Archived decisions

Contact: Caroline Bonner, ext 6592

1. Summary

1.1 This report summaries the draft Alton transport proposals being prepared for the forthcoming public consultation. Members are asked to endorse the way forward and to advise the Executive Member for Environment to note the draft Alton transport proposals which will be developed further for public consultation (a plan will be displayed at the meeting).

2. Background

2.1 Earlier this year an informal meeting was held with Alton Town Council to discuss a 'Transport Issues and Opportunities' paper for Alton. The Town Council formally considered the Transport Issues paper and endorsed the document, subject to various comments. The Town Council also confirmed that it was willing to continue to be a partner in the preparation and development of the final transport proposals for Alton. It is envisaged that the proposals will focus on the short term in order to be implemented within the next four years with funding of £225,000 from the current Local Transport Plan (2001-2006).

3. Transport Proposals

3.1 The transport proposals will be developed from the 'Issues and Opportunities' paper and focus on the following headings:

Road Safety

3.2 Road safety improvements aim to tackle specific problems relating to transport accident casualty records. There are currently no high risk accident sites within Alton town centre. Road safety improvements will be aimed at giving more priority to pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users. Safety improvements are suggested at the following locations:

(i) Normandy Street/Orchard Lane roundabout, new pedestrian crossing facility to include additional pavements an road islands;

(ii) Old Odiham Road next to Alton College, new pedestrian crossing facility;

(iii) Selborne Road junction with A31 slip road on the approach to The Butts, improve junction layout and signing;

(iv) Anstey Road/Anstey Lane, improved road marking and signing at junction; and

(v) Mill Lane junction with Wilsom Road/Adshell Road, improved road markings and safety warnings.

Traffic Management

3.3 A package of measures is proposed to control traffic flows, reduce speeds, accidents and conflict and encourage the use of appropriate roads. Schemes are suggested at the following locations:

(i) Anstey Road, gateway feature;

(ii) Butts Road, gateway feature;

(iii) Mill Lane junction with Anstey Road, directional signing of through traffic via Mill Lane;

(iv) Old Odiham Road, proposed traffic enhancement;

(v) Normandy Street, inclusion in town centre 20 mph zone;

(vi) High Street/Turk Street, priority markings/signing;

(vii) Draymans Way roundabouts, environmental improvements with new road markings of roundabouts;

(viii) Butts roundabout, improved road markings and directional signing;

(ix) Chawton Park Road junction with Whitedown Lane, traffic management including mini-roundabout, cycle lane and toucan crossing (see also paragraph 3.8);

(x) Lenten Street footway - widening; and

(xi) Whitedown Lane/Bolle Road junction.

Public Transport

3.4 Improvements to public transport facilities will be developed through quality partnerships with the public transport operators. Improvements to the bus and rail station and to links to the station will be explored. The provision of new or improved bus and rail services will also be supported and investigated at:

(i) Alton railway station - improvements to the interchange facilities, including the bus stops, cycle facilities and car parking.

Cyclists

3.5 Proposals will be developed to improve provision for cyclists in the town centre with routes connecting across town and to specific destinations. Proposals include the following locations:

(i) Alton town centre to Four Marks;

(ii) Alton town centre to Holybourne;

(iii) town centre, including the High Street;

(iv) Butts Road; and

(v) Chawton Park Road.

Safer Routes to Schools

3.6 Measures to assist vulnerable road users and to reduce vehicle speeds will be implemented near schools as appropriate, subject to the development of associated School Travel Plans.

Highway Network

3.7 Proposals to make efficient use of the existing road network:

(i) review the existing road signing strategy to ensure that appropriate routes are clearly signed for traffic, including heavy goods vehicles and town centre traffic; and

(ii) review speed limit along Wilsom Road.

Land Use and Transport Planning

3.8 Chawton Park Road - investigate traffic management measures associated with the proposed development at the Lord Mayor's hospital site.

3.9 Future large scale development allocations concentrated to the western side of Alton would require appropriate transport infrastructure. This may include consideration of a new link road as part of that development.

Recommendation

That the Executive Member for Environment be advised to endorse the draft Alton transport proposals for further development as part of the forthcoming public consultation.

7437/CB