West Lothian Council’s latest social distancing measure has been criticised.
As part of the Spaces for People programme a number of bus stops have been upgraded to introduce safer physical distancing measures.
However, this had led to complaints from bus drivers and the public online, claiming that buses are now unaccessible by wheelchair or with prams.
The new measure is the latest to be introduced in the county as part of the Scottish Government’s physical distancing scheme.
West Lothian Council were given £641,500 from the Spaces for People pot to implement temporary measures that increase safety while walking, wheeling and cycling during the pandemic.
The ongoing initiative to introduce temporary speed limits on the roads has been unpopular with some residents.
Now the decision introduce social distancing at bus stops and narrow footways within towns and villages is also drawing criticism.
Bus drivers complain that the measures are hindering wheelchair access to buses and leave the vehicle sitting stationery on busy roads for too long.
The high kerbs installed as part of the latest scheme are also said to have blocked access for prams, buggies and pensioners with walking aids.
Executive councillor for the environment Tom Conn said: “These temporary measures being adopted in West Lothian are in similar nature to those being adopted across the country as part of a national effort to make it easier for people who choose to walk, cycle or wheel for essential journeys and exercise during the Covid-19 pandemic. It is important to note that these measures are temporary but hopefully they will increase the ability of people to maintain a safe physical distance and give people increased confidence when travelling throughout West Lothian.”
The bus stops affected are: Bathgate, King Street, South Bridge Street and Tesco Distribution Centre, Broxburn on East Main Street, Kirknewton Main Street, Linlithgow High Street and Blackness Road at Tesco, West Calder at the Post Office, Whitburn East Main Street and Uphall East Main Street.
For their next Spaces for People initiative West Lothian Council are working on the introduction of on-street advisory cycle lanes in Linlithgow, Broxburn and Blackridge.
