Contact: Nick Richardson, ext 5429

1. Summary

1.1 This report sets out the position regarding the delivery of the capital programme for the Basingstoke Environmental Strategy for Transport (BEST). Following the Local Transport Settlement in December 2001 (see agenda item 2), the programme of implementing schemes in the BEST area continues. The main elements of the programme are being delivered and others are at the initial stages of the process. This report considers the corridors where progress has been made since the previous meeting, including A30 Basingstoke to M3 Junction 7, A33 Basingstoke to Riseley, B3400 Basingstoke to Whitchurch and A340 Basingstoke to Tadley.

2. A30 Basingstoke to M3 Junction 7

2.1 Progress on the A30 south-west corridor was reported on 14 November 2001. Feasibility work continues on the proposed junction improvements at key locations on the route. These include the Southwood Corner A30/A30 junction for which it has been established that a traffic signal scheme is possible. However, the County Council's consultants have been asked to investigate a roundabout option for this junction which would have the added effect of reducing traffic speeds at all times.

2.2 The layout of the Kempshott Roundabout and Brighton Hill Roundabout is being considered in terms of possible traffic signal installations. Subject to the outcome of the feasibility studies, initial proposals will be reported to the Panel in autumn 2002.

2.3 It is intended to progress the contra-flow bus lane in New Street in association with the proposed introduction of traffic signals at Victory Roundabout. The bus lane would provide a valuable link for buses from the new bus station to Winton Square and improve the reliability of services in the area.

3. A33 Basingstoke to Riseley

3.1 Proposals to introduce traffic signals at key junctions on the A33 between the town centre and Chineham were reported on 14 November 2001. It was intended to introduce the schemes starting at the Reading Road Roundabout moving northwards. The possibility of integrating the works at the Reading Road/Crockford Lane/Carpenters Down junction with the capacity improvements of Crockford Lane being undertaken by MEPC (owners of Chineham Business Park) was considered. This would involve bringing forward the Crockford Lane junction scheme to minimise disruption. However, it was not possible to coordinate the works because further feasibility work is needed for a traffic signal scheme at the junction. Accordingly, the implementation programme has reverted to the original, starting with the Reading Road Roundabout scheme.

3.2 A traffic calming scheme for Sherfield-on-Loddon is being designed with the involvement of the parish council and local people. This will be implemented in due course following public consultation.

3.3 The current implementation programme is as follows:

(i) A33/A339 Reading Road Roundabout traffic signal installation: 2002/03;

(ii) A33 Reading Road/Popley Way junction all movement traffic signal installation: 2002/03;

(iii) Cycle route between Norn Hill and Popley Way: 2002/03;

(iv) A33 Reading Road/Crockford Lane/Carpenters Down traffic signal installation: 2002/03;

(v) Cycle route between Popley Way and Chineham: 2002/03;

(vi) A33 Chineham District Centre Roundabout traffic signal installation: 2003/04; and

(vii) Chineham to Sherfield-on-Loddon cycle route: 2003/04.

4. B3400 Basingstoke to Whitchurch Corridor

4.1 It is anticipated that a study will be undertaken of the B3400 corridor in early 2002. This will cover the route between Basingstoke town centre and the borough boundary to the west of Whitchurch and is likely to include the following:

(i) access to West Ham Leisure Park;

(ii) pedestrian and cycle facilities in Oakley;

(iii) measures affecting Overton;

(iv) improvements (pedestrian, cycle, bus, access to schools) under way in Whitchurch;

(v) improvements at Whitchurch and Overton stations;

(vi) heavy commercial vehicle and abnormal loads in Whitchurch diverted from A34(T);

(vii) traffic management issues, including speed limits;

(viii) heavy commercial vehicle movements; and

(ix) possible influences from the Western Hampshire Transport Strategy and the Andover Transport Strategy affecting the B3400 corridor in the BEST area.

4.2 The study will not be expected to consider the possible impact of potential Major Development Areas to the west of Basingstoke or in the Andover area but will concentrate on shorter term measures. These are likely to involve improvements for pedestrians within the settlements in the corridor, measures to help cyclists and improvements for bus and rail users.

4.3 The details of the study and consultation arrangements will be the subject of a report to a future meeting of the Panel.

Whitchurch Improvements

4.4 On 14 November 2001 proposed improvements in Whitchurch were considered. These included a package of measures to help bus users, pedestrians, cyclists and children travelling to school, developed in partnership with the local community. The County Council's consultants have investigated how these measures could be implemented and have prioritised them.

4.5 Appendix 1 indicates the expected costs of the proposed measures. While there are some costly elements, funding is available from external sources (around £80,000) and the immediate priorities can be implemented accordingly. Some of the other proposals, for which land is required or highway rights need to be established, will take much longer to process should funding be available. Those elements of the package where no land or highway issues need to be resolved could be included in a programme of improvements in forthcoming years.

4.6 The smaller schemes in Appendix 1 (totalling £30,200) could be implemented without difficulty. The legal issues associated with creating the four routes proposed for shared use cycle/footways could delay implementation. However, the routes could be improved prior to possible conversion at a later date, subject to the public's views.

4.7 It is proposed that the public be made aware of the proposals by staging an exhibition in Whitchurch, staffed by Borough and County Council officers. This would provide an opportunity for people to make further comments about the consultants' recommendations prior to implementation.

Overton Improvements

4.8 Discussions have taken place regarding possible schemes for implementation in Overton; these preliminary proposals are set out in Appendix 2. The main proposals concern improving access to the railway station which will require the consent of the owner of the highway and adjacent land. Other proposed improvements include provision for pedestrians, cyclists and bus users.

5. A340 Basingstoke to Tadley Corridor

5.1 The report of 14 November 2001 outlined possible improvements in the A340 corridor. Since then, some changes have occurred with respect to the proposed developments in the area which will influence travel patterns. Some progress has been made in determining a range of measures for Tadley.

A340 Aldermaston Road

5.2 A planning application for the Aldermaston Road Triangle site, proposed for mixed use, was called in by the Secretary of State and the outcome has yet to be determined. In parallel with this, an application for the residential part only of this development has been submitted.

5.3 A preliminary design has been undertaken for traffic signal control at the junction of the A340 Aldermaston Road and Priestly Road at The Lodge. Land is expected to be made available by the current owners to enable the signal installation to be provided.

5.4 It is expected that preliminary design work will be commenced shortly for the A340 Aldermaston Road Roundabout with A339 Ringway, for a scheme to provide traffic signal control and incorporate a priority lane through the junction. This will be undertaken in conjunction with a major highway maintenance scheme to rebuild the 'life expired' carriageway. The provision of a priority lane at this junction will help bus movements and fully accords with the Review of Passenger Transport in the Basingstoke Area study undertaken by consultants in 2001.

5.5 The proposed residential developments to the north of Popley and the adjacent site at Popley Fields continue to be progressed with the full involvement of both the County Council and the Borough Council. The transport implications are being assessed and the access arrangements onto the A340 will be considered further as the proposals become more refined.

5.6 An initial manual classified survey of vehicles and occupancy on the A340 was undertaken in January 2002 to ascertain the number of people using the route by vehicle type. This will help inform a decision on an inbound priority lane for the A340 Aldermaston Road. It may be possible to accommodate a priority lane and reallocate road space accordingly in this corridor. Both the traffic signal proposals at The Lodge and Aldermaston Road Roundabout will be designed so that a priority lane can be incorporated at a later stage if required without compromising the potential requirements of development in the area.

Tadley

5.7 The location and character of Tadley are factors in the following transport issues for the town:

(i) high levels of car ownership and use;

(ii) travel issues relating to limited local employment opportunities;

(iii) effects of traffic using the A340, particularly heavy commercial vehicles, mainly through the central area;

(iv) inadequate access to local amenities and relative isolation for those without the use of a car, particularly the young and the elderly;

(v) access to and information for bus services - particularly Line 1 to Basingstoke (has been improved but will be substantially improved through Bus Quality Partnership);

(vi) bus connections and information for rail services either at Basingstoke or Newbury/Reading;

(vii) lack of facilities for pedestrians and cyclists;

(viii) safer routes to schools; and

(ix) potential effects and benefits of proposed store developments.

5.8 The scope of potential improvements in Tadley is set out in Appendix 3. Involving the local community in the development of the strategy will help to refine these issues. Accordingly, it is intended to consult with the public in Tadley during 2002. Where possible, measures will be coordinated with other proposals, including the major highway maintenance scheme for A340 Mulfords Hill. In addition, initial discussions with West Berkshire Council have indicated a willingness to cooperate on cross-boundary issues affecting Tadley and the A340 corridor, including the New Greenham Park redevelopment.

Bus Quality Partnership

5.9 The A340 is the route of Stagecoach Line 1 which is the focus for a Bus Quality Partnership (see agenda item 4). This aims to improve the quality of bus services along the corridor with links to Basingstoke town centre, and incorporates consideration of infrastructure at stops, vehicles, staff, information, priority measures and customer attitudes.

6. Conclusion

6.1 In addition to the progress being made with other elements of the BEST investment programme, it is intended to undertake a study of the B3400 Basingstoke to Whitchurch corridor. A number of measures have been proposed for Whitchurch, some of which can be implemented in 2002/03 with others being programmed for implementation subsequently, subject to funding being made available.

6.2 While aspects of development proposals for the A340 have yet to be determined, it is proposed to progress a traffic signal design for the A340/A339 Aldermaston Road Roundabout to incorporate priority measures, together with a traffic signal installation on the A340 at The Lodge. Proposed improvements for Tadley will be the subject of public consultation prior to preliminary design work being undertaken.

Recommendations

1. That the current position on the following corridors be noted:

(i) A30 Basingstoke to M3 Junction 7;

(ii) A33 Basingstoke to Riseley;

(iii) B3400 Basingstoke to Whitchurch; and

(iv) A340 Basingstoke to Tadley.

2. That it be a RECOMMENDATION to the Executive Member for Environment that approval be given for public consultation on transport proposals for Whitchurch and for Tadley.

6972/NR

APPENDIX 1

B3400 Basingstoke to Whitchurch Corridor

Proposed Improvements in Whitchurch

* Proposed for first phase of implementation.

APPENDIX 2

B3400 Basingstoke to Whitchurch Corridor

Proposed Improvements in Overton

APPENDIX 3

A340 Basingstoke to Tadley Corridor

Outline Proposals for Transport Improvements in Tadley