Bus stop signs

We encourage people to use public transport services. Buses carry a large share of the county's public transport passengers. A good way to encourage bus use is to provide dedicated bus stopping places.

A bus stop is an advisory highway sign to tell road users they can expect to find buses stopping there. Some bus companies are also willing to stop at unmarked points (on a 'hail and ride' basis). Where possible, it is better to have fixed bus stop signs so that passengers know exactly where to wait for a bus.

• Bus drivers have the same right to set down or pick up passengers as any other driver, provided the highway rules are observed
• It is our responsibility to authorise bus stop signs on the highway.
• A bus stop does not compel any bus service to stop there: it is advisory only. Where we subsidise bus services, we will normally require that the service must observe all established bus stops on route.
  

Issues to consider before a bus stop sign can be put up

• Is the proposed site safe for all users?
• Does it avoid unnecessary obstruction?
• Is the site convenient for bus passengers?
• Are there any effects on the environment?
• Are bus companies willing to observe the proposed stop?
• Is there a paved area for passengers to stand on?
• Does the request meet the requirements of Development and Local Plans?
• (On trunk roads only) is the request approved by the Highways Agency?
• Who will pay for the work?

Procedure

Requests for new bus stops should be sent to the Public Transport Development section (address overleaf). We ask that any requests for bus stops be made through your town or parish council, as we will seek their opinion on all bus stop requests. If the request is supported by the town or parish council, we will put up the requested bus stops for a nominal charge payable by the town or parish council. The Parish authorities are expected to carry out consultations with local residents and councilors.

A site meeting will be convened by the Public Transport Development Team. The person making the request, Oxfordshire Highways, the town or parish council, the Police and relevant bus companies will be invited to attend.

Existing bus stop signs that have disappeared or been lost may be reinstated without need for a site meeting, and without charge. Town or parish councils should notify such cases to our Public Transport Development Team. Such requests should be accompanied by a plan showing the exact location of the stop that needs to be replaced.

We will send written details of any bus stops we authorise to the body or person making the request, the town or parish councils, any affected bus companies and any householders in the immediate neighbourhood.

Any objections to the siting of new or relocated stops from affected frontagers will be considered by the County Council within 28 days and a response given in writing. 

What should be on a bus stop?

Many bus companies provide their own bus stop signs, at sites approved by the County Council. Whoever provides the sign, all of the following should be provided at bus stops wherever possible:

• A sign clearly showing the words 'Bus Stop'
• The location name of the stop and brief details of the buses you can catch there (for example "Newtown, Post Office - Buses to Oldtown"). In many cases stops will show further details of the bus services that stop there.
• A timetable case showing times of all buses using the stop
• A safe and convenient area for passengers to wait.

In many cases seats and/or shelters can be provided. Town or parish councils can ask about our grant scheme helping with the cost of shelters.

Rights and duties

We are the Highway Authority for Oxfordshire. It is our role to put up signs, including bus stop signs, wherever they are needed on any public highway. This includes any pavement or verge on highway land. We will avoid obstructing the access to property.

We will also take into account the views of the town or parish councils  and any householders who make those views known to us. However, in the last resort it is our task to decide the best location for a bus stop having taken all factors listed above into account.

If we need to put up a bus stop sign on privately owned land, we will seek and obtain the landowner's consent before doing so. If you ask us to move a bus stop from outside your property, we will only consider this if all the following are met:

• The stop can be moved to another site in the immediate vicinity
• Any owner of property adjacent to the proposed site has agreed in writing for the stop to be moved there
• The move does not cause extra problems in terms of road safety or convenience of bus passengers
• The town or parish councils and relevant bus companies are in favour

Either the person requesting the move, or the town or parish councils, pays for the move, which could be up to £200 (much more if a shelter is involved)

Cost

Town or parish councils can  new bus stops installed for a nominal charge, and removed or damaged stops replaced without charge. Apply to:

The Public Transport Development Team
Environment & Economy
Oxfordshire County Council
Speedwell House
Speedwell Street
Oxford OX1 1NE

busstop.enquiries@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Where paved areas are needed, Town or Parish Councils may be able to obtain grant aid towards the cost of the works. In all other cases, the cost of providing, putting up and maintaining bus stop signs and paved areas has to be paid for by the applicant.

This page was last updated on 29 January 2009Back to top

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