AN online petition against a controversial bus gate, which closes off a shortcut from Haydon Wick into Haydon End, has attracted nearly 100 supporters.

The scheme, which gives special passage to buses on part of Torun Way, means that motorists risk a £30 fine if they drive south from the junction with Casterbridge Road to the junction with White Eagle Road, a distance of about 97 metres.

The petition, started by Amanda Sumner, calls on Swindon Council to remove the scheme. It has attracted 91 supporters complaining that it restricts access to local services, extends journeys unnecessarily, wastes fuel, and increases traffic past Orchid Vale Primary School.

Amanda said: “Firstly, the new measure forces many drivers to head back up to Thamesdown Drive, causing an inevitable increase in traffic that passes by Orchid Vale Primary School.

“I am concerned that this may pose a greater safety risk to both children attending the school, and to the parents and carers picking up and dropping off the children to and from the school.

“Secondly, access is restricted to local amenities and places of worship, schools and children’s centres, in some instances adding approx 10mins to a journey, which will impact the environment.”

Gresha Carmichael, who signed the petition, posted: “I live just around the corner from the bus lane. To access the rest of Swindon will add eight minutes to my journey, costing me time and money. It makes no sense having such a small, dedicated bus lane. A zebra crossing in front of Orchid Vale school would assist with safety.”

Paul Excell, the chairman of Oakhurst Residents’ Association, said: “I know a lot of people north of the bus gate won’t be happy.

“But I can also personally understand how people in Haydon Wick, who had a condition on the northern development being built that there wouldn’t be traffic coming down there, would want the bus gate to be there.”

Keith Williams, Swindon Council’s cabinet member for leisure and strategic transport, said: “They are perfectly entitled to raise a petition on this. The only thing I will say is one of the conditions for the houses they live in was that the bus gate was put in so it’s not something that’s done retrospectively.”

Oliver Donachie, the chairman of Priory Vale Residents’ Association, said there were strong views on both sides, with some saying it extends journeys, and others that it protects Haydon Wick from extra traffic and its installation was known to those who bought homes there.