Southwold Town Council consults on bus ban (well, sort of)

A helpful twitter user has alerted me to this page copied below found on the Suffolk County Council website that was published on the 24th August (that is the Friday before the bank holiday weekend) about this consultation on the Southwold 'bus ban' that closes exactly ONE week later. Given that a great majority of bus users affected by this bus ban do not have email or internet access and they will need to compose a letter and put it in the post, I think it's quite reasonable to complain that they are not getting a fair chance to properly respond.

http://www.suffolk.gov.uk/your-council/decision-making/consultations/trial-bus-scheme-in-southwold/

Have your say on the Trial bus scheme in Southwold.

Increased traffic flow and congestion in the Market Place and High Street in Southwold has been recognised as an issue by the town council for some time, and it was felt that positive action was needed.

Following the results of a traffic survey in 2010/11, Southwold Town Council, with our support it was decided to trial a new bus scheme.

This moved the bus stop further up the High Street to outside the Kings Head pub, restricted buses from going beyond that point and so ensuring they turned around at the pump in the Market Place.

The trial was implemented in July 2011 and allowed to run for a full year to be able to properly assess what effect it would have on the town.

At no time did the temporary order ban buses or coaches from visiting Southwold, and the town has always welcomed holiday makers and day trippers.

Southwold Town Council are now seeking to capture feedback on the scheme.

In particular, comments are welcomed on these specific points:

Protection afforded by the present bus shelter Location of the bus stop at the Kings Head pub and accessibility to the shops and services in the town Ease of crossing roads to get to the bus stop Alternative coach routes Whether visibility is currently restricted for cars exiting from York Road Whether you feel that congestion in the Market Place and High Street has been eased and the atmosphere improved

All comments are welcomed and it would be useful to tell the town council how often you use the scheduled bus service.

Email townclerk@southwoldtowncouncil.com

Please include your name and a correspondence address for your comments to be considered by the Town Council.

Consultation closes 31 August 2012.