A couple in Beddau, South Wales, were left unable to access their driveway after a Labour-run council mistakenly painted a bus stop directly outside their house.
Christopher Harris and Michelle Smith returned from work last month to find the bus stop positioned across their dropped kerb, despite being told it would be placed further up the road. A signpost was also installed in one of their hedges.
The situation caused buses to park outside their home for extended periods, and large groups of schoolchildren frequently gathered nearby, leaving the couple frustrated.
Mr Harris said he had even threatened to block the stop if buses continued to obstruct their driveway.
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council has since apologised and confirmed that the bus stop on Llantrisant Road will be removed.
“When I saw the plans, it was supposed to be further up the road, so I didn’t pay much attention,” Mr Harris explained. “We had parking spaces outside our house, and now we’ve lost them. There was no consultation, and at no point were we told the stop would be placed there.
“They’ve put the post in my hedge, and the stop is literally at the end of my drive. Buses are stopping on a dropped kerb, which I’m sure isn’t legal. By the time I realised, the work was finished. I’ve spoken to people, but no one could help. We’ve lost parking and are frequently blocked in.”
He added: “The bus stops were moved to accommodate schoolchildren, so I could have dozens of kids outside my gates daily. What happens when I try to get my car out in the morning?”
Mr Harris also recounted a positive interaction with a bus driver: “When I confronted one driver, he agreed with my complaint. He even called his company to explain the situation. He was very understanding.”
“I’ve warned that if buses continue to block my driveway, I’ll have no choice but to obstruct the stop myself. There’s plenty of guidance online about why bus stops shouldn’t be placed on dropped kerbs. I can’t believe it’s been done.”
The council acknowledged the error, stating: “Common sense has prevailed. We apologised and confirmed the bus stop will be removed, restoring parking bays and traffic-calming bollards as before.”
A spokesperson for Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council added: “We recognise that our consultation process fell short of the expected standards. We sincerely apologise to the affected householders. After reviewing the process, we will remove the bus stops from the highway.”
