Archived decisions

Contact: Kevin Travers, ext 7763

1. Summary

1.1 This report provides an update on progress on the South Coast Corridor Multi-Modal Study (SoCoMMS). It summarises the current position on the Study and identifies the next steps proposed.

2. Background

2.1 A previous report to the Panel on 26 July 2001 set out details of the background and context of the Study. SoCoMMS is one of a series of Government-funded studies aiming to assist in the delivery of better transport and to plan for the future. The Study area stretches along the South Coast between Southampton and Ramsgate in east Kent.

2.2 SoCoMMS considers the strategic role of the transport system in the corridor within the broad context of land use planning, transport and other policies, taking into account the regional, national and international dimensions. The study includes a review of the current and future transport problems which may inhibit the transport system from fulfilling its role, drawing on previous work, such as the recently completed M27 Integrated Transport Study. It also identifies and assesses options and will make recommendations on an over-arching strategy for the corridor. Measures necessary to deliver the strategy will also be identified and recommendations made on a potential implementation programme.

3. Recent Progress

3.1 The initial consultation period finished in the summer, following which a summary of the issues identified from the workshops and questionnaires was drawn up.

3.2 This information has been used as the basis for the second phase of the Study, which aims to identify measures for consideration to meet the many challenges facing the area. The consultants, Halcrow, will investigate how problems will be affected by different transport solutions and approaches, such as investing in public transport, concentrating on road building, restricting demand by increasing the cost of travel or a combination of these and other initiatives.

3.3 A further round of consultation is also being carried out to identify people's priorities for the adopted approach. Local and sub-regional workshops were held in Fareham, Southampton and Winchester in the middle of October, and the outcomes of these, together with feedback from questionnaires distributed widely throughout the area, will assist the consultants in drawing up a range of alternative approaches to the transport issues on the corridor.

3.4 The next phase of SoCoMMS will examine how these alternative approaches perform in helping transport and travel in the area. It will also look at the impact on the environment and quality of life. Then it is proposed that a further consultation exercise will be run in spring 2002, with the final report of the Study being produced in the summer.

Recommendation

That the progress on the South Coast Corridor Multi-Modal Study be noted.

6760/KT