Petition to scrap bus stop set to be rejected
COUNCILLORS were expected to reject a petition calling for two Widnes bus stops to be scrapped.
Residents in Halebank had argued the changes would improve traffic in the area and that a proposed alternative location for picking up and dropping off on Pickerings Road would be better.
A Halton Borough Council environment and urban renewal board report said the petition had gained 152 signatures backing the removal of two stops on Hale Road.
The document said the 82a service in both directions between Runcorn and Liverpool uses the route, stopping every half hour during operational times.
Halton Council officers advised against the move on the grounds that passengers would need to walk further to access the stops and cross the road more.
In addition, they said the bus operator had raised concern that extra turning manoeuvres would be needed to enter and leave the proposed Pickerings Road stop.
The report said that if the company refused to use the proposed stop, then passengers would have to walk to Foundry Lane instead to board.
It added the Government’s Bus
Back Better Bus Strategy for England unveiled in March 2021 emphasised improving public transport across the nation and maintaining existing infrastructure was needed to do this.
In its risk analysis, the report said: “The withdrawal of the bus stops would increase left and right turn manoeuvres for the bus service and also increase carriageway crossings for passengers.
“Additionally, given that the operator is opposed to the removal of the bus stops, there is a risk that the alternative may not be observed and preference would be to observe the next bus stops on Hale Road at Foundry Lane thus potentially further increasing the distance to bus stops for passengers.
“Given the recent Government announcement, reducing the number of bus stops would be seen as a negative move.”