Plans to open up bus lanes to other traffic
EXPERTS are running computer tests to see whether plans to open up Doncaster bus routes to cars should go ahead.
Highways bosses are feeding statistics into a programme to see if proposals to let cars use routes that are currently restricted to buses will improve the flow of traffic or hamper it.
The plans put forward by Mayor Peter Davies would:
- Reopen North Bridge to all traffic in the outbound direction.
- Open up all bus lanes to all traffic during off peak times.
- Remove bus gates on Cleveland Street.
- Create more on-street parking.
- Bring in a mini interchange near Christchurch Road
- Create a new bus gate at Waterdale.
A council report states: "The proposals are currently being reviewed, implications assessed, and stakeholders views are being sought through stakeholder workshops."
"In order to enable a full and detailed appraisal of the proposed policy interventions in the town centre and bus corridor alterations, a transport study using micro simulation modelling is to be carried out by Arup consultants between January and May 2010."
Cabinet member for transport Coun Richard Walker said the simulation would look at traffic flow and how the changes would affect major junctions.
He says he believes the proposals are common sense, and is hoping the models would support the plans.
He said: "We know the people of Doncaster want the traffic to flow out of the town better.
"We know North Bridge is wide enough to take traffic and ease the congestion round the minster. At the moment it is solid at times. If we can split that and put some over the North Bridge, it should reduce the problem."
The move to create a new interchange near Christchurch should bring more footfall to the East Laith Gate end of town, he added.
The proposals have raised concerned from South Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority chairman Coun Mick Jameson, who fears losing bus lanes and priorities could reduce bus use and cause problems for those without access to cars.
What do you think? Add your comment below.
Don't miss our daily pull-outs - only in the The Star: Monday Star Sport, Tuesday Class Act; Wednesday Business; Thursday Grassroots; Friday Time Out; Saturday Retro. Subscribe to The Star, click here
READ MORE
Main news index
Your letters
Features
South Yorkshire's environmental news
Kids Zone
More business news
More Rotherham news
More Doncaster news
More Barnsley news
Latest sport
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Sheffield
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
