U-turn over using car park for cruise ship shuttle buses

Portland Port and Dorset Council have made a dramatic U-turn on their decision to use a car park as a drop-off point for shuttle buses - but conditions have been put in place for the port to follow.

As previously reported, residents have been frustrated by the drop-offs of a shuttle bus taking passengers from Portland Port to Spring Road in Weymouth, saying they have felt 'ignored.'

One resident described the situation as ‘hell’ due to the narrow roads and mini roundabout to Newtons Road and Rodwell Avenue, with a group of concerned locals petitioning for a change of drop-off points which could ferry up to hundreds of passengers a day.

North Quay car park was believed to be the next location for the drop-off points (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

It was believed that the North Quay car park was to be used as an alternative location, following checks, with a spokesperson from Portland Port previously saying: “We aim to move to the car park as soon as practicable, most likely by the end of June, although the exact date is to be confirmed."

• READ MORE: Rodwell residents suggest new location for shuttle buses

Now, Dorset Council say they are working with local councillors, and will continue to use Spring Road, providing the port follows a number of conditions, with North Quay to be used as a 'contingency plan.'

• READ MORE: Cruise ship coach issues between Portland Port and Weymouth

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: “Dorset Council and local councillors are helping with and facilitating the arrangements that Portland Port have put in place at Spring Road, continually working with the Port to ensure their traffic management activity adheres to Highway law.

Buses will no longer be able to 'stack' (Image: Alfie Lumb) “The present drop off arrangements will continue at Spring Road, provided the following conditions are followed by the Port:

• Buses must not stack at the dropping off point. The buses can legally stop on a double yellow line if they are actively loading or unloading passengers.

• Taxis, as directed, continue to use the car park to provide a pick-up service.

• Advanced signage is in place to warn motorists of buses turning, with improved warning signs further up Rodwell Avenue to alert motorists to the additional traffic.

• Port-provided marshals will continue to ensure passengers queue in an orderly manner, ensuring the footway remains reasonably accessible to other pedestrians.

• A Port-provided banksman will hold approaching traffic as the bus manoeuvres around the roundabout.

“It is recognised that there needs to be a contingency plan agreed that would utilise the North Quay car park. This plan will come into effect if Dorset Council and Portland Port feel that multiple cruise ships that dock would cause a safety issue.”