Consultation on Possible Changes to Route 284

Consultation on possible changes to route 284

Consultation Report October 2015

Consultation on possible changes to route 284 Consultation Report

Contents

1 Introduction ...... 2 2 The consultation...... 3 3 Responses from members of the public ...... 5 4 Analysis of responses ...... 7 5 Responses from statutory bodies and other stakeholders ...... 9 Appendix A – Copy of the consultation letter and maps ...... 10 Appendix B – Survey questions ...... 14 Appendix C – Letter distribution area ...... 16 Appendix D – List of stakeholders consulted ...... 17 Appendix E – All issues raised for Question 9 ...... 19

1 Introduction

We consulted stakeholders and the public about a proposal to change the hail and ride facility on route 284 to fixed stops between Ladywell and Catford. The proposal was to introduce 16 bus stops along Chudleigh Road, Bexhill Road, Manwood Road and Ravensbourne Park.

The consultation was open between 17 August and 23 September 2015.

This report explains the background to the proposal, the consultation and summarises the responses we received.

Background Route 284 operates between Lewisham bus station and Grove Park station every day of the week. It operates on roads solely located in the London Borough of Lewisham. The majority of the 284 route is fixed stops, with hail and ride stopping arrangements in the section between Ladywell and Catford. A hail and ride stopping arrangement means there are no fixed bus stops; the bus is able to stop at any safe point along the route so passengers can board.

The hail and ride section is in both directions on the following roads: Chudleigh Road, Bexhill Road, Manwood Road and Ravensbourne Park.

Our proposal We asked for feedback on our proposal to introduce fixed bus stops along the existing the hail and ride section between Ladywell and Catford. Fixed stops would mean the route is accessible to all, and would also help our drivers by providing a safe place for them to stop.

Our proposal included introducing 16 bus stops along Chudleigh Road, Bexhill Road, Manwood Road and Ravensbourne Park. The proposed bus stops would be a fixed post and flag, although where appropriate lamp columns were to be used.

Working closely with officers from London Borough of Lewisham, potential bus stop sites were identified. There were a number of visits to look at potential stopping sites, and the ones which were consulted on were the ones which we felt were the most appropriate. Generally, these proposed stops reflect the locations that the buses currently stop to pick up, or drop off, passengers. The locations are shown on the map adjacent.

2 The consultation

The consultation was designed to enable us to understand local opinion about the proposed changes to the 284 service.

The potential outcomes of the consultation are:  We decide the consultation raises no issues that should prevent us from proceeding with the scheme as originally planned.  We modify the scheme in response to issues raised in consultation  We abandon the scheme because of issues raised in the consultation.

2.1 Consultation objectives The objectives of the consultation were:  To give stakeholders and the public easily-understandable information about the proposals and allow them to respond  To understand the level of support or opposition for the change  To understand any issues that might affect the proposal of which we were not previously aware  To understand concerns and objections  To allow respondents to make suggestions.

2.2 Who we consulted The public consultation intended to seek the views of people who live near to the proposed stops, current users of the service and other potential users. We also consulted stakeholders including the affected Councils, traffic police, London TravelWatch, Members of Parliament, Assembly Members and local interest groups. The list of stakeholders consulted is shown in Appendix D and a summary of their responses given in Section 4.

2.3 Consultation material, distribution and publicity A dedicated webpage was set up which included details of our proposal. This was available online throughout the consultation period. The webpage included an overview of the proposal, and reasoning behind what our criteria is for choosing a potential stopping location. This was then followed by an ‘in detail’ section which outlined specific locations and included more detailed maps showing where stops were proposed on each road. Copies of the consultation materials are shown in Appendix A.

There were nine questions as part of the survey. Aside from gathering details about the individual or group responding, we asked people how they heard about the consultation, if they lived on any of the roads affected by proposed stops, and whether they use the 284. The last two questions asked if people agreed with converting the hail and ride section to fixed stops, and if they had any other views about our proposals. The full survey can be found in Appendix B.

We raised awareness of the consultation by delivering an introductory letter and maps of the proposed stops to 4,165 properties (Appendix C shows the area notified by letter). We also sent an email to over 2,300 registered Oyster Card holders who regularly use the 284 route. Our letters advertised the web address, and a direct link to the consultation webpage was included on the emails that went to stakeholders and the 2,300 registered oyster card users.

We predominantly invited people to respond to the consultation online survey found on the webpage here: https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/buses/route-284. However, the webpage outlined that people could also to respond to the consultation by posting their comments to us, using ‘FREEPOST TFL CONSULTATIONS’, or by emailing us at [email protected].

3 Responses from members of the public

We received 141 written responses from members of the public. Of these, 77 per cent (109) of the responses were submitted online and 23 per cent (32) were received by email or post.

120

100

0 Online By email and other Number of replies 109 32 (%) 77% 23%

We asked 13 questions (10 general and 3 specific). Of the general questions, we asked respondents for their name, email address, postcode and if they were responding on behalf of an organisation. We also asked respondents how they had heard about the consultation. In questions 5, 8 and 9 the respondents had an opportunity to choose more than one item.

120 Q5: How did you hear about this consultation? 100

0 Received an Received a Saw it on the Other (please Social media email from TfL letter from TfL TfL website specify) Number of 47 44 11 5 6 replies (%) 42% 39% 10% 4% 5%

120 Q6: Do you currently use the 284 route?

100 Q5: How did you hear about this consultation? 80

0 Yes Sometimes No Not Answered Number of 91 19 7 22 replies (%) 78% 16% 6% 19%

4 Analysis of responses There were two closed questions (questions 11 and 12), and one open question (question 13).

The following three questions specifically asked respondents about the scheme:

- Question 7: Do you live on any of the roads affected? - Question 8: Do you agree with converting the hail and ride section of the 284? - Question 9: Please let us know your views about our proposals.

120 Q7: Do you live on any of the roads affected?

100

0 Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Prefer not Not No Chudleigh Manwood Ravensbo Bexhill to say Answered Road Road urne Park Road Number of replies 78 28 15 5 2 2 9 (%) 56% 20% 11% 4% 1% 1% 6%

120 Q: Do you agree with converting the hail and ride section of the 284? 100

0 No Not Yes Partially No Not sure opinion Answered Number of replies 83 18 19 2 1 16 (%) 60% 13% 14% 1% 1% 12%

Comments on the fixed stop proposal

We also asked for any comments on the proposals. There were 63 themes and issues from this consultation. Appendix E provides a summary of the key issues and theme. The table below indicates the top five issues raised.

Table 4-1: Top five issues and themes raised for the proposed two-way scheme

Top five issues and themes Number of comments

Support the proposed fixed stops 27 The proposals will improve the area 21 Concern about loss of parking 16 Alternative bus stop location suggested 15 Opposed to the proposal (keep hail and ride) 13

Supportive comments (27) were the most frequently mentioned theme for Question 9. 21 comments made alternative suggestions about the location of proposed bus stops. There were 16 comments suggesting the proposal will improve the area. 15 comments showed their concern about loss of parking spaces, and 13 comments indicated their opposition to the proposal.

5 Responses from statutory bodies and other stakeholders

We received two responses from stakeholders, identified by question 3 (If responding on behalf of an organisation, business or campaign group, please provide us with the name). Their responses to question 8 (Do you agree with converting the hail and ride section of the 284 bus route to fixed stops?) and question 9 (Please let us know your views about our proposals) are below.

David Sheppard- Executive Headteacher, Leathersellers’ Federation of Schools Do you agree with converting the hail and ride section of the 284 bus route to fixed stops? : Not Answered

The current hail and ride arrangement is dangerous and causes significant traffic congestion at dangerous point along Chudleigh Road, Bexhill Road, Manwood Road and Ravensbourne Park. I fully support the change to fixed stops with signs affixed to existing lampposts, as long as they are not on corners and cross-roads.

Vincent Stops – London TravelWatch Do you agree with converting the hail and ride section of the 284 bus route to fixed stops? : Yes

London TravelWatch is supportive of the introduction of fixed stops for Hail and Ride services as it is the only way that the buses can be made accessible to all. Additionally it allows for shelter and timetable information to be installed thereby promoting the route.

London Borough of Lewisham No response.

Appendix A – Copy of the consultation letter and maps

Appendix B – Survey questions

Appendix C – Letter distribution area

Appendix D – List of stakeholders consulted

London TravelWatch

Elected Members Caroline Pidgeon AM GLA Darren Johnson AM GLA Gareth Bacon AM GLA Jenny Jones AM GLA Murad Qureshi AM GLA Nicky Gavron AM GLA Richard Tracey AM GLA Len Duvall AM GLA James Cleverly AM GLA Andrew Boff AM GLA Victoria Borwick AM GLA Tom Copley AM GLA Stephen Knight AM GLA Joanne McCartney AM GLA Fiona Twycross AM GLA Claire Hamilton AM GLA Andrew Dismore AM GLA Valerie Shawcross AM GLA Vicky Foxcroft MP Lewisham, Deptford Cllr Bill Brown Lewisham Council Cllr Carl Handley Lewisham Council Cllr Liz Johnston-Franklin Lewisham Council Cllr Chris Barnham Lewisham Council Cllr Roy Kennedy Lewisham Council Cllr Pauline Morrison Lewisham Council Cllr Helen Klier Lewisham Council Cllr John Muldoon Lewisham Council Cllr James-J Walsh Lewisham Council

Local Authorities London Borough of Lewisham

Police & Health Authorities CCG NHS Clinical Commissioning Group Disability Alliance Disability Rights UK Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee Greater London Forum for the Elderly London Older People's Strategy Group London Ambulance Service Metropolitan Police

Transport Groups AA Motoring Trust Association of British Drivers Association of Car Fleet Operators British Motorcyclists Federation Campaign for Better Transport CTC, the national cycling charity Department for Transport Freight Transport Association Green Flag Group Lewisham Safer Transport Team Licenced Taxi Drivers Association Living Streets London Cycling Campaign (Lewisham) Motorcycle Action Group Road Haulage Association Sustrans The National Cycling Charity

Local Interest Groups Blackheath Joint Working Party Bonus Pastor Catholic College Downderry Primary School Ladywell Society Prendergast Ladywell School

Other Stakeholders Action on Hearing Loss Age Concern London Asian Peoples Disabilities Alliance BT Canal & River Trust London Confederation of British Industry (CBI) EDF Energy Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Joint Committee on Mobility of Blind and Partially Sighted People (JCMBPS) Joint Mobility Unit London City Airport London Councils MIND National Children's Bureau National Grid RNIB Royal Mail

Appendix E – All issues raised for Question 9

General More information requested 6 positive- consultation materials were clear 2 Concerns Loss of parking 16 Extra congestion 8 Chudleigh Rd too narrow for bus stops 6 Bus stops outside houses 5 Noise 5 Safety concern due to fixed stops 5 Littering due to fixed stops 3 Add congestion at bus stops 3 Conflict with parked vehicle 2 Hail and Ride better for elderly 2 Inconvenience of no bus shelters 1 Ravensbourne Park stops too far apart 1 Current condition Bus drivers struggle to find a spot to stop 12 Bus drivers do not stop occasionally 7 Hail and ride does not work well 5 Hard to know when bus is arriving 2 Not clear how hail and ride works 2 Unclear where is safe to hail bus 2 284 is an irregular service 2 Hail and Ride allows for quicker journeys 2 Buses stop in unsuitable places 1 Opposition Keep hail and ride 13 Location of Chudleigh Rd/Ladywell Rd stop 9 Location of Manwood RD/ Ewhurst RD (SB) 2 Roads are too narrow for fixed stops 2 Location of Catford station bus stop 1 Positive comments Improvement (General) 21 Fixed stops are safer 7 Improves reliability of service 6 Fixed stops clearer for passengers 5 Helps elderly 1

Suggestions Alternative location suggested 15 Fewer bus stops are needed 9 Count down needed 6 Bus infrastructure 4 Stops at Chudleigh RD/ Foxborough Garden NOT needed 3 Introduce a stop bus stop closer to Phoebeth Road or Francemary Road 2 Introduce fixed stop by school on Ewhurst Road 2 Introduce one way system on Chudleigh Rd 2 Keep hail and ride near Catford station 2 Police and Parking officials ensure bus cages vacant for stopping 2 Stops with raised borders for wheelchair access 2 Use zero emission/hybrid buses 2 Add a stop by Catford Station 1 Address congestion of parked cars rather than adding fixed stops 1 Include bus information at bus stops 1 Introduce speed restrictions along route 1 One way system between Phoebeth Rd/Ladywell Rd 1 Pedestrian crossings behind bus stops for safety and punctuality 1 Stop at Catford Green development needed 1 Stop before the railway bridge NOT needed 1 Stop between Amyruth and Gordonbrock Road not needed 1 Stops at Chudleigh Rd/Ladywell Rd not needed 1 Invest in more 284 buses rather than fixed stops 1 Cycle parking space at a bus stop for cyclist with mobility impairment 1 Support The proposed fixed stops 27 Helps cyclist with mobility impairment 1 As long as traffic flow improves 1 Not scheme related Suggestion for unrelated route 1