Disabled advisory panel urged ministers to pause floating bus stops, documents reveal

Previously unpublished government documents have revealed that the Government's independent disability advisory body recommended a halt to the installation of new floating bus stops, warning that current designs present safety and accessibility concerns for disabled pedestrians.

The documents, released under the Freedom of Information Act, show that the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) repeatedly advised ministers to suspend further installations until additional research had been completed.

Floating bus stops, increasingly introduced as part of active travel schemes, position cycle lanes between the footway and the bus boarding area. Passengers are therefore required to cross the cycle track—often at a zebra crossing—to reach waiting buses.

While supporters argue the layouts improve cycling infrastructure and reduce delays for buses, critics have questioned whether they provide sufficient protection for blind, visually impaired and other disabled people.

Advisory committee called for a pause

According to the documents, which were marked "Official – Sensitive", DPTAC maintained the position it first outlined in 2024, recommending that no further floating bus stops should be installed until more evidence was available.

In comments on draft guidance for local authorities, the committee stated:

"For the record we would wish to restate that, as set out in our 2024 advice, our position remains that there should be a pause on all new installations until further research is complete."

The committee also suggested that guidance did not fully reflect the experiences of disabled people using the infrastructure.

Concerns extend beyond physical safety

The advisory panel argued that the impact of floating bus stops should not be assessed solely by recorded collisions.

Its response highlighted the psychological effect of near misses and the reluctance of some disabled people to use areas where floating bus stops have been installed because of concerns about interactions with cyclists.

The committee called for stronger measures to encourage cyclists to slow down and give way at pedestrian crossings, suggesting the draft guidance did not place enough emphasis on changing rider behaviour.

It also questioned whether the guidance placed too much importance on maintaining uninterrupted cycle movements.

Campaigners renew calls for review

The documents were obtained by the National Federation of the Blind UK, which has long campaigned against the continued rollout of floating bus stops.

Sarah Gayton, the organisation's Street Access Campaign Coordinator, said the advisory committee's recommendations should have been made public during parliamentary consideration of transport policy.

She argued that the unpublished advice strengthened calls for the Government to suspend further installations while accessibility concerns remain unresolved.

Continuing national debate

Floating bus stops have become one of the most debated elements of active travel infrastructure in recent years.

Supporters, including many cycling organisations and transport planners, argue they improve safety by separating cyclists from buses while maintaining continuous cycle routes that encourage more sustainable travel.

However, disability organisations have consistently raised concerns about the challenges the layouts can present for blind and partially sighted people, wheelchair users and others with mobility impairments.

The Department for Transport has previously stated that it continues to review evidence relating to floating bus stops and has been working with stakeholders to improve design guidance for local authorities.

The publication of DPTAC's previously undisclosed recommendations is likely to add further momentum to the ongoing debate over how street design can balance the needs of cyclists, bus passengers and disabled pedestrians while ensuring public spaces remain safe and accessible for everyone.