Contact: Nick Richardson, ext 5429

1. Summary

1.1 This report outlines proposals for the Romsey Road corridor within the Winchester Movement and Access Plan (WMAP). Initial ideas have been formulated to give greater priority for walking and cycling, with improvements for bus users. These ideas have been discussed with key stakeholders and local Members and it is intended to invite public comments through a consultation exercise in autumn 2002.

2. Outline of Proposals

2.1 The Romsey Road corridor forms a key radial route into the city centre from Romsey and the M3 to the south of the city. Romsey Road carries around 10,800 vehicles daily (12 hour, two-way flow) and provides a key route for bus services, cyclists and pedestrians. Several major employers are situated in the corridor, including the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, other health establishments, King Alfred's College, Winchester Community Prison and Hampshire Constabulary's headquarters. Travel to work by Hampshire County Council staff based in and around The Castle also affects traffic levels in Romsey Road. In addition, access to King's School and its impact on other movements is an important consideration. The corridor investigated includes St James Lane and Sparkford Road (for access to King Alfred's College), Sarum Road and Greenhill Road.

2.2 Some improvements have been implemented, including the renewal of the Romsey Road/Stanmore Lane/Kilham Lane traffic signals with the addition of a pedestrian crossing facility of Stanmore Lane and an advanced stop line for cyclists. This scheme will help children walking to school, particularly those travelling to King's School. The cycle facility links with the Badger Farm Road/Oliver's Battery Road cycle crossing providing an improved cycle route to Oliver's Battery and Hursley. In addition, a pedestrian island has been provided on Romsey Road near Queens Road, particularly to accommodate students crossing from West Down student village to King Alfred's College.

2.3 A number of improvements are proposed to improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists, in particular including the following:

(i) signal controlled pedestrian and cycle crossing of Romsey Road at the St James' Terrace/Clifton Terrace junction;

(ii) bus stop on Romsey Road in the vicinity of Clifton Road to serve the Police Headquarters;

(iii) junction treatment at the St James' Lane junction;

(iv) footway improvements and alterations at the various hospital entrances;

(v) review of carriageway and pedestrian arrangements in Sparkford Road (access to King Alfred's College);

(vi) revised pedestrian crossing arrangements at Queens Road;

(vii) introduction of traffic signals at the Romsey Road/Chilbolton Avenue junction with cycle facility (in association with the proposed redevelopment at Chilbolton Court);

(viii) provision of new pedestrian crossing arrangements at Chilbolton Avenue/Sarum Road junction;

(xi) consideration of access arrangements to King's School from Sarum Road; and

(x) revised speed limits to ensure consistency between Queens Road and Pitt roundabout.

3. Stakeholder Involvement

3.1 Local County Council and City Council Members attended a meeting on 19 March 2002 at which the initial proposals were discussed. A meeting involving key stakeholders was held on 4 July 2002 with ideas presented for consideration as part of the overall proposals. The main employers were represented alongside interest groups and local residents' associations, and expressed broad support for the initial proposals.

3.2 A number of key issues emerged and are set out in the attached appendix. Additional comments considered one-way streets, Sleepers Hill, pedestrian friendly routes, traffic restraint, St James' Lane/Christchurch Road junction, safer routes to schools, pedestrian arrangements at Westgate, narrow footway alongside the prison, the role of park and ride and changing travel habits.

3.3 A bid has been submitted to the Department for Transport to match fund an individualised marketing initiative for major employers in Romsey Road. The outcome of this bid will be announced in November 2002 and initiatives are expected to commence in January 2003. Individualised marketing is a means of achieving modal shift away from car use by promoting other means of travelling to work through dialogue with individuals.

4. Proposed Consultation Arrangements

4.1 Both local Members and key stakeholders supported the proposed approach to wider consultation. It is suggested that a public exhibition be arranged to take place later in 2002, with a questionnaire and details included on the County Council's website to invite comments. The exhibition could involve the outline concepts and details of individual schemes as appropriate. A number of additional stakeholders were identified and it was felt that they could be invited to attend a preview of the exhibition in advance of the public event. The views expressed through the consultation will be reported to the Panel in due course.

5. Conclusion

5.1 Following initial meetings with local Members and key stakeholders, a range of measures is proposed for the Romsey Road corridor to be presented for public consultation later in 2002.

Recommendation

That the Executive Member for Environment be advised that the outline design be progressed and public consultation on the Romsey Road corridor be undertaken.

7422/NR

APPENDIX

Romsey Road Corridor

Key Stakeholder Issues

Pedestrian

· More crossing points required along Romsey Road, particularly at:

o St James Lane;

o St James Terrace/Clifton Terrace (railway bridge);

o Kilham Lane;

o Romsey Road/Chilbolton Avenue junction;

o Safer routes for King Alfred's College students.

· Footway improvements required including resurfacing and widening of footways at certain locations, particularly between West End Terrace and the prison.

· Overhanging vegetation on footways.

· Better signing including routes to the rail station, city centre and public amenities.

· Reorganisation of space for pedestrians.

· Junction of Christchurch Road/St James' Lane dangerous for pedestrians.

· Sarum Road dangerous for pedestrians beyond King's School's back gate.

Cycling

· Advanced stop lines for cyclists/cycle lanes along route of Romsey Road.

· Junction of Romsey Road/Chilbolton Avenue is hostile to cyclists.

· Cycle improvements required at Romsey Road/St James' Lane.

· Sarum Road dangerous for cyclists between Chilbolton Avenue and Kilham Lane and beyond.

Public Transport

· Increased bus services.

· Real-time bus information at bus stops.

· Increased availability of buses at peak travel times.

· Bus stop needed near Police HQ.

· Bus priority lane needed inbound as far as Kilham Lane.

· Delays to buses outbound.

General

· Public services access in and out of the hospital.

· Rat running - St James' Lane/Sparkford Road /Cromwell Road and Greenhill Road.

· Restricted drop-off areas.

· Motorists need to slow down on sections of Romsey Road and on its side roads, particularly Greenhill Road.