Purpose

This proposal is to support the implementation of accessibility improvements at bus stops within the East Lancashire area. These improvements form part of a wider initiative to provide safe and suitable boarding and alighting facilities for all passengers, including wheelchair users, pushchair users, and individuals with restricted mobility who rely on public transport services.

The introduction and alteration of Bus Stop Clearway markings are necessary to ensure that stopping areas remain free of parked vehicles. Vehicles parking within or adjacent to bus stops can obstruct bus manoeuvring space and limit forward visibility, creating additional difficulties for drivers and for visually impaired passengers. The proposed clearways will therefore provide unobstructed access for buses and support safe and efficient passenger movement.

Where required, additional infrastructure such as bus shelters and raised boarding platforms will be installed to enhance safety, comfort, and accessibility at the stops.

This proposal will upgrade the existing bus stop to a Quality Bus Stop Clearway, ensuring buses can pull in and out safely and consistently.

The implementation of the Bus Stop Clearways will ensure that appropriate enforcement measures can be undertaken, thereby improving compliance and delivering benefits for all road users, including pedestrians.

Consultations

Formal consultation was carried out between 24/04/2026 until 22/05/2026 which included frontagers to the proposed location of the Bus Stop being notified and notices being displayed on site. Divisional county councillors were consulted along with the council's usual consultees.

In response to the formal consultation two objections were received regarding the proposed location of the Bus Stop Clearway. The objections were based on concerns that there is already very limited parking available in the area and that the proposal would result in the loss of three much needed parking spaces, significantly impacting parking availability for nearby residents.

Following consideration of objections received during consultation, a modification (consultation between 23/07/2026 and 20/08/2026) was undertaken to relocate the proposed bus stop approximately 64 metres north-east of its original position and extend the associated Bus Stop Clearway from 17 metres to 27 metres.

The changes were made to reduce the impact on existing on-street parking while continuing to provide an accessible and convenient stopping point for bus passengers.

The extension of the Bus Stop Clearway is necessary to ensure sufficient space for buses to stop and manoeuvre safely and efficiently at the new location, thereby improving the reliability and safety of bus operations.

No further Objections have been received in relation to the modification this proposal.   

As a result of the modification the Bus Stop Clearway is now being proposed in a completely different location to the original proposal that received two objections and as such these objections would not be relevant to the new proposal.

Decision

Peter Bell, Highway Regulation Manager has taken a decision to approve the Lancashire County Council (Blackburn Road, Padiham, Burnley Borough) (Bus Stop Clearway (4) (2500IMG2575)).