A MAN who fears for the safety of motorists and pedestrians along a new bus lane in Dunstable has called for a full review of the operation.
John Westley, of Lowther Road, believes the new system is an accident waiting to happen, and preferred the bus lane the way it was a year ago when it started after the junction with Kingsway.
He said: “I think it’s made it worse. Just the other day I had to maneovre quickly to avoid being hit by a bus.”
Mr Westley wrote to Central Beds Council highlighting the dangers of the road and was told there have been five incidents along the road in the last year – none of them involving a bus.
But Mr Westley told the Gazette: “It’s no good saying ‘well we ought to do something, somebody’s been killed’ – well that’s too late.”
The council promised to review the scheme, but Mr Westley suggested they should install CCTV cameras in the area so they can see for themselves how dangerous it is.
The council told Mr Westley that the requirement of the scheme is to promote bus patronage so reserving the inside lane for buses was key.
The scheme is also due for a number of safety audits this year to highlight any shortcomings.
Mr Westley said: “These consultancies have all been a waste of time. Someone needs to come along, try it out, and come up with a solution.”
But he added that he is “pleased that the scheme will continue to be monitored”.