Hampshire County Council

Executive Member - Environment

14 May 2002

Project Appraisal - Abshot Road/Hunts Pond Road, Fareham (including St John the Baptist's School) - Traffic Calming

Report of the County Surveyor

Item 9

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - ENVIRONMENT

ROADS

PROJECT APPRAISAL

(Externally Funded)

PROJECT:

ABSHOT ROAD/ HUNTS POND ROAD, FAREHAM (INCLUDING ST JOHN THE BAPTIST'S SCHOOL) - TRAFFIC CALMING

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

JULY 2002

COMPLETION DATE:

SEPTEMBER 2002

PLANNED YEAR OF START IN ACCORDANCE WITH CAPITAL PROGRAMME: 2002/03

7.

Scheme

7.1

Introduction

This Project Appraisal details proposals to construct traffic calming features, such as mini-roundabouts, build-outs and speed cushions, in the vicinity of St John the Baptist's School in order to encourage cycling and walking to the school and to reduce traffic speeds along Abshot Road and at the junction with Hunts Pond Road (see attached location plan). This is in line with the County Council's Safer Routes to Schools policy and the Locks Heath/Warsash Study.

7.2

Details

The main features of the traffic calming proposals include a gateway feature north of Prelate Way on Hunts Pond Road together with two mini-roundabouts at the junction with Hunts Pond Road and Abshot Road and at the junction with Orwell Crescent and Abshot Road. At intermediate points there will be build-outs and speed cushions, as shown on drawing no. 17/U483/3/001 which will be displayed at the meeting.

Signing will be improved at the approaches to the school and new pedestrian guard rails will be erected.

The footway on the south-west side of the junction of Abshot Road and Hunts Pond Road will be upgraded.

Also included will be a white lining scheme along the length of Abshot Road from the mini-roundabout at Orwell Crescent to Warsash Road. This will visually minimise the width of the road in order to continue the reduction in traffic speeds.

7.3

Standards

The design standards adhere to the County Surveyor's departmental and national guidance on traffic calming. The project has also been safety audited at appropriate stages and all issues raised have been resolved.

7.4

Statutory Procedures and Consultation

A public exhibition on the proposals was held on 9/10 November 2001 at St John's Church Grove Room. It was well attended on both days with approximately 240 visitors; 46% responded to the questionnaire, 78% of these agreed with the general proposals.

Fareham Borough Council, the Ambulance Service, Fire and Rescue Service, Hampshire Constabulary, First Provincial Bus Company and the school have formally responded and are generally supportive of the proposals.

All issues raised at the consultation have been incorporated in the design.

The objection period for the speed cushions Statutory Notice ended on 8 April 2002 and no letters of objection have been received.

7.5

Policy Considerations

The proposals are consistent with the aims and objectives of the South East Hampshire Transport Strategy, including measures to promote greater road safety, provide safer routes to schools and encourage pupils to walk and cycle to school.

7.6

Environmental Impacts

It is not expected that there will be any significant environmental impact arising from this proposal.

7.7

Land Requirement

No land acquisition required. All works to be confined within existing public highway limits.

7.8

Alternative Arrangements

No alternative schemes were considered feasible.

7.9

Local Member's Views

The local Member, Councillor Estlin, supports the scheme.

7.10

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

The provisions of this Act have no impact upon this scheme.

7.11

Sustainability

The scheme will enhance the environment for cycling and walking, thus widening travel choice and reducing dependence upon the motor car.

8.

Financial Arrangements

8.1

Expenditure

£'000

Funds Available

£'000

Design Fee

17

Developer Funding

89

Supervision

5

Fareham Borough

7

Project Works

74

Council

Land

Nil

____

____

Total

96

Total

96

____

____

8.2

Revenue Implications

£'000

% Variation to Committee's budget

Net increase in current expenditure

4.00

0.011

Capital Charge

15.36

0.020

Total Expenditure

19.36

0.031

8.3

Maintenance Implications

The scheme will result in an increase to the maintenance budget of £4,000 per annum and will be taken into account in the setting of the annual budget.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1.

Published works.

2.

Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

TITLE

LOCATION

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