Contact: Peter Syddall, ext 6050

1. Summary

1.1 This report provides an update on particular proposals within the South East Hampshire Transport Strategy (SEHTS) area. Members are asked to note the content of the report.

2. Fareham-Gosport Peninsula Accessibility Study

2.1 Preparatory design work on schemes identified in the recommendations of this study has been initiated. Progress on this work will be reported to the next meeting of the Panel.

2.2 On 12 March 2002 the Executive Member for Environment is being recommended, at the time of writing, that Fareham Borough Council be advised of no objection to a submitted planning application to extend the time limit for development of golf course facilities at Newlands Farm, Peak Lane, Fareham. The area proposed for the golf course could be affected by a Stubbington by pass, however the by pass proposal is at a very early stage and has no formal safeguarding and so it would be premature to object at this time. Allowing the planning application would not prejudice the County Council's ability to progress the by pass proposal.

3. Harts Farm Way Reconstruction, Broadmarsh

3.1 Preliminary design investigations have revealed engineering complications in identifying the most appropriate and cost effective method of reconstructing Harts Farm Way, due to the very poor nature of the ground conditions.

3.2 In addition to the reconstruction of Harts Farm Way, there are other significant infrastructure improvements required, as identified through previous studies, in order to provide adequate access to the Broadmarsh employment area. Consultants will be appointed to establish the overall infrastructure requirements for the area and the timing of individual elements in relation to transport impacts. The aim will be to provide a clear way forward for all interested parties. A further report will be submitted to a future meeting of the Panel when this work has been completed.

4. Park Gate Eastern Link

4.1 Preliminary design work for the Eastern Link scheme is underway and should be completed by late 2002. In association with the progression of the scheme, the potential for any traffic management measures along the A3051 Botley Road in Park Gate is being discussed with officers of Fareham Borough Council to identify any added value which may be associated with the link road. An informal meeting of County Council and Fareham Borough Council Members will be arranged to discuss options for Botley Road and progress on the Eastern Link.

4.2 It is intended to submit a planning application for the scheme following the completion of preliminary design. Prior to the planning application submission a number of appraisals and assessments are necessary. These include an Ecological Study, currently being finalised, Noise and Air Quality Assessments, to be undertaken in the spring, and a cost benefit analysis which is currently underway. These assessments will all form part of the reduced New Approach to Traffic Appraisal report which is required as part of the planning application. It is also necessary to define a formal land safeguarding for the scheme and it is intended that a report will be submitted soon to the Executive Member for Environment on this issue. The funding requirements for the Eastern Link will be considered as part of the next review of the Capital Programme.

5. Fareham and Gosport Bus Stations and Fareham Rail Station

5.1 Following approval of the relevant project appraisal by the Executive Member for Environment on 15 January 2002, improvements at the two bus stations are expected to commence this month, with completion at Gosport in July and at Fareham by early 2003. Improved lighting, passenger information and direction signage will be provided at both stations and raised kerbs will be provided at bus bays to give access to all. At Fareham screens or doors will be provided to enhance comfort in the waiting concourse and a Bus Departure Information System will be installed in late 2002/early 2003. At Gosport bay entrances will be altered to improve safety and accessibility, especially for wheelchair users and passengers with young children. Community and tourist information map displays and new seating at departure bays will be provided which can be relocated as and when the area is redeveloped. Over the years 2002/03 and 2003/04 £130,000 is allocated to Fareham bus station and £100,000 to Gosport bus station.

5.2 The project appraisal for improvements at Fareham rail station was approved by the Executive Member for Environment on 15 January 2002. These have been delayed in order to coincide with a South West Trains development programme, but it is hoped that work can commence in early 2002/03. Improved signage between the rail station and bus stops is proposed, complemented by new maps and improved facilities at bus stops. Enhanced passenger facilities such as cycle lockers and public telephones will be introduced inside the station buildings. Further proposals include provision for buses to turn in the forecourt. A total of £75,000 has been allocated to improvements at the station over 2002/03 and 2003/04.

6. Leigh Park-Havant Bus Quality Partnership Improvements

6.1 The next stage of infrastructure works (including raised kerbs, tactile paving and improved footways) on this bus corridor is due to commence in the next two months. All 26 bus shelters on this route will then be replaced with new ones, anticipated by June 2002.

7. Havant Bus Station and Havant Town Centre Accessibility Measures

7.1 A feasibility study into improved facilities at the bus station, aimed at practical ways of maximising station usage and bus patronage, has started with surveys of users' attitudes and desired improvements. A discussion session with the Havant Access Group was well received and there has been an audit of the bus station's existing facilities. Provision is likely to be made within the scheme for an additional bus bay and the relocation of the Stagecoach Travel Office from Market Parade. The SEHTS programme has an allocation of £100,000 for this scheme, plus funding of £80,000 from Havant Borough Council.

7.2 A study into measures designed to improve accessibility in the town centre for pedestrians, including the disabled and mobility impaired, has started with a discussion session with the Havant Access Group. The aim of the study is to identify, cost and prioritise a range of small-scale schemes within the programme allocation of £50,000.

8. Proposed Cycle Routes

Lee-on-the-Solent to Browndown

8.1 Construction of this cycle route on the south side of Portsmouth Road and Privett Road, between Marine Parade West and Browndown Road, commenced in early February. New refuges are to be provided on Marine Parade East, at Woburn Court, near Wootton Road junction and on Browndown Road. The route will link in with the cycle track proposed along the Cherque Farm Link Road and existing routes into Lee-on-the-Solent and Gosport, including a route to Bay House School. The scheme is estimated to cost £240,000.

Broom Way (Peel Common to Cherque Farm)

8.2 The feasibility study for this scheme has recently been completed. The proposed cycle track is off-carriageway on the west side of Broom Way and will link to crossing facilities at Peel Common roundabout and the northern end of the Cherque Farm Link Road. It will provide a safer route to Crofton school for both existing development and that proposed at Cherque Farm. New street lighting is included in the scheme. The scheme is estimated to cost £250,000, due to be funded by contributions from Cherque Farm on commencement of phase 2 of the development. The start date for the cycle route is therefore dependent on the timing of phase 2, but is hoped to be achievable within 2002/03.

Hayling Billy Trail

8.3 The Hayling Billy Trail crossings of Langstone Road and East Street are substantially complete. The crossing at New Lane is due for completion this month. The formal opening of the trail arranged by SUSTRANS, from New Lane to Langstone Road, is expected in the summer. The programme for 2002/03 and 2003/04 provides £120,000 for completion of the route through the Havant rail station car park. Discussions are continuing with South West Trains about enhancements to the car park area.

9. Home Zone Challenge Fund - Fareham

9.1 The Government has recently established a £30 million Home Zone Challenge Fund and invited bids from local authorities. It is intended to generate a rapid growth in the number of home zones and yield a substantial increase in information about how best to actively involve local communities in developing these zones to suit their needs and aspirations. Consequently the County Council, in partnership with the respective Borough Councils, submitted three schemes for consideration in Eastleigh, Fareham and Gosport.

9.2 The concept of home zones, which is well established in Europe, is already being trialed in the United Kingdom, with eight pilot projects underway in England, four in Scotland, one in Wales and one in Northern Ireland. These schemes cover residential streets in which the road space is shared between drivers of motor vehicles and other road users, with the many needs of residents, including those who walk and cycle, and particularly children, in mind. The aim is to change the way that residential streets are used and to improve the quality of life by making them places for people, not just traffic. Changes to the road layout emphasise this change of use so that motorists perceive that they should give informal priority to other road users.

9.3 On 11 January 2002 the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR) announced that a scheme for Portchester, Fareham (estimated cost £500,000) was amongst the 61 successful bids awarded funding out of the 237 schemes submitted nationally for the Home Zones Challenge Fund. The scheme includes Castle Grove, Myrtle Avenue and Sunningdale Road, an area comprising 190 households and 495 residents. The bid focussed on developing the scheme with the community, including close consultation with the residents of these three streets. The full details of the award have yet to be confirmed by the DTLR, but the implementation of the scheme is expected to be over the three financial years 2002/03 to 2004/05. Once details are received the appropriate consultation and scheme implementation protocols will be developed.

Recommendation

That the report be noted and further reports be prepared for the next meeting on these schemes and work on other programmes in the area.

7054/PCS