Plans to install bus stops along the Keynsham bypass have sparked controversy among local officials due to safety and disruption concerns. The bypass, currently a 70mph dual carriageway that runs through the town, could see its speed limit reduced to 40mph under proposals from the West of England Combined Authority. The plans also include the addition of a pelican crossing, an active travel path for cyclists and pedestrians, and two new bus stops to serve residents using the X39 bus route.
If implemented, the changes would add four more buses per hour between Keynsham, Bath, and Bristol, potentially improving public transport options. However, Alan Hale, independent councillor for Keynsham South on Bath and North East Somerset Council, has voiced strong opposition. As a former police officer, council road safety officer, and driving instructor, Mr Hale is particularly concerned about the safety implications. He highlighted the risk of children accessing the busy bypass from the proposed new gate connecting Memorial Park to the bus stops.
Mr Hale described the proposals as “an obscene waste of money” that could be better allocated to other infrastructure projects. He also expressed unease about the isolation of the bus stop locations, noting the vulnerability of individuals waiting at remote spots without nearby residents or regular foot traffic. “This is a project for political ideology but with no real benefit in the real world to the general public,” he added.
Following a public consultation that closed last week, the authority could begin work as early as 2028. Initially, the Combined Authority suggested implementing continuous bus lanes along the entire length of the bypass, but they withdrew this after receiving public criticism. The current scheme includes approximately 200 metres of bus lane near each bus stop to facilitate boarding and alighting.
Mr Hale also warned about the safety risks posed by these short bus lane sections, which would necessitate frequent lane changes by drivers throughout the day. He explained that these manoeuvres carry inherent dangers and would be avoidable if the bypass remained unchanged. “Disruption is one thing but potential collisions and risks to personal lives and safety are another,” he cautioned.
A spokesperson for the West of England Combined Authority responded, emphasising that the proposals were designed to enhance safety and accessibility for bus users, cyclists, and pedestrians. They stated that the plans were developed in close collaboration with the council, as the highways authority, to ensure safety for all road users. The spokesperson confirmed that all feedback from the consultation will be carefully reviewed before any final decisions are made.