy mornings. The bus lane is 1000 metres long and can only truely represent a minimal time saving if the traffic is congested. If like this morning there is no congestion it cannot represent any time savings at buses would flow in to Derby like all the other traffic. The scheme has been in place now for 6 months. We have seen enough. We have gathered the data and statistics and know this is wrong. To extend this scheme for another 12 months is criminal. Time will be the judge of this scheme and will demonstrate through accidents that an extension would be negligence.
Duffield Residents to begin work on property
Following the decision to lengthen the review of bus lane on Duffield Road residents are now beginning plans to alter driveways and gardens. Costing thousands of pounds residents are now being forced to change their properties by removing front gardens to accomodate drive widening projects. The changes have been caused due to access difficulties caused by the narrowness of new outbound lane on Duffield Road. At my house the estimates have come in at £11,000 to remove the front garden, widen and make good. DCC have confirmed that they are not willing to contribute anything towards these costs. As such residents are in discussions with legal to seek damages.
Results of the 3 month review!
After a long time and a considerable amount of campaigning, stress and worry Derby City Council have announced what they plan to do next.
DRAG members have been waiting to read the report that has been compiled by DCC but essentially the review results mean that the scheme will be reviewed again in another 12 months?
We are delighted that DCC now openly recognises that there are issues with the scheme particularly for cyclists and residents but does this mean they plan to do anything?
Rather than removing or altering the scheme the only thing the Council appears to be considering is a installing a cycle lane which would result in cutting back verges and possibly the trees. Personnally I am against this but I am interested to hear your thoughts. Please complete the survey.
So the saga/dangers continue and it is clear that DCC are not prepared to do anything constructive to help at this stage.
We will request a copy of the report and look forward to seeing the work undertaken by DCC in this matter.
DRAG members have been waiting to read the report that has been compiled by DCC but essentially the review results mean that the scheme will be reviewed again in another 12 months?
We are delighted that DCC now openly recognises that there are issues with the scheme particularly for cyclists and residents but does this mean they plan to do anything?
Rather than removing or altering the scheme the only thing the Council appears to be considering is a installing a cycle lane which would result in cutting back verges and possibly the trees. Personnally I am against this but I am interested to hear your thoughts. Please complete the survey.
So the saga/dangers continue and it is clear that DCC are not prepared to do anything constructive to help at this stage.
We will request a copy of the report and look forward to seeing the work undertaken by DCC in this matter.
Still no news 6 weeks on!
After 20 weeks of hell the residents of Duffield Road and members of Duffield Road Action Group are still waiting for answers to our questions and complaints from Derby City Council. People who have had accidents are also interested to hear what changes are likely to ensure their safety.
After 20 weeks (6 weeks post review) we expect to see a substantial document outlining the issues raised, the accidents and an honest appraisal of the impact that the bus lane has had on non bus users and the overall road environment.
We know a bus lane will be a success for bus passengers so I don't think anyone needs pages of data related to this.
DRAG have been working for the last three months with an external Consultant who is an ex local authority Road Planning & Safety Engineer. He has joined forces with our legal team who have also agreed to work with us at a reduced fee as they are residents of Darley Abbey. We believe we have a solid case to present both on an individual basis and a possible collective action related to residents who have experienced problems and possible property devaluation.
After 20 weeks (6 weeks post review) we expect to see a substantial document outlining the issues raised, the accidents and an honest appraisal of the impact that the bus lane has had on non bus users and the overall road environment.
We know a bus lane will be a success for bus passengers so I don't think anyone needs pages of data related to this.
DRAG have been working for the last three months with an external Consultant who is an ex local authority Road Planning & Safety Engineer. He has joined forces with our legal team who have also agreed to work with us at a reduced fee as they are residents of Darley Abbey. We believe we have a solid case to present both on an individual basis and a possible collective action related to residents who have experienced problems and possible property devaluation.
Another Accident Happens - Monday 11th June
Please click here to see the details of yet another accident. This time a relatively minor accident was arguably caused by the narrowness of the lanes increasing the chances for collision. This happened outside Saint Benedict's which is one of the narrowest parts of the road. Click link below.
Last minute Traffic Counting at Mileash Lane
This morning I talked to the guys from Sky High who are doing the Darley Abbey rat run traffic counting again in another attempt to get the figures DCC so badly need to justify the Bus Scheme. This is the second time in a month that they have done this. I suppose they hope to catch a day where rat running figures are low to enable them to justify the scheme. Interestingly this counting is taking place post review so it is clear that the results they need were not available during the first 12 weeks.
Here is an observation from a Darley Abbey resident which seems to be the general view from DRAG member who live in Darley Abbey
Phil, Darley Abbey, I dispute what Chris Wynn says about a reduction in rat running in Darley Abbey. It is simple not true. The problem is as bad if not worse with rat runners speeding through a village where the roads are now more congested due to an increase in cars forced to park in the village. I suspect he is referring to a convenient survey of traffic they carried out while one of the schools was on half term - of course traffic was less! This is another example of the council using only those statistics that support their case. Notice they only surveyed bus users who, surprise, surprise thought the bus lane was good. They studiously avoided surveying residents and car drivers as they would hear something they didn't want to hear. Adding a cycle lane will just make lanes narrower and making it even more dangerous. Admit it Mr Wynn - you got it wrong. The scheme was ill-conceived, badly planned and attrociously implemented but yoiu haven't got the face to admit it, instead flannelling around for any bit of biased evidence that suggests you are the knight in shining green armour single handedly protecting the environment
5th June - Review Day Has Arrived!!!!!
At long last we are relieved to say that the review has arrived. We hope that DCC make sensible changes to the scheme or remove it completely. The media have publicised our intent to take legal action should the bus lane stay in place. I would like to confirm that we may consider legal action if sensible changes are not taken to ensure people's safety. We feel however that untimately the best course of action would be to remove the scheme until a better plan is devised. It is important to outline our position clearly. Click the link below to see pitures taken this morning (5.6.07) showing increased congestion and dangers.
Second Accident in a Week - Cyclist knocked of his bike
See the link below for more details. We are pleased to say he wasn't too badly hurt.
Accident On Duffield Road Friday 7.05pm
See the details of an accident that happened on Friday involving two cars and a van. Luckily noone was hurt but had this happened (which it will do) on a weekday morning the situation would have been much worse.
Conservative Party Back Anti Bus Lane Stance in Local Elections
D.R.A.G. has been contacted by Councillor Philip Hickson, Leader of the Conservative Group who has confirmed that Derby Conservative campaigners from both Allestree and Darley wards will be highlighting their concerns and anti bus lane stance in the forthcoming local elections. Derby City Conservatives share our concerns regarding the safety and feasibility of the bus lane on Duffield Road and Kedleston Road. Assuming they achieve success in these wards they will be fighting hard to ensure that sensible changes take place and/or the experiment is stopped immediately. They believe, like we do that the current lane configuration is dangerous for residents, cyclists and other road users. The affects on Kedleston Rd would also be devastating if these plans go ahead. Conservative candidates in Allestree – Steve Coventon Willoughby, Darley - Lorraine Radford. I am sure they will value your support. Click link to read Conservative Bus Lane Press Release and see links to their website.
Review 5th June
Chris Wynn current Cabinet Member for Transport has confirmed that the review will begin on 5th June. The findings and recommendations will be collated and presented to the Cabinet at the end of June with changes taking place in July. We are all waiting to see what happens next. Adrian Astle, Tony Gascoigne, Peter Price who are involved in Transport, Planning and Policy making have assured me that sensible changes will be considered.
Saint Benedicts construction works begins creating further dangers
As you may have noticed construction work has begun on the Saint Benedicts site. Already we are seeing increased HGV traffic delivering aggregate and cement. This increase in HGV's coupled with normal Saint Benedicts buses, everyday traffic and HGV use at the Highfields building site on the Broadway means that Duffield cannot cope at Peak times. Often HGVs are passing in all three lanes simaltanously. As we know the width has been shrunk from its original width approx 9.5 metres to six metres with the outbound lane as low as 2.8m in places. Reports are already coming in about HGV's mounting kerbs to pass. These reports are being passed on to Tony Gascoigne at DCC Transport and Planning who we hope is monitoring things closely.
Work In Progress - Legal Case Against DCC
The bus lane scheme is up for review in June (conveniently after the local elections). If DCC fail to reverse the scheme or make it safe we will plan to take legal action. This outlines the plan so far. This coupled with serious malpractice at the planning stages gives us grounds to take this further. Click the link below to see the details which are frightening!
See Documentary Film - Duffield Road Bus Lane ' The Experiment'
Please click the link below to download the documentary film I have produced. The footage was taken over five mornings between 8am and 8.45 am over a two week period. Some mornings I was out for the whole time filming sometimes I was out for 15 to 20 minutes. This is part one of two films as there are some may incidents to cover. The second, equally concerning will follow shortly as will further photos and film until the review in June.
The first film demonstrates that the lane configuration is forcing people to take risks. It shows dangerous driving putting cyclists, pedestrians, residents in harms way. The film takes around 3 minutes to download so be patient it is worth the wait. It has music & commentary. If you are affected by these changes contact me at duffieldroadaction@hotmail.com or contact chris.wynn@derby.gov.uk - He is ultimately responsible for transport and safety.
Standing as an Independent in forthcoming local election!
I have received immense support over the last three weeks regarding the Duffield Road campaign and momentum is snowballing at a pace which is beyond my wildest expectations. It is clear that Duffield Road is a catalyst for people's general frustration with Derby City Council. People are now talking to me about a host of issues related to DCC's Transport Improvements and local issues at grass roots levels, most of which affect me personally. There is a growing feeling that Derby's growth and development is spiralling out of control and these changes are driven by a large unstoppable machine which has completely lost it's direction i.e. DCC. Due my own observations and frustrations I am considering standing as an independent in the forthcoming local elections. I would like to do this for no other reason but to expose the failings of DCC on a more formal stage. As an Independent I believe I can communicate and influence people by demonstrating that I care about the facts and have no political axe to grind. I know a lot of people would like to see me take up this challange and I savour the thought of putting a clever little cat amoungst a number or rather complacent pigeons. I will keep you up to date with my final decision. This decision will be influenced by the planning decisions and interaction from Chris Wynn and Tony Gascoigne in DCC's Transport Planning Dept relating to the lethal experiment currently taking place in Duffield Road!
Duffield Road Widening for Cycle Path
We are delighted to report that Derby City Council has recognised that there are safety issues on this road and agree with us that cyclists, pedestrians and residents are badly affected by the bus lane scheme. In light of this DCC have agreed to bring the review process forward to address safety fears. However instead of reversing the scheme in the most affected area, which we believe would be the safest and best option, DCC are considering widening the road! This may have environmental impacts which we are deeply concerned about. If you do not want to see road widening and/or people getting hurt due to the current lane configuration please write to the council to outline your concerns. We feel that the only option would be to remove the bus lane in the most affected area. If you are concerned please contact DRAG or lobby the council. Addresses are on this website
Conspiracy theory or reality?
Reports are coming in from people who think that the traffic flow on Duffield Road has been affected by DCC tweaking the traffic lights at five lamps to allow greater of traffic flow through. Therefore reducing congestion and improving bus times. See link below.
Emergency Meeting Called by Action Group & Residents 19th March 7.45 Saint Benedicts
We will be meeting at the Lafayette Suite at St Benedict School, Duffield Road on Monday 19th of March at 7.45pm. If you would like to contribute ideas, views or outline incidents or experiences we would love to see you. We are keen to hear from public bus users. Derby City Council and Trent Barton buses will be in attendance.
Cyclist's Show Concerns
A large proportion of people who are objecting to this scheme are cyclists. The very people who are suppose to benefit from a bus lane. In fact the bus lane has made the outbound journey so treacherous that many are turning to their cars. See the comments from cyclists on our comments page. Please contract Derby Cycling to discuss the issue with them. Cyclist should stick together. Click link below for contact details.
Consolidated Report / Consultation Period Obligation
It has come to our attention that DCC may not have provided objectors to the scheme with a 'Consolidated Report'. This report should be provided to outline the reasons why a plan is going to be implemented despite the objection. We understand that it is a statutory and legal requirement. We will update you regarding the validity of this claim. In the meantime we will be discussing this with our legal team.
Local Government Ombudsman
Compliant will be logged subject to outcome of meetings