Contact: Karen Walton, ext 6598

1. Summary

1.1 This report describes progress on the 2001/02 South West Hampshire Transportation (SWHT) programme and other key strategy issues and schemes.

2. 2001/02 Programme

2.1 The revised 2001/02 SWHT programme in the County Council's administrative areas is as follows:

2.2 The Executive Member for Environment approved this investment programme for SWHT on 25 January 2002.

3. Romsey Movement and Access Strategy

3.1 Hampshire County Council and Test Valley Borough Council have jointly commissioned transport consultant Scott Wilson Associates to consider options for the Romsey Town Centre Pedestrian Enhancement Scheme.

3.2 Funding for the scheme from the SWHT programme is supplemented by the Section 106 Agreement made by Test Valley Borough Council for the proposed Alma Road food store.

3.3 This transport scheme is intended to create an area of greater pedestrian priority in the centre of Romsey. It will link with conservation, urban design and economic development objectives. Traffic will continue to pass through the main shopping areas but, where possible, road space will be reallocated to provide a safer, more pedestrian-friendly space for residents, traders and visitors. Good walking routes from the new food store to the rest of the town centre will be created to encourage linked trips. Traffic speeds will be reduced by self-enforcing traffic calming features, and illegal parking will be made less likely in many areas. However, space for delivery vehicles and disabled parking will be retained.

3.4 Following agreement at a previous Southampton Area Transport Strategy Joint Members' Panel, a public exhibition was jointly hosted by the County Council and Test Valley Borough Council. Scheme options were displayed and officers were on hand to answer questions on the proposals. Attendees were encouraged to fill in a questionnaire to measure support for the scheme. This consultation is estimated to have cost in the order of £10,000, excluding officers' time.

3.5 Since the last meeting further representations have been made relating to the implementation of this project, which are continuing at the time of writing, and the results will be updated orally at the meeting.

4. Central Eastleigh Transport Plan

4.1 The proposed redevelopment of the Pirelli site to provide over 665 dwellings, plus 7,432 square metres of B1 office development, on 11.5 hectares of land 450 metres to the west of Eastleigh town centre will have an impact on traffic levels and patterns of vehicle movements in and around central Eastleigh. The priorities for network management improvements identified in the Central Eastleigh Transport Plan undertaken in 1998 remain. However, prior to bringing forward network management improvements (funded through the SWHT capital programme) designed to enhance safety for vulnerable road users, and which may possibly include the introduction of 20 miles per hour residential zones or Home Zones on existing residential streets, it will now be necessary to fully consider the impacts of the Pirelli development. Every effort needs to be made to ensure that network management proposals funded through the SWHT capital programme are designed, not only to overcome existing traffic and safety problems, but also to contribute towards mitigation of the impacts of the Pirelli development, and to provide added value to off-site network improvements funded by that development.

4.2 The County Council's Partner consultant, W S Atkins (WSA), is project managing the scheme, including analysis of existing data and undertaking additional surveys as required. A future report will bring forward a number of potential options to improve the management of traffic within the vicinity of Eastleigh town centre.

5. Eastleigh Bus Quality Partnership and Bus Station Improvement

5.1 Hampshire County Council, Eastleigh Borough Council, Solent Blue Line and First Southampton have all expressed their commitment to the Eastleigh Area Quality Bus Partnership, its Schedule of Commitment and Aims and Objectives.

5.2 A formal signing ceremony linked with the official opening of the refurbished Eastleigh Bus Station was held on 23 November 2001. The partners are already working together to deliver a high quality and reliable bus service on Solent Blue Line routes 41, 48 and 29/29A and on First Southampton Service 16.

5.3 A programme of works to improve roadside infrastructure on the above routes has already been agreed by the partners, and the County Council's former Roads and Development Sub-Committee approved a project appraisal on 24 July 2001. Improvements include better bus stop poles and information cases, new bus shelters, raised access kerbs and improvements to lighting and footways. It is intended that some of these will be implemented before the end of this financial year.

5.4 An interim report has been prepared proposing that route 48 (Fair Oak-Eastleigh-Southampton) be prioritised as the one with the most potential for improvement. Roadside infrastructure improvements are being implemented by Eastleigh Borough Council, with priority given to route 48. A number of junctions have been identified as in need of improvement to help facilitate enhanced movement by buses. These are:

(i) Riverside Road/Bishopstoke Road;

(ii) Access to Eastleigh Bus Station (right-turn);

(iii) Bishopstoke Road/Chickenhall Lane; and

(iv) Romsey Road/Station Hill.

6. Hythe Interchange

6.1 WSA is carrying out the investigation and preliminary design (up to feasibility stage) of a major transport and environmental improvement scheme in the Hythe Pier area. Information relating to the current transport interchange has been collected, including bus routes and frequencies, proposed cycle routes, car park data, traffic counts, air quality data and information on the ferry service itself. Previous reports and local authority Local Plans have also been reviewed. Additionally, WSA met with the ferry operator, White Horse Ferries, to ascertain its views on the future of the interchange, and also with General Estates, developers which own land around the interchange. The consultation process was agreed with the Hythe Centre Advisory Group at a meeting on 12 November 2001.

6.2 The options for the interchange being prepared will be brought forward in consultation with the local Member and local groups. These will be prepared in conjunction with the proposed Hythe Town Centre Link Road, currently planned for consultation in the early summer.

7. Hythe Pier

7.1 Maintenance work on the Pier started last summer, at a cost of £50,000 including timber decking plus £50,000 towards replacing the pontoon.

7.2 A comprehensive report prepared by the County Surveyor on the structural integrity of Hythe Pier was completed in December 2001. The report confirms that whilst the superstructure of the Pier is in a safe condition, there is an urgent need for investment to maintain this position both immediately and in the longer term. The Pier is privately owned and its future and that of the ferry service will need to be considered by a wider group of stakeholders, including the County Council, which is currently considering the most appropriate way of ensuring an effective maintenance regime for the Pier in light of the substantial level of investment required to sustain the operation of the ferry service. Progress on the way forward will be reported to the next meeting.

7.3 New Forest District Council is progressing a regeneration project for the Hythe waterfront area which will run in parallel with the Pier scheme.

8. Hythe Town Centre Link Road

8.1 This scheme is included as a proposal in the current Local Plan to be funded from developer contributions. To enable adequate information for future consultation and consideration of the planning application, current traffic movements in the area are being reviewed. This project will be prepared in conjunction with other schemes in Hythe, including the Interchange with consultation programmed for the early summer.

9. Eastleigh Cycles

Doncaster Drove Cycleway

9.1 This is an important link that will provide a connection between Stoneham Lane and Southampton Road as well as links to Southampton Parkway rail station. A total sum of £75,000 has been allocated for spending in this financial year, so scheme phasing is currently under consideration. Plans for the scheme are being audited by the County Council's Safety Engineering team and, subject to a land issue with Railtrack being resolved, the first phase across Lakeside Country Park can commence construction immediately.

Allington Lane to Wyvern School

9.2 This proposal is subject to the approval of Wyvern School as part of the Wyvern School Travel Plan. The Borough Council's Local Area Committee has given full support to the route which is now under consideration by the County Council. Main concerns for the proposed route relate to crossing Allington Lane, and alternative layouts and cost implications are currently under consideration.

Chestnut Avenue Cycleway

9.3 Funding to provide a new cycleway in Chestnut Avenue is being obtained on occupation of the new offices as part of a planning agreement. In addition, funds have been agreed to provide for the improvement of pedestrian links between the development site and Eastleigh Town Centre, including a pedestrian crossing in Chestnut Avenue and traffic calming in Falkland Road.

9.4 In addition to the above, the Borough Council is also carrying out an audit to identify the possibility of converting low-flow footways to shared-use cycle facilities. This will allow a relatively simple and cost-effective extension to cycleway provision within the borough.

10. Test Valley Cycles

10.1 The County Council and Test Valley Borough Council have previously identified six routes to progress the cycle network in southern Test Valley, and undertaken a preliminary assessment of priorities. These are as follows:

(i) North Baddesley to Valley Park (via Castle Lane);

(ii) Romsey to Nursling (via Lee Lane);

(ii) North Baddesley to Chilworth roundabout;

(iv) North Baddesley to Rownhams;

(v) Romsey to Ampfield; and

(vi) Romsey to Timsbury.

10.2 The previous assessment considered the routes against the five LTP criteria of integration, environment, safety, accessibility and economy, along with deliverability. The contribution which the routes are able to make towards achieving increases in journeys to work and school by bicycle is a key determinant of the choice of cycle route to be progressed.

10.3 The North Baddesley to Valley Park cycle scheme was officially opened in October 2001. The Romsey to Ampfield route is the lowest priority and will be progressed in the future. Test Valley Borough Council is progressing sections of the Romsey to Timsbury cycle scheme.

10.4 Romsey to Nursling (via Lee Lane), North Baddesley to Chilworth and North Baddesley to Rownhams are all being progressed through feasibility and route identification by the County Council's partner consultant and are the focus of this report.

Financial Details

10.5 The County Council Capital Programme has allocated £600,000 for Test Valley Cycles and £75,000 for Romsey and Southampton Rural Roads, as well as £63,000 through a Section 278 contribution received from Chilworth Science Park for cycle routes or other works in lieu. This provides a total of £738,000.

Romsey to Nursling (Via Lee Lane)

10.6 Lee Lane provides a direct and flat route between Romsey and Nursling. A previous consultants report considered the option of a point closure of Lee Lane, which is expected to be an effective mechanism to stop rat-running rather than using the A3057 and making it more suitable for cyclists. An initial estimate of £75,000 has been identified for the potential closure and associated works.

10.7 The County Council's partner consultant has prepared a feasibility study into the provision of a safe connection for cyclists between Southampton Road, Romsey and Lee Lane. The provision of a cycle route in this location is subject to a number of key constraints:

(i) safety at the junction of A27 and Lee Lane;

(ii) west verge is bounded by Grade II listed wall (Broadlands Estate);

(iii) very poor sight lines on A27 at its junction with Lee Lane;

(iv) 60 mph de-restricted speed limit with high traffic flows on A27; and

(v) a number of services are present.

10.8 The study found that the A27/Lee Lane junction was unsuitable for an at grade crossing facility due to high vehicle speeds and significantly reduced sight lines. Therefore this option is not recommended to be taken forward.

10.9 Two other options have been appraised : Option 1b will widen the east verge to accommodate a segregated two-way cycle path and the construction of a grade separated (subway) access to Lee Lane. Whilst this provides the user with significant safety advantages during the day, it is acknowledged that cyclists and pedestrians prefer not to use underpasses at night for personal safety reasons, and this will require careful consideration. Initial estimate for this option is £354,000.

10.10 Option 2 proposes to widen the west verge by realigning the carriageway. The initial cost estimate of £430,000 reflects the additional constraints associated with this option.

10.11 It is recommended that the options are reviewed to enable a route to be achieved which would meet requirements, in particular safety and personal safety.

North Baddesley to Rownhams Cycle Scheme

10.12 WSA is currently undertaking a review of a previous feasibility study and the initial estimate to identify the preferred route. Initial results have explored the possibility of an off-road facility in both verges along Rownhams Lane which had not been considered previously.

10.13 Options considered at this stage in the investigation are:

(i) Option 1. A 1.5 metre off-road facility in both verges, from the end of existing facilities at North Baddesley along Rownhams Lane, across the M27 to Routs Way - initial estimate £300,000.

(ii) Option 1a. As Option 1, then continuing along Rownhams Lane, through junction of Bakers Drove/Redbridge Lane until terminating at Hillyfields - initial estimate £110,000.

(iii) Option 1b. As Option 1, then turning west along Routs Way, then south along Balmoral Way linking to existing facilities on Paulet Lancave Avenue - initial estimate £3,000.

(iv) Option 1c. As Option 1, until junction of Routs Way and Horns Drove where the proposed route would continue south along Horns Drove to Nursling Street where it would meet the end of Option 1b - initial estimate £29,000.

10.14 The report concludes that Option 1 offers the most appropriate provision, although comparison has yet to be made with the original recommendation. It is recommended that WSA continues the comparison of Option 1 with the original design and Options 1a and 1b are developed to a stage where they may be delivered.

North Baddesley to Chilworth Roundabout

10.15 As part of this route option WSA is currently undertaking a feasibility study to consider route options and costs from Chilworth to the Chilworth roundabout (adjacent to the county boundary with Southampton). The section from North Baddesley to Chilworth will be considered in the near future.

10.16 The feasibility has considered six options within the study area. The options are:

(i) Option 1. An off-road cycle facility from Chilworth Road to Manor Road, starting at the junction of Chilworth Road and Manor Road, continuing over the motorway bridge and terminating at the county boundary near "Fairacre" driveway. It should be noted that 24 cyclists were observed using this route in one day compared to only 4 along the other main options. The initial estimate is £103,000 (not including land or statutory undertaker costs).

(ii) Option 2. An on-road facility from Manor Road to Chilworth Drove. Starting at the junction of Chilworth Road and Manor Road, the route continues in carriageway along Manor Road and into Chilworth Drove, continuing over the motorway bridge and terminating when the road divides into three options. The initial estimate is £36,000 (not including land or statutory undertaker costs).

(iii) Option 3. An on-road facility from Manor Road to Roman Road. Starting at the junction of Chilworth Road and Manor Road, the route follows Manor Road and then turns south into Roman Road, terminating at the junction of Hadrian Way and Heatherlands Road. The initial estimate is £93,000 (not including statutory undertaker costs).

(iv) Option 4. An on-road facility northbound from the county boundary along Hadrian Way, joining onto the junction with Roman Road. The initial estimate is £260,000 (not including statutory undertaker costs).

(v) Option 5a. An on-road facility from the junction of Hadrian Way and Roman Road along Heatherlands Road, providing a connection to the proposal in Option 1. The initial estimate is £1,000. As this route does not follow any natural desire line it has not been recommended for progressing.

(vi) Option 5b. An on-road facility from the crossroads at Hadrian Way/Roman Road, turning south along Roman Road and then east into Pinelands Road to Chilworth Road. Pinelands Road is a quiet residential area and, although poorly lit, upgrade is not recommended. The initial estimate is £45,000.

(vii) Option 6. An on-road facility from the junction with Chilworth Road east to its junction with Winchester Road. The initial estimate is £2,000.

10.17 It is recommended that, in consultation with local Members, a package of work from Options 1, 4, 5b and 6 is developed to preliminary design stage.

11. Totton and Waterside Cycles

11.1 The 2001/02 allocation is planned to secure improvements on three routes within Totton and Waterside, namely:

(i) extending the Holbury to Hythe route strategy from north of Hardley roundabout to Butts Ash Lane. This forms part of the Safer Routes to School linking Nodeswood and Hardley Schools. Feasibility stage design and consultation has already taken place on this proposal;

(ii) upgrading of the uncontrolled cycle crossing on Southampton Road, Dibden to provide central island refuges (forming part of the existing Dibden to Eling cycle route system); and

(iii) expenditure on the A36 Salisbury Road at Totton. This is currently being constructed in conjunction with the major maintenance scheme monies to upgrade existing pelican to a toucan crossing with shared use facilities.

11.2 The draft Totton and Waterside Transport Strategy has identified proposed routes around Fawley, Hythe and Marchwood. The routes are currently being assessed. These routes will be coordinated with Safer Routes to School projects and further assessments undertaken with regard to costs, land and legal issues. Initial findings are indicating that the following routes should be prioritised for implementation from the capital programme and external funds:

(i) Hythe town centre to Applemore via North Road;

(ii) Hounsdown (Jacob's Gutter Lane) to Wharton's Lane;

(iii) Water Lane;

(iv) Southampton Road and Claypits Lane to the New Forest;

(v) Testwood Lane to Totton Railway Station;

(vi) Rumbridge Street and High Street;

(vii) Shore Road/Frost Lane;

(viii) Testwood School to Totton;

(ix) Butts Ash Lane to Applemore (Roman Road);

(x) Hardley roundabout to Hythe; and

(xi) Salisbury Road (A336) to Calmore Drove.

12. Romsey and Eastleigh Schools' Transport Plans

12.1 The schemes for Romsey schools that have been brought forward through the preparation of the Halterworth and Mountbatten Schools' Transport Plan are currently being designed. An interim report has been prepared and highlights improvements to be taken forward through the Safer Routes to School aspect of the project. These include:

(i) traffic calming proposals along Botley Road, including gateway signing;

(ii) options for coach parking in the vicinity of the school;

(iii) cycle lanes; and

(iv) the establishment of a school safety zone around Halterworth School and associated speed reduction measures on Halterworth Lane.

12.2 In association with these physical measures, there is the need for the schools to progress the implementation of measures through a School Transport Plan. This can be facilitated through the School Transport Plan officers at the County Council, which may then enable funds to be used for specific on-site enhancements such as lockers and cycle facilities. Consultation is taking place with the schools, the police and Test Valley Borough Council, as well as the team which developed the initial report on the way forward. Concurrently, proposals for the location of facilities on the school are being considered, which must be taken forward in association with the Safer Routes to School schemes.

12.3 The details of the schemes in Eastleigh are as follows:

(i) Hiltingbury Infant and Junior Schools, Chandlers Ford

Workshops with the school have been completed, travel to school routes plotted and questionnaires analysed. The school working group is now due to commence its work with the intention to produce a Plan by summer 2002.

(ii) St James Primary School, West End

Workshops with the school have been completed and work has begun on plotting journeys to school. The students will use the Borough Council's website to enter their journey details.

(iii) Freegrounds Junior School, Hedge End

Resulting from local concerns about the `traffic chaos' that occurs at the beginning and end of the school day, arrangements have been made to commence work on a School Plan on 6 March 2002.

(iv) Norwood Primary School, Eastleigh

The school has been approached with regard to the production of a School Travel Plan and is interested in commencing one to tie-in with the proposals at the Pirelli development site.

(v) Eastleigh and Barton Peveril Colleges

Both colleges have approached Eastleigh Borough Council and initial discussions will be held as to how to progress and coordinate their travel plans.

(vi) Shakespeare Junior School, Eastleigh

Last year students from Crestwood School, Eastleigh held an assembly at Shakespeare Junior School to introduce the concept of School Travel Plans. A further assembly and a number of workshops are programmed for the end of March 2002.

(vii) Crestwood School, Eastleigh

The School Travel Plan is complete but assistance with curriculum activities and updating the project will be required. Works proposed include cycle stands and shelters, improvements to lighting and the addition of closed circuit television.

(viii) Wyvern College, Fair Oak

The School Travel Plan is complete. Year 7 workshops are planned for monitoring/review of the Plan and identifying new initiatives. Assistance with curriculum activities is also intended. Works proposed include a pedestrian crossing, traffic signal improvements for pedestrians and a cycleway along Alan Drayton Way.

(ix) Hamble School, Hamble

The School Travel Plan is complete, with production and printing imminent. Contact needs to be made with the school regarding updating and monitoring procedures. Year 8 students intend to use it as a project. Works proposed include cycle stands and shelters, footpath improvements and cycleway feasibility being undertaken by WSP Consultants.

(x) Wildern School, Hedge End

The draft Plan is complete but needs finalising prior to printing. A few issues are still to be addressed with its use as a community centre, as the School Travel Plan concentrates on the pupils' travel habits.

(xi) Merdon Junior School, Chandlers Ford

The School Travel Plan is complete and its launch imminent. A new footpath by County Council Architects is proposed. Kingsway footpath, linking the Infant and Junior Schools, is to be re-surfaced and maintained.

12.4 Cyclists Tourist Club Benchmarking Project

(i) In addition to the progress with School Travel Plans, Eastleigh Borough Council has been involved in a nationwide Cyclists Tourist Club benchmarking project since May 2000. The project involves visiting eight authorities around the United Kingdom, including Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire County, Powys, Fife, York, Sefton, Telford and Wrekin and Transport for London, to identify areas of cycling best practice.

(ii) Each authority involved in the benchmarking project has to produce an action plan to improve cycling facilities in its own area. It is also anticipated that participating authorities will develop or update their cycle strategy, drawing on the experience gained in the project. Finally, the project allows members of the group to become part of a network which can exchange experiences, ideas, or problems related to cycling.

(iii) In January 2002 the group visited Eastleigh to benchmark the cycling facilities within the borough. The results were very positive; the group was particularly impressed with the work done on School Travel Plans and the Civic Offices Green Commuter Plan. The group highlighted areas/issues within the borough that could improve the facilities available for cyclists.

13. Southern Test Valley Bus Quality Partnership

13.1 A project appraisal for the roadside infrastructure side of this scheme was approved by the Executive Member for Environment on 10 September 2001. It is hoped that construction on the improvements (raised kerbs, new bus shelters and improvements at Romsey Bus Station) will begin before the end of this financial year.

13.2 Initial outcomes from the work have identified junction improvements and/or bus priority measures on key junctions, or the potential to partially re-route the Solent Blue Line Service 15. Junctions being investigated are:

(i) Rownhams Lane/Botley Road;

(ii) Luzborough Lane roundabout;

(iii) Winchester Hill/Botley Road; and

(iv) Palmerston Street/Broadwater Road.

13.3 These improvements are being coordinated with the Romsey Movement and Access Study and the Halterworth and Mountbatten Safer Routes to School Projects. Consultations are taking place with the Borough Council, Town Council and Police.

14. Chandlers Ford Railway Station and Train Service

14.1 The report to the last meeting brought Members up-to-date on the development of the proposal to re-open Chandlers Ford station, and the issues surrounding the two main options for a train service. Since then Railtrack has responded to the County Surveyor, concluding that it will not be possible to provide new signalling for the `South Hants Shuttle' for a number of years. Accordingly, the Romsey-Chandlers Ford-Totton service is being developed and costed as a `no new signalling' option. The Rail Passenger Partnership (RPP) `pre-qualification' bid was re-submitted at the end of January. Timetable work carried out by South West Trains (SWT) has reached the stage where Railtrack has been able to confirm that there are no foreseeable major problems, while the station design requirements are unchanged from either of the other train service options. It is likely, however, that a station footbridge will be essential, as the nearby Sutherland Way pedestrian crossing is unlikely to be deemed acceptable with two additional trains per hour passing over it.

14.2 As stated in a previous report, this service would form a local suburban service linking all stations on the route between Totton, Southampton, Eastleigh, Chandlers Ford and Romsey. It will need more subsidy than the `Shuttle' service, but not prohibitively so, in view of the additional benefits it will bring, linking a number of residential and employment areas in the Southampton `travel to work' area. Apart from providing a number of new direct links between local stations, `insulated' from delays on long distance services, the new service will also provide the opportunity to connect with long distance trains at Southampton Central, Southampton Airport and Eastleigh. It will also improve local travel opportunities for the mobility impaired, as the trains will be fully accessible and the platforms used at Chandlers Ford and Romsey will have level or moderately graded access. The County Council and SWT are currently preparing for the development of `Outline Design' allowing a `design and build' contract to be let, subject to a successful award of RPP funding. The target date for opening remains summer 2003.

15. Totton Town Centre

15.1 A number of prospective ideas which could become proposals have been explored in conjunction with the Regeneration of Older Urban Areas programme. This will include the area of Rumbridge Street, as well as the commercial centre of Totton and the issue of reducing the severance caused by the major transport corridors. A wider number of professional stakeholders, including the district and town councils, have been consulted, and district and town council members have been briefed. A meeting of the Totton Town Forum with local business interests has also taken place.

These have all produced a positive response and so given confidence to draw up a set of draft proposals with which to consult the public in the early summer.

16. Winchester Hill/Cupernham Road Junction

16.1 Design work has been progressing on options for this junction, which will form Phase 1 of the ring of junctions to be implemented as part of the signal network within the Romsey Movement and Access Strategy. It is considered that this junction can be implemented as a stand-alone improvement prior to the other junctions. Developer contributions of £100,000 are available for this junction, however initial estimates suggest a figure of £300,000 will be required to implement the improvements.

17. Major Schemes

Botley Bypass

17.1 Further to the detailed report provided to the last meeting, the Executive Member for Environment approved that the scheme be prepared in line with that report. The development of the project for the Botley Bypass is continuing in line with the timetable and recommendations as agreed. The Executive Member for Environment approved the Capital Programme on 25 January 2002, which included the Botley Bypass in the 2005/06 financial year.

Chickenhall Lane Link Road

17.2 On 12 December 2001 the Executive Member for Environment approved that this scheme be designed in partnership with developers, and that detailed estimates be prepared in readiness for a 'Major Scheme' funding bid to be submitted to the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions later in 2002. Discussions are in hand between County Council officers and representatives of the Government Office for the South East to discuss the Local Transport Plan progress and the Major Schemes. The outcome of the British Airport Authority's legal challenge against the Secretary of State's decision to grant planning permission is awaiting a date for the High Court hearing.

18. Parish Partnerships Programme

18.1 The Parish Partnerships Programme has been developed by the County Council in response to legislation enacted in 1997 which permits parish and town councils to fund or contribute towards traffic calming schemes. Since 1999/00 the County Council has been able to match locally generated funds from the Minor Works Programme, and in some cases additional funding has been forthcoming from district councils.

18.2 The general concept is that the local community works jointly with the County Council to identify priority issues and develop appropriate measures. Consultation is usually managed by the parish or town council and this ensures that a scheme proceeds with the approval of the local community. Local contributions have ranged from £1,000 to £20,000, with £2,000 to £3,000 being fairly typical. In some cases projects may evolve so that supplementary or alternative funds can be employed. Examples have included the Safer Routes to Schools Programme, the Casualty Reduction Programme and the Traffic Management Revenue Budget.

18.3 Common concerns are the speed and volume of traffic, with particular emphasis on improving pedestrian security, especially for children. The measures vary depending on the circumstances of such projects, but examples include road markings, gateway features, chicanes and road humps.

18.4 Of the 18 parish and town councils in the SWHT area (8 in Eastleigh, 6 in Test Valley and 4 in the New Forest), 7 have to date expressed an interest in the programme. Of these, projects have been implemented or are being developed in 4, as described in the table below.

19. Decriminalisation Parking Enforcement (Eastleigh)

19.1 Several districts in Hampshire are in the process of transferring enforcement of on-street parking regulations from the Police to the highway authority. Winchester has been operating Decriminalisation Parking Enforcement (DPE) for some years and the Districts of Rushmoor, Hart, Basingstoke and Test Valley have made significant progress towards the transfer. Southampton and Portsmouth City Councils have also made the change. It is probable that the whole of Hampshire will soon be required to take on these powers from the Police. Due to the need to integrate `on-' and `off-street' parking control, the County Council has chosen to work in partnership with the Districts on the introduction and operation of decriminalised parking enforcement. The County Council has contributed towards the capital set-up costs of these schemes, with the Districts covering the revenue costs on a self-financing basis.

19.2 Eastleigh Borough Council is the latest District to show an interest in taking on DPE. It has commissioned consultants to evaluate the feasibility and operational requirement of Borough-wide parking enforcement and is keen to make the change at the earliest opportunity, particularly as the major development of the Pirelli site in the centre of Eastleigh will require significant control of on-street parking to avoid `overspill' from the new development onto adjacent streets. The Pirelli development should have the first houses being occupied during 2003 and therefore the Borough Council would wish to see significant progress being made by that time.

19.3 The Borough Council wishes to make an application for a contribution towards the capital expenditure associated with the set-up costs of the scheme and to be considered in future amendments to the Capital Programme. A further report will be brought to a later meeting of the Panel.

Recommendation

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

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