More than 200 people attended a consultation session to find out more about major changes proposed for the A367 Wellsway at which concerns about the impact on parking and safety were highlighted.
Traffic on Wellsway in Bath
As part of the Somer Valley Links (SVL) project, Bath & North East Somerset Council is planning controversial changes on the Wellsway, which carries 20,000 vehicles a day.
Changes include:
- A new section of bus lane and on-carriageway bus stops
- Moving a bus gate 25 metres
- A two-way cycle-lane
- Remodelling the Midford Road junction
- New crossings
The drop-in session at St Luke’s Church Centre last Wednesday, 5th March, was attended by residents and local community groups.
Wellsway Bath Residents’ Association (WBRA) was formed to help voice the concerns of residents about the proposals during the first round of consultation in 2023.
At that time WECA and consultants AECOM were responsible for the design proposals. WECA remains the budget holder and now B&NES and new consultants AtkinsRéalis say they’ve listened to the concerns previously raised.
But WBRA says the claimed benefits are “greatly exaggerated” while residents’ concerns are largely discounted.
Representatives from Bloomfield Bowls and Tennis clubs, and Hopscotch Nursery raised concerns about the danger the bus lane poses. The new design means turning onto their access ramp across the path of buses approaching from behind a driver’s left shoulder, which it is feared risks a point-blank collision.
At the previous consultation, residents were worried about the removal of parking spaces and the latest plans show the number of lost spaces has been “minimised” to 19.
But WBRA says that in fact 40 spaces will be lost outside homes where they’re badly needed – even though B&NES is proposing to add 16 spaces half a mile up the hill, where there are no homes.
How the scheme could look for the Wellsway | Image © B&NES Council
Residents had previously flagged up concerns about cyclists speeding downhill on the cycle lane directly in front of homes, although BANES says signs will encourage them to slow down.
The latest plans show the two-way cycle lane has been reduced in width to increase the footway outside homes.
Officials say the buffer between the parking and two-way track has been increased to ensure residents are able to safely wait before crossing onto the footway if someone is cycling past.
They also say the 30mph speed limit would be maintained, but changing the character and feel of the Wellsway would encourage drivers to slow down.
Four new pedestrian crossing are planned – next to the Midford Road junction; north east of the Wayside bus stops; between the bus stops to the south east of the tennis club, bowls club and nursery access; and to the north of the Greenway Lane junction.
WBRA says the plans show cycle lanes, crossings and bus stops that appear to obstruct access to homes, including off-street parking, but has been given assurances that no private property would be obstructed in the final design.
WBRA member Peter Cook said the potential travel time advantage of moving the bus gate 25 metres is just one second, but it would mean an entire row of homes lose a parking bay. He added the council has agreed to “look closely” at the issue.
Laurence James and Peter Cook standing in the road to illustrate where the on-carriageway bus stop would extend to
The association calculates that 97% of buses will get no travel time benefit from the bus lane and points out that reduced travel times is low on the list of priorities for bus users.
WBRA says that because Wellsway is a long steep climb on a very busy road, very few cyclists use it, and that no evidence has been offered to support claimed increases in cycle traffic. The association adds that one of the largest ever cycling surveys indicates any increase would be minimal.
Under the proposals, downhill cyclists would have to stop and cross at a signalised crossing to join the cycle lane. WBRA says that in reality cyclists would continue downhill at speed in the traffic lane.
WBRA is also concerned about the removal of the central reservation which it says provides a crossing refuge and inhibits speeding and overtaking.
The association flags up “multiple” trip hazards with raised kerbs, separator verges and the bi-directional cycle lane, saying residents would have to cross these obstacles while looking out for vehicular and two-way cycle traffic.
Mr Cook added that no consideration has been given to the fact that Wellsway is the primary route for emergency vehicles heading out of Bath and returning from incidents.
He said: “Removal of the Midford Road filter lane will greatly increase outbound traffic queues, unnecessarily delaying both emergency vehicles and buses.”
He added that the introduction of ‘on carriageway’ bus stops will bring all traffic, including emergency vehicles, to a halt behind stopping buses.
Mr Cook added: “The new cycle lane also means that emergency vehicles would have nowhere to pass other traffic on their way out to incidents.”
He also said there is no stopping provision for care, utility and delivery services in the proposals.
WBRA has suggested that better downhill cycle routes could go via Entry Hill or Bloomfield Road which are already designated ‘Quiet Routes’ for cyclists.
Speaking when the consultation was launched, Councillor Sarah Warren, deputy leader and cabinet member for climate emergency and sustainable travel, said: “The Somer Valley Links project would significantly enhance sustainable travel options in our region.
“By improving bus infrastructure and creating safer, more convenient walking and cycling routes, we are making it easier for residents to choose sustainable modes of transport.
“The scheme would see some reallocation of road space, including a small reduction in on-street car parking in some areas.
“We want to gather as much feedback as possible from the community to ensure its successful delivery.”
