Surbiton Neighbourhood Committee 27 September 2016 The replacement of ‘Hail and Ride’ sections of the K1 route with fixed stops within the Sunray and Egmont estates.

Report by the Head of Kingston and Sutton Shared Environment Service

Purpose To comment on London ’ proposed replacement of ‘Hail and Ride’ sections of the K1 bus route with fixed stops within the Sunray and Egmont estates. Recommendation That the Committee comments on this proposal ahead of its consideration by the Residents Committee on 3 November 2016.

Key Points

A. On March 2016 for London (TfL) issued a consultation document on proposed changes to the current bus stopping arrangements and consultation documents were sent to residents, local Councillors and other interested stakeholders. B. The proposals are for the introduction of nine fixed bus stops (three with bus shelters) in the Sunray and Egmont Estates in order to improve bus accessibility and reliability as set out in paragraphs 7 ­ 12. C. The current ‘Hail and Ride’ system is often difficult to access, especially for wheelchair passengers, and London Buses are proposing to switch to a fixed stop system in order to improve access to these routes. D. The Committee are being consulted on the proposals ahead of their consideration by the Council’s Residents Committee. Context 1. Since 1987, a number of bus services in the Borough have operated partly on a ‘Hail & Ride’ basis. These services are mostly along residential roads where bus services have been introduced for the first time. Since 2000/2001 these services have operated with low floor, fully accessible buses. However, the full potential of these vehicles has not been realised as they frequently cannot pull in close to and parallel with the kerb in order to allow passengers, especially those using wheelchairs, to alight safely and conveniently. 2. London Buses first proposed the replacement of ‘Hail & Ride’ services with conventional fixed bus stops 9 years ago. These proposals met with opposition from bus users and local residents alike. The Committee at that time were against the cessation of ‘Hail and Ride’ and its replacement with fixed stop services due to the loss of on street parking that was required for their implementation. 3. London Buses have subsequently considered these comments. In order to comply with the Equality Act (2010), by making sure that all road users have access to their services including wheelchair users, they wish to proceed with an amended version of the proposal that includes some additional moderations that will mitigate the loss of any on street parking. Proposal and Options 4. The K1 route runs between Kingston, Cromwell Road and New Malden station. It runs every 12 minutes Monday to Saturday in the daytime and every 20 minutes during the evening and all day on Sundays. 5. Most of K1 route has fixed bus stops, but there is a ‘Hail and Ride’ facility on three sections of its route between Tolworth and New Malden. ‘Hail and Ride’ ​ means that buses are permitted to stop at any safepoint requested by a customer, so there are no fixed bus stops. One of the ‘Hail and Ride’ sections is in the Sunray and Egmont Estates, along parts of Barnsbury Lane, Warren Drive South and Knollmead, and along the full length of Southwood Drive. 6. TfL want to improve bus accessibility, reliability and information on these roads by introducing fixed bus stops, and they are proposing to introduce nine fixed bus stops (three with bus shelters) in the Sunray and Egmont Estates. There would be two each in Barnsbury Lane, Warren Drive South and Knollmead and three in Southwood Drive. There would be some minor associated changes to the footways, roads and grass verges as well as some new or amended restrictions on parking and loading.

Benefits of the proposal

7. Improved accessibility – In ‘Hail and Ride’ sections, parked vehicles often prevent buses from accessing the kerb, and even when they can, grass verges (which are common in this area) and other obstructions may restrict access to the bus. This causes difficulties for older and disabled people, and can prevent the wheelchair ramps being used. The proposed fixed bus stops are designed to meet the accessibility criteria. They would allow buses to stop next to a kerb of the correct height, with an adjacent hard and level surface, enabling them to take advantage of their low floors and wheelchair ramps. 8. A more reliable journey – The more often a bus stops the slower it becomes. According to TfL surveys have shown that the K1 route often stops several times in a short distance in this area. Introducing a smaller number of fixed bus stops would improve reliability and allow more accurate predictions of journey time. 9. Reduced traffic congestion – Buses in ‘Hail and Ride’ sections can block junctions if parking prevents them accessing the kerb while stopping. The proposed fixed bus stops and associated changes to parking and loading restrictions are designed to minimise this. 10.Improved safety – Fixed bus stops on a hard surface at a suitable height would ensure that waiting customers are visible to bus drivers and that these uses are able to board buses safely. They would encourage people to wait together in a well lit area, increasing their personal safety. They would also allow other road users to predict where buses might stop, thus reducing the likelihood of collisions. 11.Better information – Fixed bus stops would clearly show that a bus service is available. They would have information frames which would allow us to display timetables, and diversion notices when needed. They would also allow us to provide real time information to customers with mobile devices, ‘next stop’ information on the buses, and more detailed information for journey planning. 12.More clarity – ‘Hail and Ride’ can be confusing system for those who are visually impaired or have learning difficulties, as well as anyone unfamiliar with the area, as there is no clear indication of where buses will and will not stop. It can also lead to disputes between customers and bus drivers as to where is safe to stop. Fixed stops would minimise any confusion. Transport for London ­ Result of Local consultation 13.To follow as Late Material RBK Comments 14.RBK fully understand the reasoning behind the proposed changes and one of the Council’s duties is ensuring that all services are compliant with the Equalities Act (2010), therefore Officers have no highway objections to the proposal’s concept. Officers will however need to discuss the potential impact that the proposal could have on our residents and how we can address and accommodate their needs and concerns. Timescale 15.If the Residents Committee approves these changes then the scheme is expected to be implemented this financial year. Resource Implications

16.These works are being funded by Transport for London from the Local Implementation Plan allocation in the Borough Spending Plan 2016/17. Legal Implications

17.Section 65(1) Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 provides that the Council as traffic authority “may cause or permit traffic signs to be placed on or near a road …” in their area. This includes the clearway markings laid at bus stops. signs are specifically referred to as traffic signs for the purpose of the Traffic Signs Regulations & General Directions 2002 which are regulations made under the Act and are the current regulations dealing with signage. Equalities Impact Assessment

18.The proposal will enhance and improve EIA under the DDA. Network Implications

19.None Environmental Implications 20.By regularising the stopping arrangements for this bus route, a slight overall decrease in atmospheric and aural pollution may occur. 21.No trees will be affected by these proposals.

Background papers held by the author

­ previous Committee reports held by author/other ­ Younes Hamade ​ Author of report ­ Younes Hamade ­ Senior Professional engineer ​