 | Map This is a map showing the locations of the photographs from Whitehouse, simply match the photo to the number. You could also try copying and pasting the following web address into a new broswer window to have the reference alongside the photos: http://uk.geocities.com/runcornbuses/busway/bphotos/whousemap.jpg |
 | 1 There is, of course, a turning circle at the far end of the Busway in Whitehouse. There is only a bus stop on the right hand side of this picture, one on the left being pointless as buses can turn and then drop off. |
 | 2 Ever wondered what these diamonds are for painted on the Busway? They are for the drivers - the lights should be changing by the time the bus reaches the diamond, if not then the driver wil need to brake. How the driver is meant to be able to see the lights around this bend with the current vegetation is questionable. |
 | 3 These old shelters have managed to survive, near to where the busway in Whitehouse crosses Northwhich Road. Notice that originally they had glass in them but it has all been smashed out, this being the reason that more or less all the other shelters on the busway were replaced. |
 | 4 This turning circle was put in (near Northwich Road) as the Busway in Whitehouse was not built to its full extension initailly (see 'map' above). The Busway is dotted with turning circles - they can give clues to how building and service requirements progressed (hopefully more coming soon on this topic). |
 | 5 Traffic lights control the Busway crossings, changing to give priority to the buses. Notice that they are numbered, this set being 'W3', although this system does not seem to be in use any longer (in terms of the prescence of signs at least). With modern buses it is now often necessary for drivers to brake as the lights are not changed in time. |
 | 6 Idiot proof signs were installed warning of the low bridge heights on the Busway after a spate of bridge strikes, by deckers on private hires. (To keep costs low, Busway bridges were built to a height of 11 feet 9). Lights on the public roads at Busway crossings have 'No left turn' warnings, and there are signs stating 'No entry except for local buses'. Abuse of the Busway by motorists is not uncommon, especially on stretches like Whitehouse and Rocksavage. Accidents are also common at Busway junctions - motorists sometimes begin not to notice the lights, seeing them as 'street furniture', and vegetation prevents bus drivers seeing the cars. This issue is currently being addressed. This scene looks towards Murdishaw at the A56 crossing. |