HGV's to use bus / cycle lanes in Norwich

karl j

Probably only of relevance to local cyclists.

Until the idea spreads.

But, apparently, <this> is a good idea.

For anyone who doesn't know the local area, Newmarket Road is one of the main roads from the outskirts into the city centre, and the Castle Meadow / Red Lion Street area is in the city centre - and makes up a well-used cycle route through the city that, except for the occasional maniac bus driver, largely avoids traffic.

CarlosFerreiro

At least on paper, it's a trial run, with the police and cyclists noted as having concerns.

If you want to make somebody's life difficult:

1) Freedom of Information request to the council asking for copies of all correspondence received during the consultation on this.

2) Ask the council for the officers considered "designers" for the scheme under CDM regulations, the CDM coordinator's name, and confirmation that both feel that risks raised during consultation have been designed out of the proposals as far as reasonably practicable, in line with the designers duties under CDM.

3) If you have any other concerns that have not been covered under the consultation, write to them with details and ask that the designer works on those. Follow up for progress. Check with the coordinator that the details of consideration of those concerns have been added to the health and safety file.

HSE would be interested if they are not following their CDM duties.

ekimq

I would also make sure and find out who to speak to whenever you have an incident or close-shave as a result of the changes. And then complain. In writing. Every time.

Speak to the local paper - they're always desperate for stories. See if you can get them to do an article with all the relevant details and encourage people to complain about the safety aspect. If the council get enough grief on the issue, it'll be dropped.

Alibran

I can't believe that anyone is stupid enough to think this is a good idea. Shared bus and cycle lanes are already ridiculous. (Who had the bright idea of putting some of the biggest vehicles on the road in the same lane with some of the most vulnerable road users?) Then you add lorries into the mix, and their near-side visibility is even worse than buses. Sounds like a recipe for disaster to me.

Sorry I can't give any helpful advice, though.

dav1

Its already very hectic in the city centre weaving therough the busses, Im not sure that I will enjoy having a wall of HGVs to contend with....

luke2792

I cant understand why hgvs should need to use the bus lane
Busses use them to deliver there passengers on time to avoid the traffic and bikes use them to avoid the traffic but lorry drivers arent in such a hurry and should get stucjk in the normal treffic with all the other cars

the driving position of a lorry is also very high up compared to a bus so a lorry driver may not be able to see a cyclist directly in front of him

Rykard

Are the local CTC aware?