Angry residents in busy Northampton neighbourhood slam Flixbus over ‘extremely unsafe’ behaviour next to M1 motorway
Angry residents in busy Northampton neighbourhood slam international coach company Flixbus over ‘extremely unsafe’ behaviour next to M1 motorway.
Residents in Grange Park say a growing number of FlixBus coaches are parking for long periods along Saxon Avenue, creating what they describe as an “accident waiting to happen.”
Residents say that coaches regularly block the stretch of road near Junction 15 of the M1, with multiple large vehicles waiting at the same time.
This has reportedly been happening for months, with up to five coaches seen at once at some points, forcing cars onto the wrong side of the road.
A resident said: “This situation is dangerous and will definitely lead to accidents. I've already seen two cars travelling in opposite directions meet in the middle. There is never a gap to pull into. How can three or four coaches park safely in one bus stop. Madness. WNC get your act together.”
Another commented: “Yes it's awful, an accident waiting to happen.”
Another added: “It's an absolute pain. the speed of the cars coming the other way is madness and you just can't get past the buses.”
FlixBus says the use of Saxon Avenue as a stop has been formally approved by the local authority.
A spokesperson for the operator said: “Grange Park, Saxon Avenue in Northampton is a stop on the FlixBus network, providing affordable long-distance coach services to the local area, and this location was approved by West Northamptonshire Council.
“All drivers operating FlixBus services have been trained to park safely and legally in designated areas.”
However, in an email seen by this newspaper, WNC said to a resident: “We are currently in discussions with FlixBus to understand why their coaches have been parking for prolonged periods at this location. We have made it clear that this practice must not continue.”
Councillor Richard Butler, cabinet member for highways & transport at WNC, said: “Permission from WNC isn't required for coach drop-off and pick-up points, that is arranged through the Traffic Commission. We have been made aware of inappropriate parking in Saxon Avenue and have stepped up enforcement in response. We will continue to enforce robustly as required."
The Traffic Commission has been contacted for comment.