Part-time bus stops unacceptable
Part-time bus stops unacceptable, says London TravelWatch
London TravelWatch, the watchdog for transport users' in London, has objected to the London Borough of Enfield regarding the proposal to implement part-time bus stops on Bowes Road in New Southgate.
These will mean that other vehicles will be able to park legally in the bus stop in the mornings and evenings, while the buses are operating. The buses affected are the 34,184 and 232.
Rufus Barnes, Chief Executive and Enfield resident said: "This is totally unacceptable. London Buses are providing accessible buses, but in Enfield those that need to access the bus on Bowes Road will sometimes find vehicles parked in the bus stops, so the buses will not be able reach the kerb, making the ramp for wheelchairs and baby buggies or prams useless. This uncertainty for users will seriously undermine the benefits that accessible buses should bring."
London TravelWatch has talked to the Minister responsible at the Department for Transport (DfT) on the issue of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and bus stop 'clearways'.
Rufus Barnes continued: "It was made clear to London TravelWatch that from the end of the year, the DDA will impose a duty on local authorities to promote equality in respect of bus stops, and that a blanket refusal to consider the needs of wheelchair users would be illegal. In the light of that, we call for Enfield to reconsider this proposal and implement 24 hour clearways to keep the bus stops clear, on all of Bowes Rd."
the voice of London's transport users
10th February 2006