Archived decisions

Contact: Jonathan Crabb, ext 6047

1. Summary

1.1 This report provides Members with an update on the Local Transport Plan (LTP) Capital Programme's 2001/02 schemes within the New Forest Transport Strategy (NFTS) area. Members are asked to note the latest position regarding Lyndhurst High Street Phase 2b, Lyndhurst Village Cycle Network, Fordingbridge High Street and Brockenhurst Transport Interchange.

1.2 The 2001/02 NFTS Programme is as follows:

Fordingbridge High Street Traffic Calming Improvements £80,000

Lyndhurst Village Cycle Network £50,000

School and College Travel £50,000

B3055 (Sway) Footways £10,000

2. Lyndhurst High Street Phase 2b

2.1 After five months of construction the scheme was completed on time at the beginning of April 2001. The scheme consisted of making better use of road space to provide wider footways, giving priority to pedestrians without any significant additional delays for motorists, plus a new controlled pedestrian crossing at the Romsey Road junction. On 26 June 2001 an official opening for the scheme took place in the High Street and, to mark completion of the scheme, an exhibition of `Lyndhurst High Street Through the Years' was shown at the New Forest Museum and Visitor Centre.

2.2 Early indications are that the scheme is working well and local people are very pleased with the results. A series of surveys are proposed over the next 12 months which, combined with the normal biennial counts, will provide solid information as to how effective the measures in the High Street have been. The opportunity will also be taken to measure the effectiveness of the extensive community involvement and consultation programme that accompanied development of the scheme.

3. Lyndhurst Village Cycle Network

3.1 A comprehensive cycle network is vital to the ongoing commitment to encourage alternative forms of transport and car-free tourism within the New Forest. A key node, and the next phase in the strategy's cycle plan, is the provision of a cycle network within Lyndhurst. As well as safely accommodating cycle movements within Lyndhurst itself, a network will allow the linking of the Forestry Commission's off-road routes, located on either side of the village, whilst providing a connection and circular route between Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst.

3.2 A design resource has been appointed to consider the feasibility of options for on- and off-road cycle routes throughout the village. A number of options have been identified for further consideration by engineers and ultimately with local representatives. The basis of the network is mainly by the reallocation of road space, which will have the added benefit of reducing vehicle speeds around the gyratory. Other off-road routes and safe crossing points are also under consideration.

3.3 Once a comprehensive system of routes and crossing points has been agreed by the engineers, consultations with local representatives will take place to gain further input to the process and prioritise any phasing which is necessary before to going to full public consultation. It is hoped that the public consultation can take place in spring 2002.

4. Fordingbridge High Street

4.1 An allocation of £80,000 has been made in the LTP Capital Programme for measures on Fordingbridge High Street. Following early input by the previous local Member and other local representatives, it was agreed that the focus of the design work should be in the vicinity of the High Street/Provost Street (Market Place) junction. A working group has therefore been formed, which includes County Council officers and New Forest District Council's Conservation Officer for Fordingbridge, to consider options for the junction. The general framework for the design work, which is in line with the Fordingbridge Environmental Improvements - Spatial Master Plan by Lisney Associates dated February 1990, is to remove unnecessary road space around the junction to provide extra pedestrian space. The measures, combined with townscape features and careful choice of materials to complement and link with earlier work carried out in the High Street under the Country Towns Initiative, will provide additional space for pedestrians and a better and safer environment for those who use this area of the High Street.

4.2 Preliminary design is now being undertaken and a preferred option is being detailed for consideration by the local Member and other local representatives prior to carrying out a wider consultation. It is planned that the initial consultations will take place during November or December 2001, which will allow time to include any modifications prior to going to full consultation during the first quarter of 2002.

5. Brockenhurst Transport Interchange

5.1 Interchange works at Brockenhurst Station have now been completed and the Wilts and Dorset public bus service route 56/56A is able to enter the station forecourt. The Forest Link demand-responsive services have low patronage and are being reviewed. Over 550 people are registered to use these services. It is planned to make some of the services semi-scheduled and improve marketing of the demand-responsive computer services. The proposed changes will not be implemented until March 2002. Some barriers have arisen with the current booking system run by the operator, so a demand call centre run by the County Council is to be set up in Winchester.

6. Sway Footways

6.1 As a result of the St Lukes School Travel Plan the following key issues have been identified:

(i) lack of continuity in footway and crossing facility provision on Station Road, particularly between its junction with Middle Road and just south of the railway overbridge;

(ii) a poor surface for the highway/footpath between Station Road and Westbeams Road, south of the railway;

(iii) potential safety hazards and lack of definition for the main school entrance from Westbeams Road; and

(iv) the potential for a new dedicated pedestrian and cycle entrance to the rear of the school from the north (adjacent to the railway embankment).

A progress report will be brought to a future meeting of the Panel.

7. School Travel Plans

7.1 The New Forest Transport Strategy Area has an allocation of £50,000 for Safer Routes to Schools. The following schemes are being progressed:

(i) St Lukes School, Sway - Measures to improve footways and pedestrian access for children attending the school, as identified through the school's published Travel Plan, referred to in section 6.

(ii) Northfield Road, Ringwood - Top up for 2000/01 scheme that proposes to change the priority at the junction between Northfield Road and Salisbury Road, having the effect of reducing vehicle speeds. Will increase safety for child pedestrians attending schools in the area.

8. Other Schemes

8.1 A project appraisal has been submitted for secure cycle parking provision and bus information at Sway and Hinton Admiral railway stations. The scheme will cost £15,000 and will be funded from the LTP Programme 2001/02.

Recommendation

That the position of the schemes within the Capital Programme be noted.

6785/JC