Plans to improve bus journey times through the Kett’s Hill roundabout area have been put forward in a public consultation launching today (Thursday 6 January). The aim of the scheme is to improve bus links by making journeys quicker and more reliable for bus passengers and to reduce carbon emissions by encouraging greater use of public transport, walking and cycling. The main change involves the introduction of an 80m bus and cycle lane down Kett’s Hill on the approach to the roundabout, along with measures to provide new parking and better connections for pedestrians to access local businesses. The predicted bus journey time saving through the introduction of the bus lane is 80 seconds at peak times and, along with other projects in the Transforming Cities Fund programme, mean that First bus has committed to increasing the frequency of this route to offer up to 10 buses per hour if the savings can be realised. Cllr Martin Wilby, Chair of the Transport for Norwich joint committee and Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Transport, said: “This project would be a significant addition to bus journey time savings we’ve been making across the network through our investment from the DfT, with the ultimate goal of increasing use of sustainable transport and improving air quality in Norwich. We also understand there is a balance to strike with the other ways in which people use an area, in particular for those visiting local businesses. With this in mind, the proposals also address the need for parking while improving direct links for those on foot. “We’d like to hear from anyone who uses the bus services, visits or lives in this area to help shape the final version of the plans put forward to committee for construction.” Residents and businesses in the immediate project area have been written to with details of the proposals and information on how to share their views. The deadline for comments is Friday 28 January, after which responses will be carefully considered and the outcomes reported back to the Transport for Norwich (TfN) Joint Committee. The joint committee is chaired by Norfolk County Council and made up of councillors from TfN partners Norwich City, Broadland District and South Norfolk councils. You can find out more about the proposals and take part in the consultation at www.norfolk.gov.uk/kettshill. The webpage will be kept up to date with the latest progress and information. This project is part of a wider programme of infrastructure changes in the Greater Norwich area, which was agreed by the county council’s Cabinet last year and is funded by the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund. As we deliver these projects, we are carrying out a series of public consultations to help identify any issues for consideration when finalising the plans we put forward for construction
