Bus parking lifeline (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

Bus parking lifeline

May 9, 2008 12:30 PM

Jon Stott

The threatened number 16 bus service loop, which serves the Holly Bank area, could be thrown a lifeline following the result s of a survey conducted by local Liberal Democrats.

Local campaigner Jon Stott surveyed resident's on the existing route of the bus - Hamilton Drive, Collingwood Drive and Holly Bank Road - in order to see whether parking restrictions would allow the First buses to get through the area without delay.

6 weeks ago First had announced that the loop would cease on Monday (11th May) citing delays caused by poor parking and obstruction as the main reason for the change.

Now the survey has revealed that the majority of residents would support a unilateral parking restriction when the bus service is running.

The result of the survey were:

ý Residents who would prefer no bus service in the area - 19.6%

ý Residents supporting parking restrictions on one side of the road (Mon - Sat 8:00am - 6:00pm) - 56.5%

ý Residents wanting to see a total ban open parking on the bus route - 23.9%

Jon Stott says, " I was surprised by the large response to the post back survey. Clearly most residents in the area treasure the bus service and recognise that easy accessibility is important for elderly and disabled residents.

Most properties have off street parking spaces so during the day inconvenience to car owning local residents should be minimal.

However "park and walk commuters may feel the pinch"

Obstruction problems had also been reported by other services trying to access the area including the Councils own refuse collectors.

Ann Reid, Executive member with responsibility for transport issues says,

" the results of the survey are very interesting.

Although we may not be able to save the loop in the short term I will be asking officers to conduct a formal consultation into area as quickly as possible.

If residents support the unilateral restrictions then we will pursue their implementation s quickly as possible"