The couple were baffled after finding the bus stop right outside of their home when they got back from work.
Christopher Harris and Michelle Smith outside their home where a bus has been placed (Image: John Myers)
A couple were left fuming after discovering a bus stop has been put at the end of their driveway when they returned home from work. Christopher Harris and Michelle Smith were shocked as they believe the initial plans involved the bus stop being further up the road that they live on.
Instead, a bus stop with a pole was erected directly outside of their home in Wales. Mr Harris returned home from work last Thursday, August 21, to find the bus stop had been put in place. Multiple buses have since stopped at the end of the driveway and blocked in his vehicle.
As reported by Wales Online, Mr Harris said the buses sometimes stop for a lenthy period of time outside his house when they are running ahead of schedule. He also said that one of the drivers agreed that the stop should never have been put at the end of the drive.
Mr Harris, who lives on Llantrisant Road in Beddau, Rhondda Cynon Taf, explained: “On Saturday morning he was parked there for a while and I said: ‘Nothing against you mate, but you’re blocking my driveway.’
“He called his company and told them that a bus stop was blocking the house and he said he totally agreed with me that it wasn’t right. He was good as gold. So we’ll see what comes of it now because it can’t go on like this.
“I have threatened that if buses continue to block my drive then I will block the bus stop. I’ll have no choice.”
The issue is expected to become worse next month when the school year starts again. The bus stop will be used by dozens of children every morning, making the road outside of Mr Harris’ home particularly busy.
The bus stop has been put at the end of Mr Harris’ driveway (Image: John Myers)
Mr Harris said: “When I saw the plans it was supposed to be up the road so I didn’t take any notice. But we had parking spaces outside our house and now we’ve lost those spaces.
“That wasn’t in any consultation. At no point did they ever say the stop would be there. When I got home from work last week I was honestly in disbelief.
“They’ve put the post in my hedge and the bus stop is literally right at the end of my drive. The buses are being told to stop right on a dropped kerb which I’m sure isn’t legal.
“Of course, by the time I realised all of this they’d finished. So far everyone I’ve spoken to hasn’t been able to help me. Not only have we lost parking spaces outside the house without notice, we’re often being blocked into our own drive.”
A spokesman for Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council has insisted that the issue will be looked into. They said: “Adding the new bus stop within Beddau is intended to improve access to local bus services for the community.
The couple were left in disbelief after finding the bus stop (Image: John Myers)
“Officers have received the concerns raised by the resident and will look into them as a priority issue.”
Mr Harris continued: “I’ve got the local councillor coming out to see me because this is just ridiculous. I’m also waiting for the traffic officer to give me a call.
“When you Google it there is plenty of information online about why a bus stop should not be placed on a dropped kerb. I can’t believe it’s been put there.
“The bus stops have been moved to accommodate the school kids. So I could have God knows how many kids smack outside my gates every day. What happens when I open my gates and try to get my car out in the morning?”
