Decision details

The Portfolio Holder approved the proposals to rectify the current situation at the westbound bus stop near Orpington Station when buses change drivers which causes delays to other traffic, utilising grant funding from TfL of £77k.

That any minor changes to the design of this scheme deemed necessary on site are delegated to the Director of Environment and Public Protection, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder and Ward Members.

At the meeting of this Committee of 17th November 2021 one of the matters that was discussed was the situation with the westbound bus stop near Orpington Station. The issue, that only came to light once the scheme was substantially completed, involved the narrowing of the carriageway causing delays by buses waiting at the stop with negative consequences for traffic congestion and safety. On further investigation it was found that this stop was also used as a driver change over point and although the Council had consulted with TfL about the project prior to works commencing this issue had not been raised with Council officers.

Following Member and Officer lobbying, including the consideration of moving the driver change over to a different bus stop, which was not supported by TfL on cost grounds, it was decided that the only option was to widen the carriageway to ensure that two lanes of traffic can pass stationary buses without traffic flow being impeded. This conclusion was supported by a road safety assessment carried out by TfL in January 2022.