We realise this is taking a long time and as such we are working with the council to get it done asap.
The response from the council is:
The islands are complete and electricity cables have already been laid in ducts across the road for the road signs. The signs are due to be delivered tomorrow, so should be erected on Monday. A short length of road around the restriction will be resurfaced one evening (the new surface will be damaged by the removal of the road markings): this will be done soon on a date to be agreed with London Buses. The road markings will then be laid and the works will be complete - the hatching along the centre of the road will be re-aligned to direct traffic towards the openings and 'BUSES ONLY' will be painted at the bus gate.
The works on the width restriction should be completed by Wednesday 29th September 2010.
On another matter we are aware that TfL are carrying out resurfacing works in New Cross Road over 3 nights i.e. 27,28,29 September 10. To facilitate these works buses will be diverted and will run down Pepys Road. Temporary traffic lights will be used to control the passage of buses through the width restriction. TfL are aware that they need to inform residents of this work and bus diversion.
We have requested a copy of the TfL letter and this will be posted on here once received.
Email from Highways...
Dear Cllr Bell
Just to confirm that we start work tomorrow to reinstate an improved version of the original width restriction.
We have adjusted the original configuration (two width restrictions and a gate) to accommodate at a later date the proposals indicated in my earlier email i.e. include two standard width restrictions and a bus lane. Newsigns will also be installed after construction of the width restriction has been completed.This approach will ensure we minimise any future works required to introduce the final designed scheme
In previous correspondence we indicated that there were problems with wiring and signal transmission that would make camera enforcement difficult. However I'm happy to be able to confirm that we will be able to use the Council's new static or rapid deployment cameras to carry out enforcement of the bus lane.
I apologise for the time it has taken to reach this stage.
Regards
Bob
Here is the latest:
Thank you for your email regarding the width restrictor on Pepys Road which was logged as a members enquiry, ref 117807. Colleagues in Highways have provided the following response.
Unfortunately detailed investigation of the bus gate design proposed by our consultants has indicated that the scheme would be unworkable because of the geometry of the road at that location. We have spent some time investigating the possibility of policing a width restriction using a camera, This too has regrettably proved unfeasible. Using a conventional camera would require a cable connection down to New Cross road and this would be prohibitively expensive. The alternative - using a wireless camera - is also impossible due to the difficulty in transmitting a signal over Telegraph Hill to the control centre in Catford.
We are very aware however of the need to provide some form of restriction, particularly because the schools have now gone back.
We have therefore concluded that the best option is to put back elements of the original restriction with some modifications to make it more effective, on a temporary basis, until a fresh look can be taken at the issues and a new design developed. The Bus Priority funding which could have been made available to introduce the scheme proposed by our consultants is no longer available and the Bus Priority initiative itself is now more or less at a end. Therefore in order to fund development and construction of a new design we have submitted a bid, through the Local Implementation plan (LIP) process, to TfL for funding for 2010/11.
Once a new scheme has been designed we will carry out consultation with local residents, the emergency services and the bus operator. We are aware that local residents would prefer to have input into the eventual solution and we would welcome their views . Proceeding in this manner will, we are confident, deliver a long term sustainable solution.
In the meantime work will commence next week (week commencing 6 September) on the temporary measures described above.
Work has not commenced satisfactorily and therefore a formal complaint has been made with a motion to be discussed for full council as below:
Despite many attempts to get the width restrictor returned to Pepys Road after resurfacing work, this has not been done, thereby risking the safety of the residents of Telegraph Hill. Therefore we call upon the Mayor to instruct the Executive Director for Regeneration to reinstate the width restrictor on Pepys Road immediately and without further delay or consultation.
Here is the latest update...please take a deep breath:
1. Highways are having a meeting tomorrow to decide on the options available to them...again ward councillors knew nothing of this until 5pm today when we chased; nor have we been invited!
2. The options available are to redesign the width restrictor to allow a bus lane to go down the middle so that a camera can be installed to discourage lorry drivers from driving through it. Problem - there is no money for a camera.
3. Here is what we think: PUT IT BACK NOW, but make it look in-keeping with a conservation area. This has been clearly stated to the Highways Department.
4. More updates tomorrow after the 10am meeting.
We have today pressured the Highways department to update us on when the Width Restrictor is to be reinstated on Pepys Road. Below is the response we had from the Executor Directror for Regeneration, Malcolm Smith. I have again called this morning to drag out a date from Highways. More soon...
| 114535-n__cllr_bell_-_pepys_rd_bus_gate.pdf |
| File Size: | 26 kb |
| File Type: | pdf |
Download File
The council had decided that a consultation should take place on the width restrictor and consequently it was not put back after the resurfacing of the road. None of your councillors were told and when enquiries were made, we found out about the consultation.
We have now put an end to the consultation and instructed Highways to reinstate the width restrictor. The job has been issued and we are awaiting a date for the work to be completed. Once we have this date it will be posted here.
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