Station bus stop suspended over safety concerns

The BBC found the bus stop waiting area was smaller than guidance

Buses will not be stopping at Shrewsbury train station's floating bus stop due to safety concerns, Arriva Midlands has said.

The stop outside the station has come under fire, after the BBC found it did not meet Department for Transport (DfT) guidance. The waiting area for bus passengers is narrower than the minimum size.

Shropshire Council previously told the BBC that it felt "let down" by the contractors that built the stop, and the designs said it was the minimum size required.

The authority has been contacted for comment. Floating bus stops have a cycle lane between the stop and the pavement.

In a statement, Arriva said it had carried out a safety review of the floating bus stop, and based on its findings, its services would no longer call at the stop.

"We have informed the local authority and our customers," it said.

"Our priority is always the safety of our passengers, colleagues and other road users and we'll continue working with partners to identify a safe and workable solution."

It is not yet clear where customers will have to get off to get to the station.

The contractor, WSP, previously said the island ended up smaller than planned because workers found unexpected underground utilities that forced a change in the design.

The BBC measured the buffer area between the road and cycle lane at about 1.1m (3.6ft) wide.

However, government guidance suggests it should be between 1.5m and 2m, meaning it is nearly 40cm (15.7in) short of the minimum width.

Disability campaigners and wheelchair users criticised the project, claiming the island is dangerously small and not-fit-for-purpose.

The chairman of Shropshire and Wrekin Fire Authority has previously said lives and safety were at risk, because of the traffic issues caused by the gyratory.

Fire engines also used the new cycle lane to get away from traffic jams in the area.

A cross-party review of the works is taking place.

The gyratory project, which began in June 2024, has cost about £3.8m.

It has been almost entirely funded by a Levelling Up grant awarded to Shropshire Council by the previous Conservative government in 2023.