The Petition of residents of Gosport,
Declares that there should be another bus stop near the Bridgemary Road walk through to Vian Close and further declares that a local petition on this matter was signed by 94 individuals.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to install a new bus stop near the Bridgemary Road walk through to Vian Close in Gosport.
And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Suella Fernandes, Official Report, 20 July 2015; Vol. 598, c. 1340.]
[P001534]
Observations from the Secretary of State for Transport:
I recognise the importance of public transport for both the sustainability and independence of communities, and its valuable role in preventing isolation.
Bus services in particular are vital for connecting people to services and jobs, and for connecting communities.
Responsibility for the siting of bus stops rests with the local traffic or transport authority. The provision of bus stops and shelters is a matter for the authority to consider, either within the council, or with the bus operators in the area. Approval is required before a bus stop sign may be used but planning permission is not, though the authority may consult with the police or other affected traffic authority before carrying out the necessary siting works.
The legal framework for bus shelters is set out in the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1953 as subsequently amended. Local authorities and parish councils can provide and maintain bus shelters with the consent of the highway authority. For local roads, where most bus shelters will be erected, the highway authority will be the county council or unitary authority, in this case, Hampshire County Council.
While my Department has no direct responsibility over the design or positioning of bus stops and shelters, I strongly encourage authorities, bus operators and local communities to work together to decide how best to provide access to services for residents.
I would like to thank you for bringing the issue to my attention, and thanks especially to all your constituents who signed the petition.