Capacidades de la innovación

WILL ALLOW THE EFFECTIVE OPERATION OF BUS SERVICES AND THE PROVISION OF BUS FACILITIES:

BERRYWOOD; BRACKMILLS; KINGS HEATH; PINEHAM; RIVERSIDE PARK; SIXFIELDS; UPTON; WOOTTON FIELDS.

The Future Role of the Bus

5.70. If traffic congestion mainly resulting from the use of private cars is to be reduced the role of the bus will need to be enhanced. The bus can provide an effective alternative to the motor car, however the service must be equally attractive in terms of speed, convenience, cost and comfort. A transportation strategy would need to examine how some of these elements could be improved. Measures which improve the speed of bus journeys in particular will be supported by the Council. In appropriate circumstances the movement of buses needs to be given priority over cars. Bus priority measures (such as bus lanes and junction priority systems) can be an effective means of achieving a faster service, particularly if coupled with "limited-stop" express services or park and ride.

5.71. The Council together with the County Council will:

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a) encourage the bus operators to expand their role and investigate the feasibility of - * a system of bus priority measure serving the town centre;

* park and ride; * limited stop services;

b) promote such schemes as can be demonstrated to be beneficial to the overall operation of the town's transportation network.

Park and Ride Car Park Sites

5.72. Park and ride will form a major part of a transportation strategy and it is important to take advantage of opportunities which may emerge for sites suitable for park and ride. Park and ride car parks are best located outside the main traffic congestion points and at a location capable of collecting a maximum number of commuter cars. In this respect locations in the Lumbertubs Way area of the A45 in the east and Weedon Road/ Upton Way area in the west would be ideal.

5.73. The Council will pursue the development of park and ride facilities for the east and west side of the town in conjunction with the bus companies.

Buses and Pedestrianisation

5.74. Whilst pedestrianisation is generally considered to be beneficial to town centres and shopping areas in terms of environmental improvement and traffic reduction, it can restrict the movement of buses. If buses are to provide an effective alternative to car transport, their movement should be restricted as little as possible. Any future pedestrianisation schemes in the town will need to ensure that essential bus routes are not restricted and bus facilities can be provided.

5.75. The Council will ensure that existing bus movements are catered for within any pedestrianisation schemes and that bus facilities can be provided.

Coaches

5.76. The bus can provide an effective alternative to the motor car as has previously been discussed. Coaches enhance bus services by providing a national network of services which link Northampton to other towns and cities. This is particularly beneficial where rail links do not exist but they also provide generally a cheaper alternative form of travel that is more suited to some sections of the public. Coaches can provide an immediate solution or alternative where rail improvements have not yet been implemented. With such promotions and an increase in tourism, a need is developing for additional coach parking facilities.

5.77. National Express have opened a limited service stopping at Rothersthorpe Service Area on the M1 motorway with connections to Greyfriars Bus Station. This service is welcomed by the Council as a useful addition to the towns transportation system. Further expansion of the system to provide an extended and frequent service will be encouraged.

5.78. The Council will:

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a) encou age the improvement and additional u e of coach services especially where rail services do not exist;

b) seek the provision of additional coach parking facilities at a suitable location in the town; c) encourage coach facilities linking the M1 motorway at junction 15a with the town centre.

TAXI SERVICES

5.79. Taxis provide efficient, alternative transport, which is not restricted to specific routes and, consequently extremely adaptable to the individual requirements of passengers. Many people, such as those without a car, the elderly, and disabled people may be unable to use other transport or experience problems in doing so, and will rely heavily on the taxi. If measures are taken to inhibit a massive growth in the use of private cars within the town, taxis may provide an increasingly valuable service in parallel with buses. 5.80. "Hackney Carriage" taxis can provide readily available transport especially in the town centre where taxi

ranks are located in Mercers Row and Lady's Lane. A rank also exists in the Weston Favell Shopping Centre. The convenience of these is mainly appreciated by shoppers who use the service to avoid carrying heavy bags on buses, or where time and convenience are paramount. The rank at Castle Station provides rail travellers with immediate transport to any part of the town. Taxi ranks and the ease of movement of taxis will need to be taken into account if future pedestrianisation of the town centre is planned.

5.81. "Private Hire" taxis provide especially useful services where or when bus/train services are unavailable particularly at night time. Whilst the use of such vehicles is encouraged, new operators will be required to ensure minimum disturbance to nearby residents and protection of the environment.

5.82. The Council will:

a) seek to permit a number of taxis in the town consistent with a level of demand which may evolve from possible constraints upon the use of private motor vehicles;

b) ensure that taxi movements are catered for within pedestrianisation schemes.

T16 PLANNING PERMISSION FOR THE USE OF PREMISES TO OPERATE TAXIS/PRIVATE HIRE