Archived decisions

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1. Summary

1.1 The A33 Basingstoke to the county boundary at Riseley forms a key component of the Basingstoke Environmental Strategy for Transport (BEST). Substantial investment in transport improvements is planned and the process of implementing some schemes is under way. Public consultation on the concept of the proposals was undertaken in July 2001 and this report summarises the current position regarding schemes in the corridor and the outcome of the consultation exercise.

2. Introduction

2.1 The strategy for the A33 corridor was established following public consultation in March 1999 at which a range of proposals was presented, including abandoning the previous concept of upgrading the whole of the route to dual carriageway standard (itself the subject of consultation in 1991). This change of strategy reflected revised Government guidance and the new emphasis on the environment and sustainability. Studies have sought to identify a framework for transport and land use planning policies and specific measures that can:

(i) make transport safer;

(ii) reduce the need to travel and increase travel awareness;

(iii) encourage the use of and improve public transport;

(iv) reduce the use of the car;

(v) reduce the environmental impacts of transport;

(vi) encourage walking and cycling;

(vii) improve and ensure access for all; and

(viii) recognise the importance of transport to the economy.

2.2 The proposals included in the recent consultation reflect fully these measures and provide an integrated approach to the transport problems experienced on this major route.

2.3 The current review of the Local Plan is considering potential development affecting the A33 corridor. While additional development would add traffic pressures in the area, it is not anticipated that capacity on the A33 would be increased, and the measures outlined in this report will be appropriate in such circumstances.

3. Proposed Schemes

3.1 The proposals for this corridor fulfil the requirements of the approved A33 strategy through the introduction of measures to support public transport (new railway station at Chineham and improvements for bus users), cyclists (major new cycle infrastructure) and pedestrians (new crossing arrangements). Major improvements will be introduced to junctions in the urban area, with new traffic signals to regulate traffic flows and provide pedestrian and cycle crossings. New cycle routes will be constructed to improve access to the main commercial and residential areas. In the rural area, minor improvements will help people crossing the main road and encourage bus use.

3.2 The procedures for implementing the elements of the overall scheme outlined below require long lead-in times and extensive design work and consultation. To achieve expenditure in 2001/02, it has been necessary to undertake design work so that schemes can be introduced without undue delay. Accordingly, consultants have been commissioned to identify a cycle route between Norn Hill, Chineham and the rural part of the corridor and provide preliminary designs. Junction alterations are being evaluated in terms of civil engineering and traffic signal specifications. Construction work by a developer to realign Crockford Lane provides a further opportunity to coordinate changes while minimising disruption and optimising the benefits of schemes.

3.3 Proposed schemes include:

(i) new traffic signals at the A339 roundabout, incorporating cycle facilities;

(ii) new traffic signal junction at Popley Way and restoring all direction movements;

(iii) new junction arrangements at Crockford Lane, linked with reconstruction work for access to Chineham Business Park;

(iv) new traffic signal junction at Chineham District Centre/Great Binfields Road;

(v) extension of the existing 50 miles per hour speed limit for the whole route between Basingstoke and the county boundary;

(vi) new cycle route between Norn Hill and Chineham, fully segregated from traffic with separate traffic signals at junctions, linking to residential and employment areas (being developed by consultants in partnership with local cycling groups);

(vii) new cycle route between Chineham and Sherfield-on-Loddon to extend the above;

(viii) identification of new cycle routes between Sherfield-on-Loddon and the county boundary as part of the National Cycle Route network between Basingstoke and Reading (progressed by consultants);

(ix) new pedestrian crossing arrangements;

(x) review of signing throughout the corridor for clarity and consistency while minimising provision and taking account of future requirements; and

(xi) consideration of the rural routes in the A33 corridor in terms of walking and cycling facilities and possible safety measures.

3.4 In addition to design work for selected junctions and cycle facilities, specific schemes under way include:

(i) construction of new railway station at Chineham;

(ii) realignment of Crockford Lane for improved access to Chineham Business Park;

(iii) new traffic signals at Thornhill Way/Long Lane;

(iv) new traffic signals at Whitmarsh Lane;

(v) new roundabout in association with the Taylor's Farm development; and

(vi) real-time information systems for bus users.

3.5 It is proposed that the traffic signal installations operate at all times rather than at peak times only. It is considered that part time signals would cause confusion on the A33 and that the signals should offer crossing facilities for pedestrians and cyclists at all times, a view supported by Hampshire Constabulary.

3.6 Benefits of the schemes proposed:

(i) reduced traffic speeds throughout the route and safety improvements;

(ii) new opportunities for rail users;

(iii) new opportunities for regular cyclists;

(iv) safer crossing arrangements for pedestrians;

(v) incorporation of bus priority measures at signals; and

(vi) more controllable traffic flows.

3.7 The proposed development North of Popley Way is expected to add to traffic flows on the A33 at Crockford Lane and Popley Way junctions. A consultant's report, commissioned by the Borough Council and County Council (September 2001), indicated that the proposed traffic signal installations at these two locations are the most appropriate form of junction control, given the likely traffic generation of the proposed development. The policy of car restraint for the A33 corridor promoted through BEST is endorsed by the study.

4. Public Consultation

4.1 These proposals were presented at the public consultation events held in July 2001. Exhibitions were held as follows:

- Saturday, 14 July 9 am to 5 pm

The Walks Shopping Centre, Basingstoke

- Monday, 16 July 11.30 am to 2.30 pm

Ashwood, Chineham Business Park

- Wednesday, 18 July noon to 8 pm

Sherfield-on-Loddon Village Hall

- Friday, 20 July noon to 8 pm

Chineham District Centre

- Wednesday, 25 July 4pm to 8pm

Chineham Village Hall

4.2 Approximately 450 letters publicising the consultation events and drawing attention to the proposals were sent to local County Council and Borough Council Members, parish councils, community groups, transport operators, emergency services, adjacent local authorities, cycle groups, representatives of disabled people, community transport providers, local businesses, members of the Basingstoke Business Travel Forum and others. Advertisements were placed with the Basingstoke Gazette and the Basingstoke Observer and a press release was circulated to the local media.

4.3 An estimated 500 people attended the exhibitions and were given plans of the proposals (see Appendix 1) and questionnaires. A total of 142 questionnaires was returned, the highest numbers (44%) originating from the consultation events at The Walks Shopping Centre and Sherfield-on-Loddon (28%). The consultation exercise cost approximately £4,500.

4.4 The responses to the questionnaire are summarised in Table 1 and Appendix 2. Overall, 54% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the overall strategy compared with 30% disagreeing or strongly disagreeing.

Table 1

A33 Basingstoke to Riseley Corridor Improvements

Results of Public Consultation July 2001

4.5 A large number of comments were received with the questionnaire responses, including the following in support or with positive suggestions:

(i) improve access to Chineham Business Parks from the north;

(ii) possible improvements at rural A33 junctions, eg Wellington Monument, Church End and Stratfield Turgis;

(iii) suggested footway between Bramley and Sherfield;

(iv) need for traffic calming (Chineham, Old Basing, rural area, etc);

(v) support for speed restraint measures, including traffic calming;

(vi) better footway and cycle networks needed (preferably segregated from traffic);

(vii) speed cameras and more enforcement needed;

(viii) station should be on Business Park side of railway;

(ix) rail and bus improvements needed;

(x) control parking at new station to prevent overspill into residential area; and

(xi) more street lighting needed.

4.6 A number of respondents were critical of the proposals, with around 30 people expressing support for the construction of a dual carriageway from Chineham to the county boundary although this does not form part of the proposals. The comments included the following:

(i) delays at traffic signals compared with roundabouts;

(ii) conflict experienced where two lanes become one, eg Thornhill junction;

(iii) part time signals may be more appropriate;

(iv) traffic controls will encourage rat-running;

(v) proposals hostile to motorists and improving traffic flow is important;

(vi) capacity will be inadequate in future, particularly with proposed development;

(vii) flyover or underpass needed at Chineham District Centre junction; and

(viii) dual carriageway needed throughout.

4.7 In addition, seven items of correspondence were received. These covered a range of issues, including the following:

(i) improvements at Wellington Monument junction;

(ii) need for traffic calming in Chineham;

(iii) operation of the traffic signals at Thornhill junction;

(iv) improvements in public transport needed;

(v) footways, cycle routes, signs and verges should be properly maintained;

(vi) parking should be provided at Bramley Station;

(vii) Church End and Stratfield Turgis junctions need improvements;

(viii) increasing traffic levels need to be considered; and

(ix) dual carriageway needed.

4.8 The responses indicated that there was broad support for the main features of the proposals, including traffic signals, reduced speed limits, cycle routes, a new station, bus improvements and pedestrian facilities (see Appendix 2). However, support for new junction arrangements and traffic signals (53%) was less pronounced than for other measures. Encouragingly, only a relatively small proportion of respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed with the proposals.

4.9 From the responses received, 91% of people indicated that they were frequent car drivers using the A33 corridor and 44% frequent car passengers. Relatively small proportions indicated that they were regular pedestrians (19%), cyclists (11%) or bus passengers (9%). The main journey purposes indicated were leisure (28%) and shopping (27%), travel to work (21%) and business (15%). Most respondents used both the urban and rural parts of the A33 corridor (86% and 84% respectively).

5. Scheme Implementation

5.1 It is anticipated that the following schemes will be implemented in the next 18 months as part of the proposals presented at the public consultation (see Appendices 3 and 4):

(i) introduction of traffic signals at the A33/A339 Ringway roundabout;

(ii) introduction of all movement traffic signal junction at A33/Popley Way;

(iii) review of speed limits and signing;

(iv) construction of segregated cycleway between Norn Hill and Crockford Lane, Chineham in association with the above;

(v) introduction of bus real-time information system in Chineham corridor;

(vi) construction of new railway station at Chineham; and

(vii) improvements to rural A33.

5.2 Appropriate monitoring will be undertaken to assess the impact of the schemes as they are introduced, for example traffic volumes and speeds, levels of cycling and walking, bus use and reliability.

6. Conclusion

6.1 The public consultation exercise undertaken for the A33 corridor proposals indicated broad support for the proposals, particularly for new cycle routes, the proposed new railway station at Chineham and improvements for buses and pedestrians. The proposals affecting road traffic, introducing more traffic signals, reducing speed limits and introducing traffic management measures in residential areas attracted the support of a majority, but to a lesser extent.

Recommendations

1. That the Panel notes the outcome of the consultation on the A33 Basingstoke to Riseley corridor.

2. That it be a RECOMMENDATION to the Executive Member for Environment that the implementation programme for the A33 Basingstoke to Riseley corridor be approved, as set out in this report and Appendix 4.

6731/NR