As mentioned in the book there is no official bus stop at Scales and a bus will only stop if the driver of the bus considers stopping there is safe, so cannot be relied upon to stop. The underlying issues here are the following
- The A66 is a major busy truck road.
- Vehicles passing by do so at speed – legally 60mph but often faster.
- The road narrows below Scales and not easy to widen to create appropriate bus stopping location.
- There is idea of a central pedestrian island but concerns re the speeding traffic.
National Highways is the authoritative body which has determined that it is not safe for buses to stop here. Various ideas are being considered – see attached paper which I have put together. Stagecoach want to be able to stop but this is determined by National Highways. This is being considered by the local MP’s, Westmorland & Furness Council and Local Parish Council as well as local residents and Stagecoach and it is hoped that further communications with National Highways can find a way forward.
Needless to say this affects visitors and walkers looking to disembark and alight at Scales. At the moment this is an ongoing issue and the more National Highways are told that it is an issue the better.
If you have a comment or complaint about the situation will you please contact National Highways by email at , Ref – A66 Bus Stop – ref 23617577 NHHC:08222000533