Wollaton residents planning to sell up as new bus lane causes traffic chaos

A new bus lane introduced on a busy road in Wollaton is "making traffic worse" and leaving some residents wanting to move out. The markings were introduced eastbound in Wollaton Road just over a week ago as part of plans to improve bus services near Crown Island.

The 7am-7pm lanes are not yet in operation, but are already being avoided by many confused motorists, leading to long queues of traffic through the affluent suburb during rush hour. Long-time neighbours on the road say the lanes are making traffic worse, and are struggling to see the point of the plans.

Nottingham City Council said it is keeping a "close eye" on the situation but assured new projects often take time to "bed in". William Fox said the bus lane was the final straw for he and his wife, who have lived in the area for 19 years.

"We've had lots of issues, lots of pipping, honking horns especially at eight or nine in the morning. Its just not good at all," said the 62-year-old.

"This road has got a lot worse. We're so fed up we're moving to Ilkeston because of this and parking."

Mr Fox, who believed the lane was already in operation, said it was causing total confusion. "I can't see the point in it," said the part time Rock City pit security guard.

"It's just crazy for say 50 yards, it's caused so much trouble. Some people are coming on the inside."

Howard Wardman, 86, said he did not see the point in the new markings. Two buses go down there, there's not a lot of bus traffic. Bus lanes are a good thing, on places like Derby Road when you get traffic and lots of different buses it's worthwhile but for us it's not," he said.

"It makes it more difficult for me." Marion and Ian Gray, who have lived in Wollaton Road since 1976, said the traffic was "chronic" during rush hour. "It's a 100 yard bus lane. What does it achieve? I really don't know," said Mrs Gray.

We've lived here for nearly 50 years, we don't hear the traffic so it doesn't bother us. But I'm concerned with the amount of traffic on the side of the other side of the road now."

Joe Gregory, a 21-year-old student, added: "Around rush hour every time you look out there's a stream of traffic going each way. I think [the bus lane] will help the buses but will just make traffic worse."

Funding for the bus lane comes from the Government’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). The city council previously said modelling showed that the bus lanes will not have a negative impact on the regular traffic flow around the junction.

Councillor Steve Battlemuch, who represents Wollaton West said he had requested an "urgent review" in light of the recent congestion. "The council said they are monitoring it very closely. If buses are getting caught up in it it wouldn't serve its purpose," he said.

"If the tailback is going so far back it's going to the road where it's single lane and buses are stuck." A Nottingham City Council spokesperson said: "We’re aware of some issues raised by motorists and are currently keeping a close eye on this.

“As with any project of this nature, there will be a period of time required for the changes to the road network to bed in, settle down and for drivers to get used to them. These short-term works are part of a wider project of improvements to bus routes around the city, funded through a joint scheme with the county council.

"We were successful in applying for £13.8m from central Government to fund numerous schemes across both authorities."