Roundswell resident challenges council's bus lane plan

In a bid to halt Devon County Council's plan for a new bus lane in Roundswell, Barnstaple, a Roundswell resident has launched a petition, voicing concerns over potential traffic disruptions and the impact on emergency services.

The proposal, which received cabinet approval in October 2023, outlines a 215-metre bus lane between Gratton Way and Roundswell roundabout. 

According to Devon County Council, the aim of the project is to streamline bus journeys from Barnstaple towards the A39, reducing congestion and improving reliability.

However, Louise Lincoln, a local resident, believes the plan could severely disrupt local traffic patterns.

In her online petition, she argues that the bus lane, intended to prioritise public transport and alleviate congestion, may instead lead to gridlock during peak hours. 

Ms Lincoln expressed particular concern about emergency response times, highlighting the Roundswell ambulance station's potential exposure to delays.

She said: “My home is here in Roundswell, and like many residents, I fear for the future of our ease of mobility. This recklessly conceived project will disrupt our lives and impede our commutes, leaving us unable to move freely in our own neighbourhood during rush hours.”

She further emphasised the community's firsthand knowledge of local traffic patterns, advocating for a reconsideration of the council's plan in light of potential hazards and inconveniences it may pose to residents.

As it stands, the petition already has more than 500 signatures, with a goal of 1000 signatures. 

On her petition, Ms Lincoln submitted a public message to Devon County Council which read: “We demand a reconsideration of their flawed plan for a bus lane. Sign this petition today. Let's protect our beautiful, bustling Roundswell from becoming an accidental parking lot.”

Ms Lincoln told the Gazette: “This proposal will affect me on a daily basis at peak times.”

Responding to Ms Lincoln's concerns, a spokesperson for Devon County Council defended the project, citing improvements to bus journey times and the addition of a footway on the western side between the service station and Fishleigh Road.

The council assured that construction of the 215-metre bus lane, mostly on existing grass verges, would not impact highway capacity and would maintain traffic flow during the works.

A spokesperson for the council said: “We plan to begin construction of a new bus lane between Gratton Way and the A39 Roundswell Roundabout this autumn following a public consultation last summer and subsequent cabinet approval in October 2023.

“The bus lane will be 215 metres in length and built mostly on the existing grass verge and therefore, once completed,  will not affect highways capacity.

“Additionally, because the work will take place on the grass verge, both lanes will remain open during the work without the need for temporary traffic lights.

“The two lanes for traffic entering Roundswell Roundabout will also be increased from 40m to 120m and a footway added on the western side between the service station and Fishleigh Road.

“The scheme will improve bus journey times for services from Barnstaple towards Roundswell roundabout. It promotes priority for buses and taxis to avoid the queuing traffic, ensuring more reliable bus services onto the A39, and encouraging the further use of public transport services.”