Decision details

The Council has a responsibility to provide bus stops in Ipswich and discretionary powers to provide bus stop clearways, in both cases via an agency agreement with Suffolk County Council that allows the Council to exercise certain powers under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016. Bus stop clearways make it an offence to stop or park a vehicle (except buses and certain other vehicles allowed in law) at a bus stop at the times at which the clearway is in force and are shown by means of a thick yellow line on the carriageway and the installation of a small sign.

The provision of bus stop clearway restrictions is important as without them bus stops can often be blocked by parked vehicles, meaning that buses cannot pull up flush with the kerbs. In some cases, passengers are forced to board or alight from the bus in the middle of the carriageway which is not safe, and for passengers who are elderly or who have physical disabilities could be impossible.

The Council has received a complaint from Ipswich Buses that vehicles are being parked blocking the outbound bus stop on Clapgate Lane outside 141/143. A consultation has been undertaken with affected residents, ward councillors and the Portfolio Holder for Environment & Climate Change on a proposal to install a 23 metre bus stop clearway restriction in force at all times. An objection has been received from the residents of 143 Clapgate Lane, principally objecting on the grounds of the loss of on-street parking.

The objection has been given careful consideration but it is noted that the residents have off-street parking available and also that as there are no residential properties on the opposite side of the road that other on-street parking is available. As such, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder and the Chair of the SE Area Committee, an officer decision has now been made to proceed with the installation of the bus stop clearway restriction in force at all times at an estimated cost of £200, as the reasons for installing the bus stop clearway are considered to outweigh the reasons for not doing so.

To exercise the Council’s powers provided via an agency agreement with Suffolk County Council under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 to install a 23 metre bus stop clearway restriction in force at all times at the outbound bus stop outside 141/143 Clapgate Lane.

Reason: The Council has received a complaint from Ipswich Buses that vehicles are being parked blocking the outbound bus stop on Clapgate Lane outside 141/143. Bus stops can often be blocked by parked vehicles, meaning that buses cannot pull up flush with the kerbs. In some cases, passengers are forced to board or alight from the bus in the middle of the carriageway which is not safe, and for passengers who are elderly or who have physical disabilities could be impossible.