Plans for a Keynsham bypass bus lane were scrapped after controversy. Leaders in Keynsham and Bath show their anger.
Improving public transport between Bath and Bristol is complex. Recent ideas suggested spending £89 million to cover bus and bike lanes. The project was split in two last summer.
Bristol A4 bus lanes seemed easier to implement, and Saltford should get bus lanes soon. Another project aims to help buses enter Bristol via Brislington on the A4.
The Keynsham bypass bus lane was very controversial, with councillors calling it “extremely unpopular” last summer. Now, it seems that idea is completely dead.
Helen Godwin is running for metro mayor on May 1 and said she won’t build the bus lane if elected. Dan Norris agreed to halt the project because of her.
Godwin said people feel unheard and not properly informed. She spoke to Dan Norris, and he stopped the consultation. A new mayor can decide what happens next, and Godwin wants to examine other options, like trains.
Councillor Sarah Warren is furious about this decision and demanded answers from Dan Norris. She wonders why Godwin announced it on Facebook, especially since a meeting on the plan happened just last week.
Warren said Norris ignores local leaders and residents, leading to government oversight of the Combined Authority. She claims the needed data for this isn’t available and wants assurances for other projects.