PLANS for 24-hour bus lanes on both sides of the Keynsham bypass appear to have finally bitten the dust following the election of a new Metro Mayor.
During her campaign, Labour candidate Helen Godwin said that, if elected, she would not go ahead with the scheme by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), which she now leads. She saw off a challenge by Reform UK in a close poll battle on May 1.
When asked if Ms Godwin’s election meant the bus lane proposals would definitely not go ahead, a WECA spokesperson told the Voice: “The Mayor remains committed to her election pledges.
“As promised, Helen is taking a fresh look at the wider proposals for the A4 corridor – working closely with Bath & North East Somerset Council, including leader Councillor Kevin Guy, who Helen recently appointed as her first deputy mayor.”
The bus lane proposals have been fiercely opposed in Keynsham and Saltford since they were announced in 2023.But despite overwhelming public opposition in a consultation, WECA announced last summer it was sticking with the proposals.
Then, in February this year, Ms Godwin revealed on Facebook she had discussed the proposals with the then Metro Mayor Dan Norris.
She said: “Many residents have raised concerns with me about these bus lanes, feeling that they’re unnecessary and would make journeys longer, and commuting more difficult.
“So I’ve spoken to the current West of England mayor Dan Norris, and he has withdrawn the consultation and suspended any further development of the scheme.
“I want you to know that if elected, I will not progress this scheme and I will take a fresh look at the wider proposal for the A4, including the option of enhanced rail services and a new station for Saltford.”
Although many assumed this meant the bus lanes plan had been scrapped, Mr Norris later clarified that a public consultation had merely been paused due to the upcoming election, and that the next mayor would choose the way forward.
Following her election, Ms Godwin held a meeting with Rob Pymm, commercial director and acting managing director of First Bus – Wales & West.
She said: “My biggest priority remains getting our region moving. Longstanding transport challenges are at the top of my in-tray, so it was great to hit the ground running today with Rob.
“We talked about challenges around the consistency and reliability of some services, and agreed to work together at pace to improve things.
“I’m determined to deliver real change on transport, working collaboratively with our local councils and bus operators. The West has recently secured major investment from national government for new electric buses, with First Bus committing further funding to deliver charging infrastructure at their depots.
“Passenger numbers are growing, and we will soon be seizing the opportunity to use this investment – and more from the Mayoral Combined Authority – so that people see and feel connected, through public transport, to the best of life in our region.”
Pictured below, Metro Mayor Helen Godwin with Rob Pymm of First Bus
