Since news broke out of Reading Buses’ plans to introduce six new bus lanes a number of locals have expressed their disdain for the proposal.

The plans are set to be discussed on Thursday January 11 and the six new bus lanes have been identified for areas in Reading where services suffer from the most delays due to congestion.

Prior to this Shira Solomons set up a petition to challenge the new proposal which has already gained 110 signatures.

Dr Lewin Solomons explained that as a resident of Reading who relies on a car for commuting she is deeply concerned about the proposed new bus lanes as many existing lanes are underutilised.

She said that although the justification given for these new lanes is to alleviate congestion this approach could exacerbate the problem by reducing space for other vehicles.

“I was just really shocked as the consultation period was so short,” she said. “I found out only after the window to engage was over.

“I don’t have any issue with bus lanes if they are carefully thought out and based on rigorous traffic modelling so that it is known they will be helpful.

“But the most recent measures such as the rarely used cycle lane on Sidmouth Street seemed to be a deliberate attempt to make driving difficult rather than to achieve any positive purpose.”

Dr Lewin Solomons said that it has been documented that bus lanes can indeed increase congestion if not properly implemented or if they replace general traffic lanes without adequate alternatives in place.

She suggested that rather than engaging in such ‘punitive measures,’ a better solution would be to encourage bus use by positive action by reducing bus fares which are far above those in London.

She said: “The main issue I have is the lack of consultation and the fact that the council has made bad decisions in the past so cannot be trusted.

“There is a top-down attitude that they know best and that those who drive cars deserve it if traffic gets worse, so their opinions don't matter.

“I would be happy to support new bus lanes if I could see an independent examination of all the recently introduced or proposed routes, showing which cause delays to car journeys and trading these delays against shorter bus journeys.”

Dr Lewin Solomons said that the new bus lane on the Oxford Road near Eaton Place would mean eliminating all turning lanes.

She explained that people waiting to turn right into Russel Street and nearby roads will cause a standstill to traffic in the lane behind.

“Where is the impact of this on rush-hour travel times analysed? Where are the models that show the impact? It is just so slapdash.”

A spokesperson from the council said: "We have undertaken a thorough review of all consultation responses, acknowledging concerns raised as well as the positive comments.

"Without making significant changes to the transport infrastructure, including new bus lanes, car usage is likely to continue to grow, creating greater levels of congestion and damaging the health of Reading residents."