Wokingham politicians are split over plans to lengthen the A4 bus lane on London Road in Reading, with some saying creating space for the lane won't slow down drivers.
Drivers arriving from the A329M, the A4 via the Sutton Seeds roundabout, or from Winnersh on the A329 know there's a wait - and it affects buses and emergency services because the bus lane currently stops and starts.
The scheme would extend the bus lane under the A3290 at the Sutton Seeds roundabout using space that isn't currently used. Locals who spoke to the Local Democracy Reporting Service objected to a proposed right‑turn 'pocket' into Liverpool Road, arguing instead for a no‑right‑turn both in and out with a barrier down the middle.
Labour and the Liberal Democrats are generally supportive of the plans, while Conservatives are more sceptical.
Andy Croy (Labour), a former Wokingham Borough Councillor and current Town Councillor who commutes past the roundabout every day, said: "I think it's a good idea. Drivers have got to learn to drive. Nobody should begrudge the bus going to the front of the queue. I can imagine a no-right-turn at Liverpool Road working well. I'm very supportive of making buses work quicker. People always worry about the loss of car lanes but If people look at the plans, in this instance there is no loss of car lanes. They're narrowing the lanes. Creating some extra room is a good thing."
Conservative leader Pauline Jorgensen said: "Generally, I do not support bus lanes when they take road space away. Most of the time they stand empty and they cause congestion."
If the borough council elections go the expected way, Cllr Adrian Betteridge and his Liberal Democrat colleagues in Wokingham Borough's executive are likely to make the final decision. Cllr Betteridge said: "These proposals are designed to improve the flow of both buses and other vehicles, by adding road capacity on and on the approaches to the roundabout. The existing road layout and housing constrain what can be achieved in busy areas such as on London Road, but I expect this design to make things better for all. Faster bus journeys will lead to more people choosing to travel by bus rather than by private car, also freeing up road space for those who choose to drive."
The bus lane currently starts at the corner of Liverpool Road because previous funding went to Reading Borough Council for a joint project, but no money went to Wokingham - so the lane ends at the boundary. The consultation says the change will "improve the reliability and punctuality of bus services by removing the delays caused when buses have to contend with general traffic and parking activity."
One of the worst bottlenecks is at the corner of Liverpool Road, where two lanes merge into one; that merge will stay, with a new right‑turn pocket expected to be created to allow traffic into Liverpool Road.
Reading and Wokingham Borough Councils have both opened consultations. Residents can comment on the plans here: bit.ly/lpbuslane
Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter
