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Bus and tram gate petition 'ignored'
BUS and tram operators have slammed Sheffield Council for not responding to a 1,500-signature petition calling for no further cuts to the hours of Hillsborough bus and tram gates.
The Lib Dem council made a commitment in its election manifesto last year to reduce the restrictions on Langsett Road and Middlewood Road at Hillsborough Corner, which currently apply from 7am until 7pm.
The council wants to cut the ban on general traffic to peak hours only and allow cars and lorries through too between 11am and 3pm. A decision on the plan has yet to be made.
But First and Stagecoach strongly oppose the idea because the gates, enforced using CCTV cameras, have led to a big drop in journey times through the suburb and attracted extra passengers.
Duncan Roberts, of the Sheffield Punctuality Improvement Partnership which represents bus and tram operators, said: "It appears the council is trying to kick this petition, and the views of a fair proportion of their voters, into the political 'long grass'.''
Brandon Jones, business development director for First South Yorkshire, added: "A relaxation of the times the bus gate is in operation will have serious consequences to the good work achieved in improving the punctuality of First buses. Dave Skirrow, of Stagecoach Supertram, added: "Lifting the restrictions will double tram journey times through Hillsborough.''
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Weather for Sheffield
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light sleet
Temperature: 1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
