ROAD bosses are set to create another bus lane in Colchester.

Under the proposals, the northbound stretch of North Station Road between the Albert roundabout and Essex Hall roundabout will become closed to motorists.

It means both lanes on the stretch will be bus-only, as the southbound lane has been busonly for more than five years.

It is understood the change is being sought in order to clear the route for the Colchester park and ride, which is set to start in April.

The plan has been welcomed by public transport campaigners, but motorists have already voiced their concerns.

Peter Kay, chairman of Colchester Bus Users’ Support Group, said: “Motorists will not like it, but it is vital if the park and ride buses are to run well.

“Indeed, it will be beneficial for all buses which use that route as it is the place where buses are stopped as they try to get to North Station, to the hospital or to the north of the town.”

Motorists have already spoken out about the plans.

Sandra March said: “Is there not enough congestion without making that into a bus lane? We need to be making more roads for cars, not taking them away.”

Ruth Baker said: “Traffic is already bad coming from North Station Road to Colne Bank roundabout. This will just make it even worse.”

Dave Souch wrote in support of the plans. He said: “Cowdray Avenue and the Albert roundabout are constantly blocked due to people queuing along North Station Road, and back on to the Albert roundabout.”

The proposals mean drivers from Cowdray Avenue, or the stretch of North Station Road between the Albert and Middleborough who are trying to get to North Station or to Turner Rise Retail Park, will have to use Colne Bank Avenue and Westway to get there.

The plans also mean the only part of the park and ride’s route which does not have some form of bus priority will be on the stretch of North Station Road between the Albert roundabout and Middleborough.

Bus lanes are planned for the Northern Approach Road, but will be created and paid for by the company developing the former Severalls Hospital under a Section 106 agreement.

The new information is contained in a proposed traffic order, published by Essex County Council, on its website.

Taxis and people who live on the stretch will not be affected by the order.

Anyone who wants to object to the plans, should write to TRO Comments, Network Management, E3 County Hall, Chelmsford, CM1 1QH.

Alternatively, email traffic regulation.order@essex.gov.uk quoting reference TRAF/4736, by February 27.

  •  Essex County Council has admitted it has no firm date for the opening of the new Northern Approach Road, which runs between Mill Road and the A12 at junction 28. It was initially planned to open last month.