Clashes continue over the implementation of a controversial bus lane in Reading that is now months old.
The bus lane heading westbound between Liverpool Road and Cemetery Junction was established as part of Reading Borough Council’s £26 million bus service improvement programme (BSIP) on August 15.
The project proved controversial when plans for it emerged last year, as a regular traffic lane was taken away from drivers for the bus lane to be established.
However, a top councillor has defended it as a crucial project to encourage people to use buses as an update on the BSIP was provided at a council meeting.
John Ennis, lead councillor for transport, used sarcasm to argue traffic has always been heavy heading into Reading from Earley and Woodley.
Councillor Ennis (Labour, Southcote) said: “It’s a historic issue. Of course, London Road coming into Reading and Liverpool Road, was always free! And I’m being ironic.
“That [London Road] has been congested for years, so why did we expect that there was going to be no congestion coming in on the one lane? There always was but we need to change habits.
“We need to change, and we need to look at better modes without hitting them with a stick with a congestion charge, we are encouraging people to use the buses.
“Yes it’s difficult but we are working with our colleagues in Wokingham to make things better on their side.
“The funding never went to their side, it was always on our side.”
Cllr Ennis admitted that there has been difficulties, but ultimately argued the aim is to encourage commuters to use buses as a greener, more environmentally sustainable alternative to the private car.
But the project has faced criticism from cllr Rob White, the leader of the opposition, who represents the area.
“Green councillors support bus travel, I got the bus here, and I was very disappointed when the Labour government increased the cap on bus fares up from £2 to £3.
“Previously Green councillors supported all but one of the schemes.
“We didn’t say scrap it, don’t do it ever, what we said was pause it and go back to the drawing board, because if you introduce it as it is it will cause serious problems, just going on the council’s modelling of traffic.
“Sure enough, the traffic queues doubled and that then caused problems for all modes of transport getting into the town, not least buses.
“It is fairly common to see buses stuck in the traffic jam before they get to the bus lane.”
He then listed those who raised concerns about the bus lane, mentioning Thames Valley Police, the South Central Ambulance Service, as well as bus drivers and passengers.
Cllr White said: “My suspicion is that rather than enticing people onto buses it has had the reverse effect, because anyone who has tried to take advantage of the bus lane has found that they are stuck in a traffic jam.”
The lane can also be used by cyclists and motorcyclists on a trial basis.
Reflecting on his experiences as a cyclist, cllr White stated entering the lane from Cholmeley Road is a positive experience, but felt entering before the start of the lane would be a ‘terrifying’ experience.
Cllr White said: “Once you’re in the bus lane, great, before the bus lane, nightmare.”
The exchanges took place at a traffic management sub-committee meeting on November 27.
