BOROUGH OF POOLE
UPTON HOUSE LIAISON COMMITTEE – MONDAY 15 OCTOBER 2007
REPORT OF HEAD OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
ON THE PROPOSED PROVISION OF FULLY ACCESSIBLE BUS STOP AND
WOODEN SHELTER AT UPTON COUNTRY PARK (CAR PARK)
1.
Purpose and Policy Context
1.1 To consider a proposal to provide a raised bus stop boarding area within the
car park to permit disabled access to bus services. In addition a wooden bus
shelter would also be provided.
1.2 Local bus services contribute to the Corporate Objective of Promoting Health
and Well-being of its residents and the Priorities of Reducing Poole’s Carbon
Footprint and Meeting the Needs of our Ageing Population.
2.
Recommendations
2.1 It is recommended that a wooden bus shelter and raised kerb be provided at
Upton Country Park car park for the benefit of bus passengers.
3.
Information
3.1 Following requests through the Learning Disabled Transport Group, the
Borough of Poole introduced a bus route directly serving Upton Country Park.
The Service 128 commenced on 1st April 2006 and is operated under contract
by Wilts & Dorset Bus Company Ltd.
3.2 Prior to this date passengers wishing to access the Park by public transport
had to alight at the nearest stop in Upton Road. In addition to a lengthy walk,
the bus stop in the opposite direction in particular is very cramped and requires
the crossing of a busy road.
3.3 The 128 service improves access by directly serving the car park itself. It has
been designed primarily to provide a service to Upton House for Social
Services Community Employment staff at the Peacock Tea Rooms. It replaced
a former bespoke service for this group of people who have Learning
Difficulties. The provision of this service has been an intrinsic part of the
successful Travel Training Initiative. Workers are now able to travel
independently on a conventional bus service.
3.4 The extension to Upton House also proves a popular destination for the
members of the public.
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3.5 Users of the service, including the Peacock Tearooms staff, have complained
about the lack of a formalised boarding area in the car park itself. The current
arrangement when boarding the bus requires a considerable step up from
ground level. This would be impossible for any passenger with mobility
difficulties.
3.6 The proposed raised boarding area is shown in Appendix A. This would permit
a flat, level entrance to and from the bus. The area would also find use by
other vehicles if required- visitors arriving in wheelchair accessible taxis or
minibuses, for example.
3.7 In addition the provision of a bus shelter has also been requested for this
location. Workers at the Peacock Tearooms currently seek shelter by the public
convenience block during inclement weather which is unsatisfactory. A wooden
shelter is therefore thought suitable for the Park’s environment and the
proposed type/layout is shown in Appendix B.
3.8 The return bus from Upton Country Park to Poole is currently at 16:35 and this
results in passengers waiting in the dark during the Winter months. Solar
powered lighting is therefore proposed and this would incorporate a sensor to
ensure illumination is only provided when the shelter is occupied.
3.9 The provision of the raised boarding area and bus shelter would allow the 128
service to be actively marketed. Transportation Services would welcome
assistance on this project.
3.10 Ridership of buses overall in Poole is increasing and in April 2008 the National
Concessionary bus pass scheme will be introduced. This will give free travel on
local buses across the country for residents over 60. Younger residents with
qualifying disabilities will also qualify. It is anticipated that services for leisure
use such as the 128 will become increasingly popular. In addition to allowing
access to the Park for those without a car, increasing numbers of motorists are
now using buses and this will assist in reducing pressure on the car park.
Julian McLaughlin
Head of Transportation Services
Background Information
None
Name and Telephone Number of Officer Contact
Nick Phillips (01202) 262242
5 October 2007
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