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The section of The Parade for which this application applies is shown outlined in RED on the Planning Drawings ref P001. It is proposed that the paving materials to be used for each stop alteration will match the existing material.
Market Square has undergone various reconstruction in recent years as part of the Castletown Regeneration programme, part of this approval included improvements to The Parade but this work was not undertaken due to budgetary constraints. The layout included alterations to the bus stops currently in situ. These bus stops see high foot fall, on average this is up to 12,000 passengers per month, and are currently not disability access friendly, the latest design addresses this issue and brings Public Transport infrastructure in line with the Equality Act 2017. Historic incidents have raised concerns in regard to non-compliant stops. Alighting and boarding difficulties for the elderly are increased in the absence of a footway or suitable surface at the relevant height. This has resulted, on several occasions in Castletown Square, for the need of blue light ambulance support as a result of lower leg cuts, trips or falls. In extreme and severe occasions wheelchair ramps have been deployed direct to the roadside in the absence of a footpath or platform resulting in the wheelchair toppling. As The Parade is within a conservation area the revised layout requires planning approval.
Northbound - currently the bus pulls in towards the footway outside No's 5 - 7 The Parade. The shape of the kerb line makes it difficult for the bus to pull in to the kerb for safe passenger access and egress and potential ramp deployment. If the approach to the stop was made to gain parallel parking to the kerb, the rear of the bus would strike the shelter and/or street furniture when pulling away back into the flow of traffic. The bus shelter cannot be relocated further back without compromising footpath width or the integrity of the ageing shelter.
Southbound - currently the bus stop / box is located out into the Highway, this is positioned approximately 5 metres from the footpath and 15 metres from the bus shelter. Currently a row of five 'end on' and one three-quarter parking spaces are positioned between the footpath and bus stop box. The bus shelter itself is positioned prior to the bus stop box on the corner of the junction and is not suitable for the vehicle to collect passengers due to the impact on traffic and health and safety grounds. Passengers' travelling South currently step directly onto the Highway which is difficult for less mobile passengers, small children, prams and wheelchair users. Passengers have to walk between parked vehicles to access the bus or footpath, or in the case of prams and wheelchairs have to walk along the Highway until adequate space allows access. {{image:150042}}
Northbound - it is proposed to construct a build out design and realign the kerbs using the granite and Tegula paving materials to match the existing area. It will include the correct high kerb line to allow the bus to pull up safely and allow complete passenger access and egress including disabled passengers, as well as ensuring safe vehicle road positioning. Kerb changes will also allow residential access to property via drop kerbs. Replacement of the aging shelter, in a similar heritage complimentary style, and slight repositioning will allow weather protection and a safe environment for passengers.
Southbound - it is proposed to remove one of the current parking spaces to allow for an extension of the footpath out into the Highway (beyond the parked cars) using the same / similar granite kerbs and Tegula blocks that are currently in situ. Once again this will include compliant raised kerbs to allow the safe positioning of the bus and safe and suitable access for all passengers. The existing bus shelter will also be replaced and repositioned to the extended area, in a similar heritage complimentary style.
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The existing shelters are in poor condition and have not been maintained for a period of time (the above picture shows the Southbound shelter). The structure is heavily corroded and the fibreglass roof section is cracked and leaking. As part of the proposed changes new shelters would be installed in a sympathetic style to those currently in place. The shelters are essential in giving adequate weather protection and seating.
The above picture shows the current Southbound bus bay. The proposed changes will include an agreeable shelter replacement, the addition of disabled access kerbing and changes to bollard position to ensure access and egress. The arrow indicates a drop kerb area to assist with access in that area for the residents.
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