AT A MEETING of the WESTERN HAMPSHIRE TRANSPORTATION STRATEGY MEMBERS PANEL held at The Castle, Winchester on Tuesday 20 November 2001.

PRESENT:

Hampshire County Council

Councillors: K.B. Estlin (Chairman); Mrs A.E. Bailey; P.A. Pierce; M.J. Woodhall.

Test Valley Borough Council

Councillors: D.J. Bloom; D.G.C. Roach.

1. TERMS OF REFERENCE

The Panel considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 1 in the Minute Book) detailing amendments to the Panel's Terms of Reference in the light of the constitutional changes to the County Council.

RESOLVED:

That the revised Terms of Reference be noted.

2. HAMPSHIRE LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN - ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT

The Panel considered the report of the County Surveyor (Item 2 in the Minute Book) on the first Annual Progress Report (APR) submitted to the Government in August 2001. Confirmation of Government funding for the following year would be strongly influenced by the progress being made implementing the Local Transport Plan, hence the importance of the APR. This year's supplementary bids did not relate directly to the Panel's area, but schemes for rural areas had been included in the Local Transport Plan, and the Government's increased funding would benefit the Plan overall.

RESOLVED:

That the Panel notes the report on the delivery of the Local Transport Plan.

3. WESTERN HAMPSHIRE TRANSPORT STRATEGY - PROGRESS REPORT

The Panel considered the report of the County Surveyor (Item 3 in the Minute Book) outlining progress in discussions between the County Council and Test Valley Borough Council to prepare a strategy document for the Western Hampshire Transport Area for public consultation early in 2002. Responses to the consultation process would be reported back to the Panel at the Autumn 2002 meeting.

The key themes for rural areas were to safeguard the environment and safety. Members welcomed these, particularly as they related to speed limits in villages and the routeing of freight lorries, issues of ongoing concern in the Test Valley.

RESOLVED:

(i) That the Panel notes the contents of the report.


(ii) That it be a RECOMMENDATION to the Executive Member for Environment

That the consultation strategy for the Western Hampshire Transport Strategy be approved.

4. FUTURE CAPITAL PROGRAMME AND TRANSPORT INITIATIVES

The Panel considered the report of the County Surveyor (Item 4 in the Minute Book) outlining the capital expenditures for Western Hampshire approved by the Executive Member for Environment, and through the Safer Routes to School and Parish Partnership schemes. Members welcomed the Kings Somborne enhancements, and affirmed the usefulness of schemes being developed in conjunction with schools and parishes. The capital programme for future years would be developed in line with the emerging strategy to ensure that its objectives and targets were met.

RESOLVED:

That the capital programmes for 2001/02 and 2002/03 covering the Western Hampshire Transport Strategy and the Safer Routes to School programme be noted.

5. WESTERN HAMPSHIRE TRANSPORT STRATEGY - MONITORING

The Panel considered the report of the County Surveyor (Item 5 in the Minute Book) detailing the round of surveys which had been carried out to establish a benchmark for usage of different transport modes and facilities. This would inform the success of the Western Hampshire Transport Strategy (once adopted) in meeting its objectives. Members supported the draft targets although anticipating some would become more rigorous as the Transport Strategy developed.

RESOLVED:

That the results of the 2001 surveys be noted and further surveys be undertaken in 2003 to monitor changes as part of the Local Transport Plan monitoring exercise.

6. TEST VALLEY SCHOOL BUS LAYBY IMPROVEMENT SCHEME

The Panel considered the report of the County Surveyor (Item 6 in the Minute Book) on the transport issues relating to the Test Valley School in Stockbridge.

Members welcomed the completion of the bus layby improvements and in view of the comments of the local Member on proposals relating to the vicinity of the school amended the recommendation as set out below:

RESOLVED:

That the Panel:

(i) supports further work being undertaken to introduce yellow lines, funding for which is available in the Safer Routes to School current financial year programme.


(ii) considers any further feasibility work concerning the access to the School should await the outcome of ongoing discussions between Test Valley Borough Council and developers in the area.


(iii) considers the principle of supervisory staff, currently funded through the Education Department, is meritorious to encourage the safe use of school buses.

7. TEST VALLEY BOROUGH COUNCIL DECRIMINALISATION OF ON-STREET PARKING ENFORCEMENT

The Panel considered the report of the Head of Technical Services, Test Valley Borough Council (Item 7 in the Minute Book). Members noted that Test Valley would be following other Hampshire District Councils in setting up decriminalised parking enforcement.

RESOLVED:

That it be a RECOMMENDATION to the Executive Member for Environment

(i) That the joint funding of the setting up of a Special Parking Area covering the Test Valley Borough area be supported; and


(ii) That funding be subject to incorporation into the Borough and County Council's Capital Programmes when considered in January 2002.

8. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING

RESOLVED:

That the next meeting of the Panel be held in The Wellington Room, The Castle, Winchester at 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday 5 March 2002.

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