Potters Bar: Community & Road Safety Insights

Potters Bar, a town nestled in Hertfordshire, has recently been the subject of news concerning both a serious road traffic incident and the significant role of its transport infrastructure, particularly the Metroline bus garage. Understanding these events provides a glimpse into the daily life and operational dynamics of the community.

Road Traffic Incident on Cranborne Crescent

On Thursday, March 11th, at approximately 8:40 am, Hertfordshire Police were called to a road traffic collision on Cranborne Crescent, Potters Bar. The incident involved a pedestrian and a tipper van. Emergency services, including the East of England Ambulance Service and the East Anglian Air Ambulance, attended the scene. Cranborne Crescent, described as a cul-de-sac situated off the busier Cranborne Road on the west side of the town, became the focus of a significant emergency response. Police advised the public to avoid the area due to ongoing operations and road closures. The exact circumstances leading to the collision are under investigation, but the presence of an air ambulance highlights the severity of the incident. This event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and vigilance in residential areas.

Metroline Potters Bar Garage: A Hub of Activity

The Metroline bus garage in Potters Bar represents a vital part of the local and wider London transport network. This facility, the most northerly of Metroline's 14 London garage facilities and uniquely located outside the M25 ring, has a rich history and a strong tradition of community engagement, notably through its open days. These events, often held in conjunction with anniversaries or special occasions, offer the public a unique opportunity to see behind the scenes of a major transport operator.

An Open Day to Remember

An open day held at the Quality Line's premises, coinciding with the 95th anniversary of Epsom Coaches, provided a platform to showcase the Potters Bar garage. The event charged a modest entry fee, with proceeds benefiting the British Heart Foundation. A significant draw for attendees was the extensive offering of free bus rides, operating on seven different routes with a remarkable variety of buses, many exceeding 60 years in age. The sheer volume of scheduled departures – 154 on the day – underscored the scale of the operation and the public's keen interest. Metroline CEO, Jaspal Singh, expressed his satisfaction with the event, highlighting the company's commitment to holding such events when possible and praising the dedication of the staff involved. He described Potters Bar as a 'flagship garage' and emphasised Metroline's focus on quality over sheer size, stating, 'We go after quality. It is a big responsibility we have and we focus on discharging that responsibility. I’d rather have a smaller operation and run it well.'

TfL's Perspective on Open Days

Senior Transport for London (TfL) representatives, including TfL MD Surface Transport, Leon Daniels, were present. Daniels commended operators who 'open their doors and let the light shine in on the magic,' noting the success of similar events held during the Year of the Bus celebrations. He articulated that these open days allow the public to see the often-overlooked operations that underpin public transport and can inspire young people about future career opportunities. Daniels also touched upon the perception of bus garages within communities, acknowledging that they are 'not seen as good neighbours' by some. He stressed the importance of these events in demonstrating the hard work undertaken regarding environmental matters and showcasing buses as an integral part of the community, rather than an opposing force.

Historical Context of the Potters Bar Garage

The Potters Bar garage boasts a long and varied history, dating back to its opening on 28 May 1930 by the Overground subsidiary of the London General Omnibus Company (LGOC). Although it has faced periods of closure, it has consistently resurfaced, currently operating at a higher capacity than at any previous point in its history. The current allocation stands at 171 buses (a Passenger Vehicle Requirement, or PVR, of 153 plus 18 engineering spares). This contrasts with earlier figures: in 1952, the PVR was 68 (all RT type AEC Regents); in July 1966, it was 48 (mostly RTs with 14 Routemasters for the 134 route); in November 1976, it was 43 (predominantly DM/DMS type Daimler Fleetlines); and in February 1987, it was 39 (M type MCW Metrobuses, with four Leyland Nationals).

Fleet Evolution and Ownership Changes

Historically, Potters Bar, along with Holloway and Harlesden, was part of the London Northern operation. Following the privatisation of London Transport's bus fleet, the garage became part of MTL London in October 1994, before being acquired by Metroline in August 1998. A preserved Routemaster displayed at the open day even carried the MTL London livery, signifying this transitional period.

The Senior Management Team and Staffing

The current Garage Manager at Potters Bar is Jim Brady, who brought 14 years of experience from Alperton and prior experience at Westbourne Park to his role. He is supported by a dedicated senior management team: Operations Support Managers Matt Doughty and Martin Loughlin, Engineering Manager Chris Evans, Assistant Engineering Manager Eddie Hobbs, and Service Delivery Manager Martin Norton. This team oversees a substantial workforce, comprising 450 drivers, 24 engineers, and 28 supervisory staff, including controllers and administrative personnel. Additionally, cleaning services are outsourced to a team of 15 individuals, demonstrating the complex logistical and operational structure required to maintain such a facility.

Operational Scope: TfL Contracts and Commercial Routes

The Potters Bar garage distinguishes itself by undertaking work beyond TfL contracts, operating its own commercially run routes. The majority of its workload, however, consists of 13 TfL contracts, including two night services: the N20 (Barnet Church to Trafalgar Square) and the N91 (Cockfosters Station to Aldwych). The most demanding contract is for the 82 service, running between North Finchley and Victoria, which necessitates the deployment of 25 Enviro400 buses from 2014. Other TfL routes operated from Potters Bar include:

• 34: Barnet Church to Highbury Barns
• 125: Finchley Central to Southgate Station
• 217: Waltham Cross to Turnpike Lane
• 234: Barnet Spires to Highgate Wood
• 263: Barnet Hospital to Highbury Barns
• 383: Barnet Spires to Woodside Park Station
• 384: Quinta Drive to Cockfosters Station
• 634: School bus service between Barnet Hospital and Muswell Hill Broadway
• W8 and W9: Linking Chase Farm Hospital with Pickets Lock Centre and Southgate Station, respectively.

Changes to contracts are ongoing, with the 383 contract soon to be relinquished to Uno. The 361 service (St Albans to Brickett Wood), previously operated by Uno, is currently run on a short-term basis, along with the local S8/S9 services in Marshalswick. From December, the garage is scheduled to take over the 307 service (Barnet Hospital to Brimsdown) from Arriva London North. This transition will involve the transfer of 16 additional Enviro400s from Cricklewood, displaced by New Routemasters on the 16 route.

Commercial Operations

On the commercial front, the key route is the 84, operating between Barnet and St Albans. This route has offshoots, including the 84A (New Barnet Station to St Albans) and the 84B, a seasonal service operating on summer Sundays to the Butterfly World attraction. A recent addition is the 714 service, running from New Barnet to Luton Interchange via Luton Airport, utilising ADL Enviro200 single-deckers. This new 714 echoes a historical Greenline service of the same number that operated between Baker Street and Dorking, later extended to Luton, and ran until the late 1970s. Other commercial services provided include the 242, connecting Potters Bar Station and Waltham Cross, and the PB1, a town service within Potters Bar.

Fleet Composition

The Potters Bar fleet is diverse, incorporating ADL Enviro400s, 38 new Volvo Wright Hybrids for the 34 and 125 routes, Plaxton President bodied Tridents (in both 9.9m and 10.5m lengths) for commercial routes, and various lengths of Enviro200s. The fleet also includes Plaxton Pointer 2 bodied Dart ALFs and a Wright StreetLite Door Forward demonstrator currently on hire for commercial services. The prevalence of Alexander Dennis vehicles is noteworthy, given that the company's early operations relied heavily on Dennis manufactured vehicles.

An Unusual Partnership: Arlington Motor Company

An interesting aspect of the Potters Bar garage's history is its shared occupancy with Arlington Motor Company's coach dealership. From 1962, when the garage relocated from Vauxhall Bridge Road, London SW1, to 1984, when it moved to Brimsdown in Enfield, Arlington shared the premises. This arrangement is credited with helping to secure the garage's survival and its subsequent success. Arlington occupied the right-hand side of the depot, while London Transport used the left. Arlington also had access to external parking and several offices, including those for the PSV sales manager, administration, sales representatives, and an internal office for the Arlington foreman and cleaners. Maurice Bateman provided valuable insights, recalling that Arlington used the garage for its PSV shows and typically had around 40 coaches on site. Bateman, who worked with Plaxtons and later Arlingtons, had numerous dealings with the Potters Bar site.

Key Personnel in Arlington's History

Among those who worked for Arlington at Potters Bar were Sales Manager Colin Kitson and Bob Vale. Vale later became Sales Manager – New Vehicles before establishing his own successful business. These individuals played significant roles in the automotive and transport sectors, contributing to the vibrant history of the Potters Bar location.

Conclusion

The events in Potters Bar, from the critical road incident on Cranborne Crescent to the operational prowess and historical significance of the Metroline garage, highlight the multifaceted nature of community life. The commitment to road safety, coupled with the dedication to providing efficient and engaging public transport services, underscores the importance of these local institutions. The ongoing developments at the Metroline garage, including fleet upgrades and contract changes, ensure its continued relevance in the transport landscape, while incidents like the one on Cranborne Crescent serve as vital reminders of the need for constant awareness and safety measures on our roads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly did the accident occur in Potters Bar?

The accident occurred on Cranborne Crescent, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire.

What types of vehicles were involved in the Cranborne Crescent incident?

A pedestrian and a tipper van were involved in the collision.

When was the Metroline Potters Bar garage opened?

The garage was opened on 28 May 1930.

What is the main function of the Potters Bar garage?

The garage operates TfL contracts and also runs its own commercially operated routes.

Who managed the Potters Bar garage for Metroline?

Jim Brady is the current Garage Manager at Potters Bar.

Did the Potters Bar garage always belong to Metroline?

No, it was part of London General Omnibus Company, then London Transport, MTL London, before being acquired by Metroline.

What makes the Potters Bar garage unique?

It is the most northerly of Metroline's London garages and the only one located outside the M25 ring. It also has a history of shared occupancy with Arlington Motor Company.

What is the current PVR at the Potters Bar garage?

The current PVR is 153, with an additional 18 engineering spares, making a total allocation of 171 buses.

What are some of the key TfL routes operated from Potters Bar?

Key routes include the 82 (North Finchley to Victoria), N20, N91, and several others serving various parts of North London and Hertfordshire.

What commercial routes does the Potters Bar garage operate?

The main commercial route is the 84 (Barnet to St Albans), along with its variations (84A, 84B) and services like the 714, 242, and PB1.

What types of buses are commonly found in the Potters Bar fleet?

The fleet includes ADL Enviro400s, Volvo Wright Hybrids, Plaxton President bodied Tridents, and Enviro200s, among others.