Hannah Young, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at North Somerset Council, said: “We are no longer taking forward the bus lane option as part of the Bus Service Improvement Plan programme. However, we are progressing with the installation of bus priority traffic lights at Backwell, with works now expected to begin in spring next year.
Since the original proposals for this junction were developed in 2022, Backwell has seen planning approval of two further significant housing developments, and the Council has been working to revise North Somerset’s Local Plan following changes in national planning policy. I recognise the concerns of residents and other road users of the potential impact of these new and proposed developments, and it makes sense to coordinate design and timing of highway infrastructure upgrades within these wider plans.
We recognise that the junction experiences congestion issues, which will still see some improvement with the revised scheme. We are still committed to achieving efficient, reliable, frequent bus services which enable more people choose public transport and help to reduce the volume of traffic on local roads for other users. A bus lane scheme for Backwell may still be required later in the 15 year Local Plan period but we will continue to consider the future measures needed to support those services as we continue to work on the Local Plan and Nailsea & Backwell Transport Strategy.
It has been important to hear the views of Parish Council and Ward Member throughout this process, and we are committed to continuing close engagement as we move forward on the detail of the revised plans and their implementation.”
Bridget Petty, Backwell Ward Member, said: “We are experiencing an intense period of change in Backwell, and it’s clear from speaking with the community that many feel the full impact of that change hasn’t been fully recognised. It’s vital that change happens in a planned, phased way that delivers real value for money. While we’re pleased to see progress, we also know there are concerns, and it’s important to get this right.
I’m committed to continuing to work closely with the council to ensure the right long-term solutions for Backwell, to include the needs of pedestrians—and particularly school children—on Station Road, Dark Lane and Church Lane.”
Backwell Parish Council (BPC) said: “We endorse the implementation of bus lanes when they are situated in appropriate locations. BPC has consistently resisted a bus lane through the centre of Backwell. This has been a lengthy process. BPC acknowledges Cllr Hannah Young for maintaining open communication and for her decision to remove the bus lane, as well as the prior removal of the one-way scheme on Dark Lane. Cllr Young has addressed residents’ concerns and aligned with last May’s scrutiny panel recommendations by only installing smart lights. BPC has always supported the installation of smart lights which will give buses priority and allow us to play our part in providing an efficient bus service.
Over the coming years, NSC is expected to undergo significant transformation and face considerable challenges with the addition of 24,000 new homes. However, advancements in technology and infrastructure make it difficult to predict the future landscape of transportation 15 years from now. In the interim, BPC anticipates engaging in productive discussions with the BSIP team regarding enhanced bus shelters, the implementation of a new pedestrian crossing, and the identification of an appropriate location for the school bus stop.”
For updates on the programme, please visit our Bus Service Improvement Plan webpage or contact us at bsip.engagement@n-somerset.gov.uk for any queries.