A couple from Beddau in the South Wales Valleys returned home from work to discover a new bus stop installed at the end of their driveway, causing significant disruption. Christopher Harris and Michelle Smith, who live on Llantrisant Road, were aware of plans for a bus stop in their street but believed it would be located further up the road.
Mr Harris found the bus stop had been installed last Thursday, complete with a pole in his hedge. Since then, numerous buses have parked directly in front of their house, blocking their driveway and leaving them trapped on their property. The situation is worsened when buses run early and wait at the stop.
Speaking to a bus driver about the issue, Mr Harris said the driver sympathised and agreed the stop should never have been placed at the end of a driveway. Mr Harris has threatened to block the bus stop himself if the problem continues. "I'll have no choice," he said.
Mr Harris expressed his frustration, noting that parking spaces outside his home have been lost without consultation. "At no point did they ever say the stop would be there. I was honestly in disbelief," he said. He also questioned the legality of buses stopping on a dropped kerb.
With the school term starting, Mr Harris fears dozens of children gathering outside his home every morning. Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council said they would investigate the issue as a priority, adding that the stop was intended to improve access to local bus services.
