A BUS company boss says an outbreak of roadworks across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have created the “most challenging environment” his business operates in “by far”.

Go South Coast managing director Andrew Wickham said bus drivers were increasingly frustrated by the delays caused by roads being up all over the area, in many cases for work done by utility companies.

He has repeated his calls for “lane rental”, so utility companies are billed for the periods when roads as closed and have an incentive to finish quicker.

“Why shouldn’t they make a contribution to the disruption they create?” he said.

“As with speed cameras, it’s not about exacting money, it’s about modifying behaviour.”

Among current roadworks cited by Mr Wickham are:

  • Emergency gas work at Iford delaying buses by up to 45 minutes.
  • A continuing 20mph limit after months of roadworks at Wallisdown Road, with narrow lanes making it difficult for large vehicles to pass oncoming traffic.
  • Emergency roadworks at Purewell.
  • Delays near Cemetery Junction holding up almost all bus routes in Bournemouth.
  • Temporary lights at Southbourne.

Transport in the conurbation is set to be disrupted by major works starting in Herbert Avenue on Monday, February 13, for a new development to be connected to sewers, and on nearby Yarmouth Road, for resurfacing.

Morebus’s number 13, which runs between Bournemouth, Charminster, Moordown and Parley, has been hit badly by a series of projects – including a new housing development, work by electricity company SSE and the Cemetery Junction delays.

As well as Morebus in Dorset, Go South Coast runs buses in Southampton, Swindon, the Isle of Wight and Salisbury. It is currently picking up routes dropped by Xelabus locally and by City Red in Southampton.

“It’s at a time we’re trying to do additional things in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Those areas have had their moments as well but this is the most challenging environment by far,” said Mr Wickham.

He added: “Our drivers are getting quite frustrated. They want to give good service and run to time and they can’t.

“The frustration is always when roads are closed and no work is going on. It seems to take utility companies a long time to locate parts. It makes it hard for us to maintain bus services to schedule."

Utility companies SGN and SEE have been approached for comment, as has BCP Council.