Plans to introduce a bus gate on Camden Road in Bath have been scrapped following strong opposition from local residents and businesses. The proposal, part of Bath and North East Somerset Council’s Liveable Neighbourhood programme, aimed to prioritise buses and reduce cut-through traffic. However, concerns about access issues, particularly for the Fairfield Park Health Centre, led the council to abandon the plan. Instead, officials will focus on developing a broader traffic solution for the area in the future.
Why Was the Bus Gate Proposed?
The council initially planned to install the bus gate at the crossroads where Camden Road/Eastbourne Avenue meets Fairfield Road and Tyning Lane. The aim was to:
- Reduce through-traffic from vehicles avoiding the busy London Road.
- Improve public transport reliability by giving priority to buses.
- Make residential streets safer and less congested.
Funding for this initiative was secured in September 2024 through the West of England Combined Authority, with a budget of £9.45 million allocated for 11 different traffic improvement schemes.
Why Was the Plan Cancelled?
Despite its intended benefits, the proposal faced strong opposition from:
- Local residents and businesses, who feared increased traffic in surrounding areas.
- An alliance of 24 residents’ associations, expressing concerns about accessibility.
- Fairfield Park Health Centre, which warned that the bus gate could restrict patient access.
Acknowledging these concerns, Council Leader Kevin Guy announced that the plan had been scrapped, stating:
“We are listening closely to the concerns raised by residents and councillors. While the goal was to improve bus travel and reduce traffic, the complexities of the area meant the draft proposal would not fully resolve the challenges.”
Instead of proceeding with the bus gate, the council will now explore a broader, long-term traffic management solution for Walcot, Larkhall, and Lambridge.
Future Plans for Traffic Management
Although the bus gate proposal has been withdrawn, the council remains committed to the broader Liveable Neighbourhoods policy. Mr. Guy emphasized the importance of addressing traffic concerns and stated that:
- The council will work with local residents, businesses, and elected members to develop a more comprehensive solution.
- Future plans will depend on external funding, which may take several years to secure.
- Efforts will continue to reduce traffic, improve walking and cycling routes, and encourage public transport use.
Mr. Guy also addressed concerns over misinformation surrounding the scheme, stating that the goal remains to create safer, greener, and more enjoyable residential areas.
The decision to cancel the Camden Road bus gate reflects the importance of public consultation in urban planning. While the council remains focused on improving traffic flow and encouraging sustainable transport, any future changes will need stronger community support. With external funding uncertain, it may take years before a new traffic solution is implemented. For now, residents can expect further discussions on how to best manage traffic in Bath’s eastern areas.
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