Moorbridge Junction

The Clerk wrote to Councillor Kandola on behalf of Bestwood Village Parish Council to raise our concerns regarding the proposed changes to Moorbridge Junction. It was sent to them in their position as portfolio holder for Highways, Transport and Planning. While we acknowledge the necessity for some alterations to enhance the safety and functionality of the junction, we have reservations about certain aspects of the proposed plan that warrant careful consideration. This correspondence was lodged with the relevant department and the feedback we received is below in italic.

Firstly, we disputeed the need for the implementation of very short 24-hour bus lanes. To the best of our knowledge, the number of buses accessing Moor Bridge from Bulwell or Hucknall during peak times is relatively small, with only 6 No. 3s and 4 No. 79/79As per hour. Given this limited bus traffic, we questioned the rationale behind dedicating valuable road space to bus lanes that may not significantly improve public transportation efficiency. These bus lanes have the potential to be misused and we anticipate that this could cause a significant hazard during the peak travelling times.

Nottinghamshire City Council responded that whilst 24hr bus lanes had been initially favoured for the scheme, to reduce the likelihood of on-street parking blocking the bus lanes and also to provide some additional separation for cyclists from general traffic they are now seeking to implement 1 x 7.00-19.00 bus lane adjacent to the tram stop. This lane will not remove any capacity from general traffic and will be delivered by removing the on-street parking bays. Small sections of bus lane on the approach to junctions provide valuable priority which supports the reliability of bus services and journey times and makes them more attractive to passengers, encouraging people to use the bus and reducing congestion. The 3s service is well used by staff and patients at the city hospital and other working in Nottingham, so it is important that they support its reliability as much as they can. Any drivers choosing to misuse the bus lane will be subject to enforcement activity. They should also add that junction modelling already carried out in relation to adding traffic signals has indicated that a 57% reduction in total traffic delays will be achieved, benefitting both motorists and bus users. The section of bus lane adjacent to Grindon Crescent is being reviewed by the project team but discussions are ongoing about the amount of benefit it will actually provide for buses but it is likely to be withdrawn from the final design.

Secondly, we strongly recommended the installation of red light cameras on both sides of Moor Bridge to deter vehicles from attempting to squeeze through the junction during light changes. This could work in conjunction with the installation of a yellow box at the junction currently on Hucknall Rd/ Bestwood Rd side of Moor Bridge. This is in order to prevent traffic blocking the junction, as happens at the moment, which often prevents vehicles turning right out of Bestwood Rd onto Moor Bridge. The absence of such enforcement measures could lead to congestion and safety hazards as vehicles disregard traffic signals, exacerbating the already challenging traffic conditions at the junction.

Our comments on red light cameras and the addition of a yellow box to the scheme design were going to be passed on to the project team for consideration.

Thirdly, we urgeed thorough consideration of the timing of the light cycle to prevent the existing four sets of traffic lights from causing a backlog through the junction. It is imperative to synchronize the traffic signals effectively to maintain smooth traffic flow and minimize disruptions for both motorists and pedestrians.

Nottinghamshire City Council responded that, as mentioned above, junction modelling has been carried out and is in the process of being revalidated to ensure that the traffic signals are fully optimised. SCOOT / Mova smart signals will be implemented at this location that are able to react to traffic volumes in real time to best manage traffic flows as opposed to older systems which rely on fixed timings.

Lastly, we highlighted concerns that the proposed changes to the junction may inadvertently result in delays, increased journey times, and additional air pollution. It is crucial to conduct comprehensive impact assessments to mitigate any adverse effects on traffic congestion and environmental quality.

Nottinghamshire City Council responded that, as previously highlighted, these improvements will improve capacity through the junction for all traffic and reduce the likelihood of road traffic collisions. More efficient and reliable bus services are a key tool in addressing poor local air quality, alongside encouraging more people to walk and cycle (and providing safe infrastructure for them to feel confident to do so), in tandem with supporting the transition to electric vehicles.

This response was received in May 2024.