The West of England Combined Authority is set to continue with a controversial proposal for 24/7 bus lanes on the Keynsham Bypass and a speed reduction of 50mph.
Keynsham Bypass, where the bus lanes are set to be implemented
One local councillor said he was dismayed as there had been “overwhelming” opposition to the scheme.
Last summer WECA consulted on a range of ideas for the A4 between Bristol and Bath including bus lanes.
In its summary of the feedback, published last week, WECA says: “Overall, the majority of residents in all areas other than Saltford support the project aim for better walking, wheeling and cycling networks; however, only the majority of Bristol residents support the aim of better public transport links through dedicated bus lanes.
“Despite this, Bristol residents were not supportive of making existing bus lanes 24 hours or new bus lanes in the Brislington area.”
The report continues: “The Bath & North East Somerset section will retain the bus lane along the Keynsham Bypass as well as the speed limit reduction due to the benefits to bus journey times and air quality/emissions respectively.
“Elements have been removed from the B&NES section due to engagement feedback, such as shortening the length of the bus lane on Newbridge Road and the proposed yellow lines and footpath alterations in Saltford.
“However, it should be noted the scheme is not set in stone as both Bristol and B&NES sections move into the next stages of design and further consultation.”
The walking, wheeling and cycling path along the Keynsham Bypass has been dropped from the scheme.
The report explains: “This is due to the cost of implementation and the effect on biodiversity along the route. This has been replaced by a segregated bi-directional cycle track and widened footways along Durley Hill to connect Keynsham to/from the segregated cycle track between Hicks Gate and Brislington Park and Ride.
“The walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure that is proposed on Bath Road (Keynsham) will remain, to connect Keynsham to/from Saltford and Bath via the Bristol and Bath Railway Path.”
Adding a bus lane between Broadmead roundabout and Saltford was not popular with respondents either but has not been removed from the proposals.
However, following feedback received during the public engagement, the shared use paths on Manor Road and Grange Road will not be taken forward. Neither will proposed double yellow lines shown on Norman Road and High Street.
The traffic island outside The Crown pub on the A4 that was shown in the plans last summer as being removed will be retained.
The Liberal Democrat councillor for Keynsham North ward, George Leach, said: “I am dismayed that, despite overwhelming public responses in opposition to these plans, WECA and Mayor Dan Norris are continuing to move forward with the absurd plan to reduce the Keynsham Bypass to a single lane in exchange for a bus service that only uses the bypass at best every nine minutes.”
Cllr Leach attended a WECA briefing and said he had challenged the combined authority on its “lack of transparency and democratic accountability”.
He said: “WECA’s own engagement survey results significantly contradict the plans they intend to take forward and I am calling on Mayor Dan Norris to halt these plans in their current form and revise to reflect the feedback residents in Keynsham and across the wider A4 corridor have actually given.
“WECA have stated they will set up a community engagement body with an intention to have the first meeting in September 2024 but, as this body lacks any power, it risks being nothing more than a talking shop unless WECA confers some actual authority to it, which I would encourage them to do.”
Cllr Leach said he would continue to push for residents to have their voices heard.
