Archived decisions

Contact: Amy Bristow, ext 7038

1. Summary

1.1 This report sets out the progress being made on the development of the Western Hampshire Transport Strategy (WHTS) and the proposed timescale for consulting the public and stakeholders. Members are asked to note the progress and approve the process for consultation.

2. Introduction

2.1 The aims and scope of the WHTS were outlined to Members at the meeting on 20 November 2001. Work has since begun on developing the draft document for consultation.

3. Consultation Programme

3.1 A programme for the production of the document and consultation has now been drafted. It is proposed that a consultation document be distributed to all draft consultees, including:

(i) County and District Councillors;

(ii) Parish Councils;

(iii) the local business community;

(iv) interest groups;

(v) transport operators;

(vi) public service providers; and

(vii) educational establishments.

3.2 Copies will also be made available in County and Borough Council offices, local libraries and to anyone requesting a copy. It is proposed to hold an exhibition at which officers will be present to answer questions, distribute information and collate any initial comments made in response to the aims and objectives of the strategy. A questionnaire will be available for people to respond formally. The potential for using the Internet will also be considered.

3.3 The programme for consultation is as follows:

Key Event	Date
Draft structure of strategy, together with detailed plan of action to be approved by senior officers	End February 2002
Liase with Test Valley Borough Council on the consultation programme and draft consultees	March 2002
Production of the draft strategy consultation document	May/June 2002
Distribute and begin consultation process on the draft strategy	June 2002
Submission of the document for a news item on Hantsnet and link from Test Valley Borough Council's web page	June 2002
Hold exhibition/series of exhibitions in the WHTS area	June 2002
Compile feedback from consultees	July/August 2002
Begin drafting final strategy document for approval by senior officers	Early September 2002
Western Hampshire Transportation Strategy Panel	9 October 2002
Report to Panel on outcome of consultation process and next stages for the production of the final strategy document	October 2002
Provide draft of final document to Executive Member - Environment	October/November 2002
Publish final strategy document and distribute	To be confirmed

4. Cost of Consultation

4.1 The programme of consultation will be funded through a dedicated consultation budget. The cost of the consultation exercise, including the production of the final strategy document, is estimated to be £10,000.

Recommendations

1. That Members note the progress on the development of the Western Hampshire Transport Strategy.

2. That it be a RECOMMENDATION to the Executive Member for Environment that the consultation programme for the Western Hampshire Transport Strategy be approved.

7001/AB