Introduction
Backwell Parish Council supports measures to improve bus service efficiency and traffic flow, provided these schemes are cost-effective and do not compromise safety. In late 2023, North Somerset Council held a consultation to present their plans for a bus lane in Backwell. This consultation was attended by many Backwell residents.
The plans were scheduled to be finalised and approved in January 2024. However, Backwell Parish Council, supported by Backwell Residents Association and a strong community voice, challenged the road closure and other elements of the plan due to concerns about safety and local amenities.
Road Closure Proposals
The initial plans presented by North Somerset Council included a road closure, or partial road closure, to prevent traffic from entering the A370 from Dark Lane onto Backwell crossroads. This was intended to address the expected increase in traffic at Backwell crossroads, which is already near capacity. The aim was to reduce delays for vehicles on the A370 and Station Road. After engagement with Ward Members, Backwell Parish Council, Backwell Residents Association and residents, these road closure proposals have now been dropped. The Parish Council will continue to oppose this proposal if it is raised again by a developer or the local planning authority.
Transport Hub Proposals
North Somerset Council’s initial plans also included introducing a Transport Hub on the A370. The BSIP Team proposed that a Hub would offer improved waiting spaces, real-time travel information, cycle parking, automated refreshments, parcel collection and more comfortable shelters. Improved parking and enhanced pedestrian facilities at Rodney Road were also features of the plan. Following engagement with Ward Members, Backwell Parish Council, Backwell Residents Association and residents, these proposals are also no longer being pursued for Backwell.
Approved Improvements
The improvements that are currently approved to go forward include:
- Upgrades to the traffic signals with GPS technology to give buses priority over general traffic. Backwell Parish Council supports this measure
- A 260-metre Weston-super-Mare bound bus lane on Farleigh Road, reverting to two lanes 25 meters before the crossroads. The right turn into Station Road will remain. Backwell Parish Council supports the concept of bus lanes in the right location – they are particularly effective in towns and cities. However, Backwell Parish Council is against this measure on safety grounds as the introduction of a bus lane will make the lanes too narrow
- Improved footways and a new pedestrian crossing near the Leisure Centre. Backwell Parish Council supports this, providing that the location is practical, safe and beneficial
- Resurfacing of the crossroads. Backwell Parish Council supports this
- Moving the Bristol-bound bus stop to the west side of the crossroads, with a new shelter and more comfortable seating. The precise location is still to be determined and agreed upon. Backwell Parish Council supports bus stop and shelter upgrades; however, we have significant concerns about the relocation of a busy and convenient bus stop located between Cadogan Grove and the Leisure Centre. The current location is ideally placed for school children. Any relocation of a bus stop must be driven by the primary objective of improving safety. Under no circumstances should it result in increased risk or the creation of new hazards for pedestrians, cyclists, or other road users.
Bus Lane Concerns
In a recent meeting with Backwell Parish councillors and our consultant highways and safety expert, North Somerset Council officers presented their new design for a 260-metre westbound bus lane from the telephone exchange on Farleigh Road to the crossroads. Backwell Parish councillors have expressed extreme concern over the many safety implications of this design. The A370 carriageways will be narrowed to accommodate three lanes, with lane widths at the minimum allowed limit of 3 meters. To mitigate safety concerns for cyclists within these narrow lanes, the speed limit on the A370 through Backwell will be reduced to 20 mph. Backwell Parish Council opposes this measure due to safety concerns.
Bus Stop Relocation Concerns
The proposed bus lane necessitates moving the busy Bristol-bound bus stop to the west of the crossroads. While the exact location is yet to be agreed, the most recent suggestion is outside the Post Office. Backwell Parish Council objects to this relocation due to safety concerns, anticipating significant pedestrian and traffic difficulties near the doctors’ and dental surgeries.
Other Concerns
Backwell Parish Council has also requested the installation of increased road safety measures outside Backwell Junior School. The Parish Council is concerned about increased traffic on Church Lane during the construction phase and following the installation of the bus lane.
Some residents have questioned the value for money of the project, a cost exceeding £2 million to save a reported 58 seconds of journey time for the X1 bus during rush hour.
Next Steps
North Somerset Council is considering holding another community engagement event should this plan progress to the next design stage. If the plan proceeds, construction is scheduled to begin in the autumn. Backwell Parish Council will continue to challenge North Somerset Council’s plans for this project to ensure the best outcome for the village.
For further information, please see the North Somerset Council document.