A PROPOSAL to let taxis and cyclists use parts of Crawley’s Fastway bus lane network for an experimental 18 months will be discussed at the next meeting of West Crawley County Local Committee.
The proposal covers the dual carriageway length of London Road (A23) and any contraflow lengths mainly in the High Street where cycles but not taxis would be permitted.
It does not cover Fastway’s ‘guided lengths’, which are specially
adapted for Metrobuses, and unsuitable for other vehicles.
A report drawn up by County Hall highways experts says the proposal is designed to improve journey times for the borough’s taxis that are licensed as hackney carriages and cyclists.
Alan Quirk, Committee Chairman, said the first six months of the trial period will give people the opportunity to voice any objections.
The report says: “The estimated cost of the proposal is currently up to £160,000 and it is vital members of the Committee note an objection from Metrobus, which may require a Public Inquiry.
“The cost of a Public Inquiry is estimated at over £250,000 and is therefore likely to be prohibitive. In that case the experiment would have to cease after 18 months and all the costs incurred would be lost.
“Should no objections be received then the experimental order could be made permanent after six months without further action.
A similar Highways Team report is being submitted to East Crawley County Local Committee, which is meeting on February 4. The final decision about the experiment will be made by the County Council Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport.
The West Crawley meeting, which is being held on Thursday January 14 at Langley Exhibition Room, Crawley Library, Southgate Avenue, Crawley, will also include:
· A short presentation on the current work of West Sussex County Council Fire and Rescue Service in West Crawley.
· The talk with us forum that enables residents to raise local issues.
· Applications for Community Initiative Funding grants.
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