Issue - meetings

There was nothing discussed at this item as it had been raised earlier in the agenda.

The Chair advised that touring coaches parked at the bus stop cause access issues to service buses and Roads are considering a bid for funds to create two parking spaces for touring coaches but there is uncertainty regarding Transport Scotland’s plans for the Rest and be Thankful. The Forum further noted that the ramp between the bus stop and the Old Military Road had been completed.

Outcome

The Forum noted the position.

Discussion focussed on the removal of the bus stop use from November due to bad weather in winter making the turning circle unsafe and how a desktop exercise had been promised to see what options were available to prevent the bus service being suspended.

Outcome

The Forum agreed that the Chair would contact the Roads Department to ask them to start progressing the desktop exercise discussed at the site meeting held just before the first Covid lockdown now restrictions allowed non-essential work to be undertaken, noting that the options available may be impacted by the TRO.

The Forum considered the update from the Public Transport Technician in relation to the bus stop ramp at the Rest and Be Thankful.

Outcome

The Forum noted the update.

In the absence of Officer attendance issues with the path from the OMR to the bus stop were discussed. Transport Scotland stated they believed it was the responsibility of the council as it was not part of the trunk road network and was constructed by a third party. Transport Scotland believed that the deterioration of the path had not been effected by the use of the OMR but due to it being poorly constructed.

Outcome

The Forum noted Transport Scotland’s position.

Following on from a desk top exercise to apply for funding and request changes to the TRO  Roads had identified actions as follows;

1.         A change to existing TRO;

2.         Change direction of traffic to an anti -clockwise direction. Adjust signage to suit;

3.         Signage for Service Buses only; and

4.         Widen carriageway in turning area to accommodate tourist coaches.

The Contract Officer advised in a previously circulated update that they were awaiting a response from Roads regards this and that there was no  update from Public Transport.

The Chair asked whether West Coast Motors would be stopping the use of the bus stop between November and the beginning of March, as had been the case in previous years. He pointed out that the weather in November was mild and asked if they needed to stop the use of the bus stop as early as 1 November.  Jeff advised that although the weather was mild at present they had to notify the public and register for the amended service.  On this basis it is not possible to fit in with milder weather patterns.

Outcome

The Forum noted the position.

Following on from the site visit in March, the Forum noted the need to look for a desktop solution prior to exploring funding options and the Assistant Network Manager agreed to look into this, as well as implications for the existing TRO, and report back to the Forum.

Outcome

The Forum noted the position.

Following on from a site visit on Monday 9 March, the Chair updated the Forum on the two preferred options that would be considered.  The first was the preference of bus drivers to turn into the stop in an anticlockwise direction so that in winter they were going down and not up the hill at the sharp bend, and the second was to extend the carriageway towards the A83 to encompass two parking bays specifically for tour buses. Costings for the second option (which would also provide for the first option) would need to be prepared before any decision could be made.

Outcome

The Forum noted the information provided.

The Forum gave consideration to the response from Roads and Amenity Services regarding patrols of the area by Amenity Wardens and the lack of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued in regard to tour buses parking in the bus stop.  It was also highlighted in the response that monitoring by CCTV could not be carried out for legal reasons and prohibiting access by use of a barrier would not be practical due to lack of power sources. 

A discussion followed regarding obstruction and whether this was enforceable.  In response Chief Inspector Douglas Wilson advised that cases of obstruction raised at the meeting had not been reported to the Police and advised that unless the service bus was attempting to use the bus stop then there was no obstruction.  He urged drivers to report incidences to the Police (potentially via their employers), including what companies were parking in the bus stop.  Chief Inspector Wilson also advised that when his Officers had challenged anyone parked in the bus stop they had agreed to move.  As a way forward the Chief Inspector queried whether some of the car park could be set aside for coach parking which was discussed by the Forum.

Neil MacFarlane, Transport Scotland, advised the Forum that he did not think it would resolve the issues at the Rest and Be Thankful Bus Stop by installing a layby on the Glasgow to Campbeltown side of the A83.  This was due to road safety concerns caused by those crossing the carriageway which would require a Road Safety Audit and was unlikely to get consent.  Mr MacFarlane indicated that he may be able to suggest some measures which may assist the situation.

Outcome

The Forum:

1.    Noted the information provided by Roads and Amenity Services;

2.    Agreed to write to West Coast Motors to encourage them, in light of advice received from Chief Inspector Wilson, to turn off the main road and attempt to use the bus stop and then report any driver/company who continued to park in the bus stop to Police Scotland; and

3.    Agreed that a site visit be held to explore options for dedicated coach parking with the Chair of the Forum, Police Scotland, the Forestry Commission, Argyll and Bute Council, Transport Scotland, West Coast Motors, Lochgoil Community Council and Citylink.

(Ref:  Casebook correspondence re incident 190623-000008, submitted)

No further update on this item was provided.

Outcome

1.         The Chair to contact Transport Scotland and raise concerns regarding the failure of the turning circle to resolve ongoing issues at the Bus Stop at Rest and Be Thankful and to further request that consideration be given to installing a layby on the Glasgow to Campbeltown side of the A83.

2.         Police Scotland to highlight the ongoing parking issues to Officers and that, when appropriate, enforcement action should be taken.

3.         The Forum requested clarification on how many fines had been issued since the introduction of the existing Traffic Regulation Order and what progress had been taken regarding the installation of CCTV at the location.

CityLink Coaches are now using this stop again for the Summer. As with previous years public transport will make representation to CityLink and West Coast Motors to continue using this stop during the winter months. The situation regarding parking at this stop will continue to be monitored.

Outcome

The Forum agreed to request additional gritting by Transport Scotland and Argyll and Bute Council in order for buses to utilise the area better in the winter months, noting the commitment given that safer driving conditions would lead to WCM re-evaluating their current stance on this.

Martin Arnold informed the Group that this area would continue to be monitored. West Coast Motors had reported that the abuse of this bus stop by touring coaches had declined. Martin advised that there were no plans going forward to erect a camera at the bus stop due to issues of electricity and maintenance, and also legal problems. He also reported that there were no plans for a barrier due to concerns that this could fail to operate properly and there would be maintenance issues in such a remote area.