Archived decisions

Hampshire County Council

Executive Member - Environment

13 November 2001

Project Appraisal: Otterbourne Traffic Calming
Scheme - Stage 2

Report of the County Surveyor

Item 14

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - ENVIRONMENT

ROADS

PROJECT APPRAISAL

PROJECT:

OTTERBOURNE TRAFFIC CALMING SCHEME - STAGE 2

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

JANUARY 2002

COMPLETION DATE:

MAY 2002

PLANNED YEAR OF START IN ACCORDANCE WITH CAPITAL PROGRAMME: 2001/02

1.

FINANCE (Client Department, Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services [Estates Practice] and County Treasurer)

Current

Capital

Estimate

Programme

(at Sep 01 prices)

(at Sep 01 prices)

Capital Expenditure

£'000

£'000

Land to be purchased

0

0

Construction

500

500

Fees

75

75

575

575

Less developers/

other contributions

0

0

575

575

Financial provision for total scheme

Total Cost

1.

From Committees own resources

(a) Capital programme 2001/02 (as

confirmed by the Executive Member - Environment, 9 October 2001)

525

(b) CHARTS Cycle Programme 2001/02

50

575

2.

From other resources

TOTAL

575

Value of land for this project in HCC ownership £ Nil

Variations from capital programme

Revenue implications

£'000

% variation

to Committee's

budget

Net current expenditure

8

0.02

Capital charges

92

0.15

TOTAL net expenditure

100

0.17

2.

STATEMENT OF NEED/JUSTIFICATION FOR PROJECT

(Client Department)

Prior to the opening of the Chandlers Ford bypass in 1967 the existing C230 Main Road/Otterbourne Hill in Otterbourne was the A33 trunk road between London and Southampton. Despite the arrival of the A33 Chandlers Ford bypass and subsequently the M3 being completed in 1995, the C230 through the village of Otterbourne has remained virtually unchanged for 30 years.

In March 1996 the former Roads and Development Sub-Committee resolved to grant planning permission for the demolition of the former refuse incinerator plant located off Poles Lane, Otterbourne, and for its redevelopment as a waste transfer station and materials recovery facility.

The Sub-Committee also resolved that a package of traffic calming measures to support a 30 miles per hour (mph) speed limit be developed for the village of Otterbourne, to help mitigate the effects of the lorry traffic associated with the new development.

Consultation was initially held in November 1997 when strong support was received for proposals to reduce traffic speeds through the village. The first phase of the traffic calming measures was implemented in spring 1998 and focused on speed management measures at the Poles Lane roundabout.

In order to develop the overall traffic calming scheme further, a public exhibition was held in June 2000 to provide information on the development of the next phase of the proposals, which focused on the provision of speed management measures on Otterbourne Hill and at the Kiln Lane junction, near the centre of the village. The response to the exhibition was light; however, support was received from the key stakeholder organisations. Following the exhibition the scheme was reappraised in order to deliver the proposed 30 mph limit as part of a package, rather than providing traffic calming measures to be followed by a revised speed limit at a later date. The scheme was therefore expanded to provide further traffic calming measures that would support the lowering of the existing 40 mph speed limit to 30 mph over the full length of the C230 in Otterbourne, as shown on the attached location plan.

The revised proposals were the subject of a final public exhibition undertaken in July 2001, and are now the subject of this project appraisal.

3.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL (Client Department)

National/County network and policies

The traffic calming scheme conforms with the policy objectives of the County Council's Local Transport Plan 2001-2006 by improving conditions for sustainable transport modes, such as walking and cycling. The scheme also improves access for these user groups and public transport users.

The scheme reallocates road space from motor vehicles to cyclists through the provision of an off-road two-way cycle facility on Otterbourne Hill, in place of the existing `crawler' lane, which was constructed when the route was the former A33 trunk road. This third traffic lane currently invites high traffic speeds through excess capacity, now that the route has been superseded by the M3 motorway.

Under the Central Hampshire Rural Transport Strategy (CHARTS) a network of cycle routes is currently being developed, which includes a route between Winchester and Eastleigh. This route is expected to pass through Otterbourne, where the proposed traffic calming scheme will improve conditions for cyclists generally, through lowering the speed limit and the provision of dedicated cycle facilities. The proposed two-way off-road facility on Otterbourne Hill is expected to contribute to the success of this route proposal.

Provision of this cycle facility is also expected to contribute towards the development of an off-road cycle route between Otterbourne village and Thornden Secondary School, Winchester Road, Chandlers Ford. This route will be developed in part through the 'Safer Routes to School' initiative and is expected to encourage schoolchildren to cycle to and from school by providing a complete off-road facility between the Main Road/Kiln Lane junction in Otterbourne and the school itself. The sections of cycle route from the top of Otterbourne Hill towards Eastleigh (via Boyatt Lane) and towards Thornden School are expected to be delivered as soon as practicable under phase three of the scheme in Otterbourne.

Although not a primary objective of the traffic calming scheme, a further benefit of the scheme will be to discourage unnecessary through traffic from the C230 route through Otterbourne, especially at peak travel times. At present the relatively open and unrestricted nature of the route provides an attractive alternative route for drivers seeking to avoid the busy M3 motorway and its associated interchanges. Traffic volumes will be monitored before and after implementation to ascertain any change.

Details of scheme and design standards

The scheme has been designed to create a system of speed reducing features intended to improve road safety and support a reduction of the existing 40 mph speed limit to a 30 mph speed limit. The choice of measures is expected to make the new speed limit self-enforcing and improve conditions for pedestrians, cyclists and residents.

The scheme design takes into account those occasions when the C230 route through Otterbourne serves as a relief route for the M3 motorway when emergency situations require the M3 motorway route to be closed.

The primary features of the scheme are:

(i) reduction of the speed limit on the C230 Main Road through the village to 30 mph;

(ii) physical islands and pedestrian refuges at key locations to improve pedestrian crossing opportunities;

(iii) chicanes on Otterbourne Hill to contain downhill vehicle speeds;

(iv) removal of the existing crawler lane on Otterbourne Hill and reallocation of the road space to form a dedicated off-road two-way cycle facility;

(v) banned right turn from Otterbourne Hill into Boyatt Lane (northern arm);

(vi) conversion of the existing Pelican crossing near the Kiln Lane junction to a Toucan crossing;

(vii) carriageway narrowing and footway widening at selected locations;

(viii) mini-roundabout at the Main Road/Kiln Lane junction;

(ix) mini-roundabout at the Main Road/Coles Mede junction;

(x) new `gateway' features at the entry points to the village on the C230;

(xi) improved bus shelters; and

(xii) improved street lighting.

Detailed drawings nos. 17/C230/4/063 to 17/C230/4/065 indicate the proposals and will be displayed at the meeting.

The design conforms to the standards of the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR), as well as to Hampshire County Council standards, and has been subjected to the safety audit process.

The package of measures has the support of the local Member, Councillor Mrs Bailey.

The Executive Member for Environment, Councillor Estlin, has confirmed his approval for the scheme.

Environmental impact

The reduction of traffic speeds generally through the village is expected to have a beneficial effect on the local environment by reducing noise and vibration. However, there is potential for noise levels to increase in the immediate vicinity of the proposed mini-roundabouts, where vehicles brake and accelerate.

Concern was raised by some residents at the public exhibition over the impact of the street lighting element of the traffic calming proposals. The existing route is equipped with street lighting, however as part of the scheme the street lighting will be improved to achieve the standards appropriate for a traffic calming scheme. Replacement units will focus light down over the paved surfaces and reduce light pollution.

Land requirements

There are no direct land requirements essential for this scheme to proceed. Arrangements are being made with adjoining landowners to undertake accommodation works on non-highway land. These are being undertaken at the proposed mini-roundabout at the Kiln Lane junction where works are required to accommodate the existing school access road and access to St Mathew's Church and to Cranbury Park.

Statutory procedures

The sections of footway identified on the scheme drawings as being for shared use by pedestrians and cyclists will be so converted by approval of this Project Appraisal, using powers provided under Section 65 of the Highways Act 1980.

Traffic Regulation Orders for the lowering of the speed limit, the implementation of the cycle facility on Otterbourne Hill, and the banned right-turn into Boyatt Lane (northern arm) will be advertised separately by public notice and have the approval of the Hampshire Constabulary, the local Member, Councillor Mrs Bailey, and Otterbourne Parish Council.

Public consultation

The scheme has evolved through consultations with the local Member, Councillor Mrs Bailey, Winchester City Council, Otterbourne Parish Council, the Hampshire Constabulary, Hampshire Ambulance NHS Trust, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, Cyclist's Touring Club, Project Integra and Solent Blue Line.

The Parish Council has been particularly involved and most of its comments have been incorporated into the scheme. The only outstanding reservation concerns the safety of pedestrians and cyclists near the proposed cycleway on Otterbourne Hill. Amendments to the design have been incorporated to address this reservation through the provision of increased segregation between the pedestrian and cyclist areas. A timber post and rail fence between the cycle route and the carriageway has also been included.

Where possible, the scheme has been amended to incorporate comments from all consultees. The revised scheme is supported by the stakeholder organisations, including the Police. The scheme was then presented to the residents of Otterbourne.

A public consultation exercise was undertaken, involving a staffed public exhibition of the proposals, to enable local residents and parents of the local primary school to view the scheme and discuss any queries with officers of the County Council. The public exhibition was held on Friday, 6 July 2001 (3 pm-8 pm) and Saturday, 7 July 2001 (10 am-4 pm).

Questionnaires and comment forms were available at the exhibition for return to the County Council by 20 July 2001.

The exhibition was attended by 210 people over the two days. Approximately 170 comment forms were distributed and 107 returned.

The response to the traffic calming proposals was positive, with 75% of respondents indicating their support for the traffic calming scheme and 91% supporting the proposed 30 mph speed limit. The proposed improvements to pedestrian facilities in the village and the proposed cycle facilities on Otterbourne Hill are also strongly supported, with 75% of respondents supporting the proposal to extend the cycle facilities to Eastleigh and towards Thornden School.

Facilities for the disabled

All proposed works to the footways and pedestrian crossing facilities will incorporate measures, such as dropped kerb crossing points and tactile paving, to assist people with mobility impairments.

Maintenance implications

The revenue implications of this proposal will be taken into account in the setting of the annual base budget.

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

The improved street lighting, especially on the less populated Otterbourne Hill, is expected to contribute towards both the removal and fear of crime in the area.

Two brick built bus shelters, which are of an enclosed design inviting antisocial behaviour that causes concern to local residents, are to be replaced with more open timber structures as part of the scheme. The proposed replacement shelters are of a design more harmonious with the village setting and are expected, through the provision of front and side windows, to help reduce the occurrence of antisocial behaviour.

Sustainability

The scheme has been designed to reduce traffic speeds and to help discourage unnecessary through traffic. The scheme is expected to encourage the public to use alternative transport modes such as walking, cycling and public transport.

4.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT - ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

(Client Department)

The scheme has been developed from the preliminary proposals initially tabled at the first round of public exhibitions in 1997. Since then the scheme has evolved through consultation with the local Member, the Parish Council and others, as described above.

Throughout the design process many proposals have been considered within the framework of designing a traffic calming scheme that will successfully reduce traffic speeds to make a new 30 mph speed limit self-enforcing. In addition, the scheme is expected to meet the objectives of the County Council's Local Transport Plan and serve the local community through improved pedestrian, cycling and public transport facilities.

Early proposals included more extensive off-road shared use cycle facilities on the existing footways on the eastern side of the C230 Main Road between the Kiln Lane and Coles Mede junctions. Strong objections to this proposal were made by the Parish Council, because of the close proximity of commercial homes for the elderly and mobility impaired leading to an unsatisfactory mix of user groups on the footway.

In view of the objection, this element of the scheme was deleted in favour of `passive' on-road facilities over this length of the road.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1.

Published works.

2.

Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

TITLE

LOCATION

Client Working File 10/6/66897

Project Working File 17/C230/4

Environment Grouping - Implementation Section - Room 415

Environment Grouping - Engineering Consultancy - Room 311