Agenda item

It was moved by Councillor L Bartoli, and seconded by Councillor I McAlpine that:

This Council notes with concern:

1. The recent evidence from London regarding the safety risks associated with floating bus stops, as reported by BBC News and the Evening Standard. Advocacy groups, including Age UK London and Disability Rights UK, have highlighted incidents where pedestrians, especially those who are blind or visually impaired, have been endangered by these designs. Safety concerns from other areas where floating bus stops have been implemented suggest a need for caution. It is imperative to ensure that such designs do not compromise the safety of our most vulnerable residents.

2. The installation of a floating bus stop in Tynemouth as part of the new cycle path initiative by the Labour-run North Tyneside Council. Given the concerns raised in other areas, it is crucial to assess the local impact thoroughly before proceeding with similar infrastructure.

3. There have also been several reports of near misses with cyclists at the newly designed junction at the top of the South Ramp to Longsands, video footage of which has been provided to officers. 

This Council requests:

1. That the Mayor asks officers to look at the possibility of one of the mobile CCTV cameras which the Council already owns being relocated to the site of the new floating bus stop in Tynemouth to monitor its impact on pedestrians, cyclists, and overall safety. 

2. That the Mayor asks officers to conduct a review of the junction at the top of the South Ramp to Longsands which has already seen several near misses with cyclists and cars. Once the review is complete Council asks the Cabinet member to provide a report to the Overview & Scrutiny Co-ordination & Finance Committee.

3. That local groups, including those representing blind and visually impaired residents, be contacted for their comments and feedback on the new bus stop design. Feedback from affected local groups will provide valuable data to make informed decisions regarding future infrastructure projects.

4. That no further floating bus stops of this type be constructed until a comprehensive assessment of the current installation's impact is completed, with all findings presented to the Council for review. This ensures a cautious and well-informed approach to public transport infrastructure development, prioritising the safety and well-being of all residents.

An amendment was proposed by Councillor H Johnson and seconded by Councillor S Graham:

·         To remove everything from ‘with concern’ up to and including ‘vulnerable residents’ from the first paragraph.

·         To remove all of Point 2.

·         To insert ‘current installation's and all legacy floating bus stops in the area’ into the first sentence of Request 4 before the word ‘impact’, and to insert the word ‘Cabinet’ into that same sentence after ‘presented to…’.

The amended Motion therefore read:

Council notes:

1. Recent reports from advocacy groups including Age Uk and Disability Rights UK as well as a report from Transport for London, indicate careful attention needs to be paid while installing floating bus stops to ensure the safety of our most vulnerable residents.

2. There have also been several reports of near misses with cyclists at the newly designed junction at the top of the South Ramp to Longsands, video footage of which has been provided to officers. 

This Council requests:

1. That the Mayor asks officers to look at the possibility of one of the mobile CCTV cameras which the Council already owns being relocated to the site of the new floating bus stop in Tynemouth to monitor its impact on pedestrians, cyclists, and overall safety.

2. That the Mayor asks officers to conduct a review of the junction at the top of the South Ramp to Longsands which has already seen several near misses with cyclists and cars. Once the review is complete Council asks the Cabinet member to provide a report to the Overview & Scrutiny Co-ordination & Finance Committee.

3. That local groups, including those representing blind and visually impaired residents, be contacted for their comments and feedback on the new bus stop design. Feedback from affected local groups will provide valuable data to make informed decisions regarding future infrastructure projects.

4. That no further floating bus stops of this type be constructed until a comprehensive assessment of the current installations and all legacy floating bus stops in the area impact is completed, with all findings presented to cabinet for review. This ensures a cautious and well-informed approach to public transport infrastructure development, prioritising the safety and well-being of all residents.

A vote on the amendment was approved unanimously.

Councillor J Wallace asked if the bus company could be contacted in order to include an announcement at such stops to users to be aware of crossing oncoming traffic, such a system exists in London.

Councillor S Graham stated that she was happy to liaise with the bus companies.

A vote on the Substantive Motion was approved unanimously.