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Bus gate relaxation to stay despite concerns
BUS bosses are protesting after Sheffield Council officials recommended a trial relaxation of operating hours at Hillsborough bus and tram gates should continue - even though the extra traffic holds up public transport.
The restrictions had been operating 12 hours a day between 7am and 7pm.
But last year Sheffield Council agreed to allow general traffic through Hillsborough Corner between Langsett Road and Middlewood Road from 11am to 3pm each day because businesses believed the move would increase trade.
The gates, which ban general traffic, continue to be enforced between 7am and 11am and from 3pm until 7pm.
A report to the council's cabinet highways committee meeting on Thursday said the relaxation has resulted in a 12 per cent increase in footfall around the shopping area.
But research carried out among traders found three-quarters said the change had not affected their business, there was no increase in people using car parks in the district, except on Saturdays, and public transport journey times had increased.
Meanwhile, the number of car journeys on Langsett Road and Middlewood Road has doubled over the last 12 months due to the reduced hours the bus and tram gate is in force.
As a result, bus journeys are up to 47 seconds slower, while tram journeys are now taking up to one minute, 23 seconds longer.
Brandon Jones, deputy managing director of leading bus operator First South Yorkshire, who is planning to make formal objections at the meeting, said: "The whole argument for relaxing the hours was that traders would see increased business but the council's own research shows this has not happened.
"The change has created no economic benefit and made public transport slower, making it less attractive. There is no justification for this trial to continue."
Sheffield Council executive director Simon Green said: "Journey times for public transport have generally increased, however these are not noticed by the majority of passengers. There has been no indication of increased trade following the relaxation in operational hours of the bus and tram gate."
Mr Green admitted the council has concerns that the changes have "created a short cut for traffic" - but added there has been "broad public support" for the relaxation.
He recommended the reduced operating hours remain in place and that a further review is carried out to report back to the highways committee in November.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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