The petition of residents of South Gloucestershire,
Declares that local residents have great concern over the proposal to make Charlton Boulevard into a bus only lane, and the resulting effect this will have on local congestion.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to encourage South Gloucestershire Council, and all stakeholders in Charlton Hayes traffic planning to reassess the planned route.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Official Report, 20 June 2018; Vol. 643, c. 435.]
[P002156]
Observations from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Jesse Norman):
The Government’s view is that most projects should be decided locally to meet the needs of the local people and businesses, and to promote local economic growth, while taking into account any other considerations that may arise. In this case, the section of road in question is the responsibility of South Gloucestershire Council.
I understand that the proposal has been developed to prevent “rat-running” and to encourage the use of public and sustainable transport, including the new MetroBus route which will run along Highwood Road. The decision to take forward the proposal is likely to require a statutory Traffic Regulation Order (TRO). I would encourage the public to share their views when this procedure commences, which I understand will be within the next 12 months. In the meantime, I would suggest that the public continues to work with Council officers to understand the plans further.