Contact: Nick Richardson, ext 5429

1. Summary

1.1 A number of schemes are being promoted in the 2001/02 financial year as part of the five year Winchester Movement and Access Plan (WMAP) investment programme. This report outlines proposed measures implemented in connection with Safer Routes to School initiatives. Members are asked to note the approach outlined in this report.

2. Introduction

2.1 Since a proposed programme for school travel initiatives was reported to the Panel on 16 March 2000, a number of improvements have been initiated. The three secondary schools in Winchester have been approached to ascertain the level of interest and assess their transport implications (see attached location plan). Primary schools have also been contacted and some measures are being developed in association with the schools. The impact of traffic associated with schools continues to raise concern and dialogue is taking place to establish how initiatives could be introduced to ameliorate the situation.

3. Secondary Schools

3.1 Westgate School in Cheriton Road (934 pupils on roll 2001/02) has been involved in discussions with staff and parents and a survey has been undertaken which indicated that 32% of children walk to school, 23% travel by bus, compared with 40% who are driven. This in part reflects the wide catchment area. It was suggested that measures to help children walking and cycling to school would be beneficial and could also benefit primary schoolchildren at Western School. However, the lack of appropriate school bus services from the rural catchment area to Westgate School has yet to be resolved.

3.2 Kings School off Romsey Road has undertaken a survey of parents, staff and pupils to ascertain travel patterns. This indicated that 28% of pupils walk to school, 35% travel on a school bus, 11% on a service bus, 21% travel by car and only 1% cycle. The school has 1,741 pupils on the roll (2001/02) and concerns have been expressed about additional building work on the site, although this is not expected to increase pupil numbers. Measures could be introduced in Sarum Road, to the rear of the school, to deter parents in cars stopping at inappropriate points where conflicts arise and to help prevent further deterioration in the condition of the highway.

3.3 Measures being considered elsewhere, for example at the Badger Farm Road/Oliver's Battery Road junction (see agenda item 8), will encourage pupils to walk and cycle. Additional measures proposed for the Romsey Road corridor (see agenda item 10) will also support walking and cycling to Kings School. A total of 58% of pupils live more then three miles from the school and further improvements to bus services could also be considered.

3.4 Henry Beaufort Secondary School in Harestock (1,006 on roll 2001/02) has submitted a school travel plan in connection with current building work. To encourage pupils to use buses, additional shelters are to be provided near the school. The recommendations of the school travel plan will be considered in due course.

3.5 Peter Symonds College (sixth form) has been involved in discussions regarding transport issues through the Winchester Commuter Forum (which also includes other tertiary education establishments).

4. Primary Schools

4.1 Following approaches by Western School in Browning Drive, discussions have taken place with staff and parents to identify possible improvements for journeys to school. Surveys undertaken indicate that 66% of children walk to Western School but there are difficulties of crossing roads safely and easily. A `walking bus' has proved successful and there is strong support for improvements to help pedestrians.

4.2 Following meetings a package of measures is to be implemented associated with Western School to improve pedestrian crossing arrangements, junctions and footways to assist journeys to school in the Fulflood/Greenhill Road/Cheriton Road area. Improvements in other locations, such as Andover Road/Bereweeke Road, have been investigated but are unlikely to be introduced in the short term due to constraints of road space and similar difficulties.

4.3 For Oliver's Battery Primary School the proposed junction scheme at Badger Farm Road/Oliver's Battery Road will introduce improvements for children walking to school in support of their school travel plan. In addition, the footpath alongside the school grounds leading to Badger Farm via the footbridge has been improved and resurfaced.

4.4 Other elements of the WMAP investment programme have also been designed with school journeys in mind, including the new pedestrian crossing on Stockbridge Road near the Stoney Lane junction (see agenda item 7) and the junction improvement scheme at Badger Farm Road/ Oliver's Battery Road.

4.5 A number of other schools have been approached. A meeting has taken place with Stanmore School although it is considered unlikely that any further physical works will be necessary in the vicinity of the school. The temporary relocation of St Bede CE Primary School has deferred consideration of possible improvements related to the permanent site in Gordon Road. The remaining schools (All Saints CE Primary School in Highcliffe, Harestock Primary School, St Faith's CE Primary School in St Cross and St Peter's RC Primary School in Oliver's Battery Road North) will be considered in due course.

5. Conclusion

5.1 A number of Safer Routes to School initiatives have been undertaken in the WMAP area, primarily involving improvements for children walking to school. Further measures are being pursued with local schools and are integrated with the wider WMAP investment programme.

Recommendation

That the Panel notes the progress on Safer Routes to School projects.

6848/NR