Archived decisions

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1. Summary

1.1 Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) provide the means of making better use of transport networks and collating and disseminating information so that people can make informed decisions by the use of appropriate technologies about how they travel. A programme of implementation has been devised that reflects the time taken to develop systems and integrate them with each other and to meet the objectives of the Basingstoke Environmental Strategy for Transport (BEST).

2. Introduction

2.1 As levels of car use continue to rise, this results in an increasingly negative impact on the environment through congestion and pollution and on the economy through delays. In addition to encouraging less travel by car, there is an equally important need to make the best use of the existing road infrastructure. The three core features of ITS are information, communication and integration, encompassing a wide range of measures such as:

(i) systems that effectively and efficiently manage traffic on road networks (Urban Traffic Control);

(ii) signs to guide traffic/provide up to date travel information (Variable Message Signs);

(iii) digital displays at bus stops of up-to-the-minute bus arrival times; and

(iv) up to date travel information at terminals in public places and to make this information available on the internet.

3. Proposed Systems

3.1 A range of systems are being designed for implementation in the BEST area. These complement other investment programmes by making more efficient use of the road network, encouraging public transport use and providing information for people to make informed choices about their journeys. The implementation of these systems will be determined by the need to establish the control systems, existing ITS being very limited in the BEST area at present. Also, the different systems are linked so that, for example, closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras need to be in place before variable message signs, relaying information on traffic conditions, can operate meaningfully. All proposed systems should be capable of upgrading as circumstances require and as technology moves forward. The attached appendix sets out the proposed implementation programme.

Urban Traffic Control

3.2 Urban Traffic Control (UTC) systems provide a means of coordinating traffic movements through traffic signal junctions. The number of signal installations in Basingstoke is increasing significantly and there is the opportunity to control traffic movements through UTC in a number of major corridors including the A33, A30 south west and A340. In the town centre the Eastrop Roundabout signals could be linked with the proposed signals at Victory Roundabout and the Winchester Road/New Road junction. There is the potential to add additional junctions and puffin and toucan crossings to the system to provide a wide area of control and coordination.

Parking Variable Message Signs

3.3 The core parking guidance system will be installed in November 2001. This will involve the supply of occupancy information from eight car parks in the town centre to signs on Churchill Way West and East. Possible installations of monitoring equipment to cover the two car parks at Basingstoke Station will be considered if South West Trains wishes to become involved.

3.4 A further phase of the system could be installed by autumn 2002 providing at least five more signs.

Bus Real-time Information

3.5 The control system is currently being designed with radio control and fitting of equipment on buses. This involves creating a vehicle positioning system to identify the location of buses in relation to the timetable and to update positions and timings at stops. It is intended to link this with the operators' control systems to ensure maximum reliability following the fitting of transmission units to individual vehicles. The information systems to be installed at stops will need to be compatible with shelter designs and have a power supply installed.

3.6 Twelve information units will be installed on the Basingstoke to Tadley corridor in 2002 and further units in Chineham and Hatch Warren will be added. The system will be tested extensively prior to information being made available at stops.

3.7 It is proposed that a single supplier be commissioned for all real-time systems in Hampshire. These will be linked with the emerging national system, and the programme for the introduction of the BEST system will be influenced by progress on the national information strategy.

3.8 Dialogue has taken place with Stagecoach in Hampshire to ensure that the real-time information system fully meets expectations and can be implemented with the company's full cooperation.

Bus Departure Information System

3.9 The new bus station at New Market Square will include a control system and five information display units informing passengers of bus departure details. It is expected that the new bus station will open in early 2002, although direct egress for buses onto Eastrop Roundabout will not be available from the outset.

Closed Circuit Television and Variable Message Signs

3.10 CCTV will be installed to provide up-to-the-minute surveillance of major traffic routes linked to traffic information variable message signs at key locations. It is proposed to install CCTV at 12 locations including Ringway and Churchill Way, with at least five other installations on key routes outside the urban area. It is intended to provide 25 variable message signs, mainly on Ringway, during 2003/04. The proposed locations of the signs and associated CCTV installations are shown on the attached location plan.

Information Dissemination

3.11 New forms of accessing information will be explored. The development of web site information will be continued and it is intended to provide real-time information on traffic, car parking availability and bus services through the internet. Over time, further information could be added such as on air quality. Other applications will be investigated, for example mobile telephone information, possibly involving local businesses that are involved with such technologies.

4. The Role of Intelligent Transport Systems

4.1 ITS has the potential of playing an important role in BEST. The applications outlined above will help people make informed decisions about how and when they travel which will encourage more efficient use of transport networks and support public transport use.

4.2 The systems, once in place, can provide a comprehensive picture of transport activities and are closely inter-related. For example, CCTV can be used with variable message sign systems but other data, such as real-time air quality information, could also be linked. The real-time bus information system can be used as a means of controlling bus movements and improving reliability, linked with information sent to users via the internet or mobile telephone. Bus priorities at traffic signals can be linked to the vehicle positioning system.

5. Conclusion

5.1 The introduction of ITS in the BEST area offers considerable scope to improve traffic flows, create more reliable public transport and provide accurate and readily available information. A programme for implementation of the various components of ITS has been devised which will deliver systems on a coordinated basis.

Recommendation

That it be a RECOMMENDATION to the Executive Member for Environment that the proposed investment programme for Intelligent Transport Systems for the Basingstoke Environmental Strategy for Transport area be approved.

6734/NR