An independent, expert safety study on both the northern and southern sections of the busway is published by the County Council.
The Guided Busway is designed to be a safe and rapid transport system which keeps buses, cyclists and pedestrians off the highway.
At the end of last year, Mott MacDonald were commissioned as experts to carry out a fully independent safety analysis. Safety on the busway is a priority for the County Council.
As part of their review, Mott MacDonald have made recommendations in their reports with improvements that could reasonably be made to enhance safety – such as a permanent lower speed limit consistent with a public highway in an urban area, new and consistent signage, reflective lining and opportunities to improve the maintenance track where possible.
Cllr Alex Beckett, Chair of the Highways and Transport Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “The County Council committed to undertake a full and detailed safety review of the busway from independent experts and it was important this review was thorough and entirely independent.
“We promised we would update when we were able to and now, I’m pleased to say we can. Following Mott’s reports, we have already implemented many of the recommendations, such as a 30mph speed limit on the whole southern section. Many of the markings, signs and high-friction surfacing will be complete by the end of August. We are also looking at opportunities to improve the quality of cycling and active travel provision along the maintenance track.
“In February, following ongoing communications with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), we took the extremely difficult decision to partially close the southern section of the Guided Busway in one direction between Cambridge Railway Station and the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. It was always a temporary measure while we waited for the outcome of the independent safety review, we have shared Mott MacDonald’s reports with the HSE and our subsequent planned actions. As Mott MacDonald have indicated that ‘a physical fence would not be a long-term practical intervention’ we are now in an ongoing dialogue with the HSE about removing the temporary fence.”
The Mott MacDonald reports and the actions the County Council is taking can be read below. (personal information has been redacted)
