Contact: Chris Lait, tel: 01329 824485

1. Summary

1.1 This report covers:

(i) progress made on the 2002/03 minor works schemes; and

(ii) the rolling programme of minor works schemes for prioritisation for 2003/04.

2. The Minor Works Scheme 2002/03

2.1 Members may recall that £20,000 was allocated from the County Council's Capital Maintenance Budget for the Fareham Minor Works Programme (also known as the Under £10,000 programme). The schemes included were:

Portchester - Lorry Controls £10,000; and

Southwood Gardens Cycleway £10,000.

2.2 In Portchester concerns had been expressed regarding lorries using Station Road and Hill Road. Consideration is being given as to the possible implementation of a weight restriction and the implications on the likely diversion routes.

2.3 Southwood Garden Cycleway requires the construction of a short length of footway/cycleway to connect to Lockswood Road. Land acquisition is currently underway with a view to works commencing early next year.

3. Rolling Programme for Minor Works

3.1 The Minor Works Rolling Programme is compiled from bids put forward by elected Members, Police, Residents' Associations and members of the public and Mobility Impaired Group. Scheme costs should not exceed £10,000. The programmes are maintained by each of the Hampshire Highways Units but prioritised centrally to ensure an independent and consistent rating is applied county-wide.

3.2 Prioritisation of schemes is based upon how they meet:

(i) the five key criteria of integration, safety, economy, environment and accessibility identified in the Government's White Paper `A New Deal for Transport: Better for Everyone'; and

(ii) the aims and objectives identified in Area Transport Strategies.

Further consideration is also given to:

(iii) the level of importance in strategic, county, Area Strategy or Local Plan terms; and

(iv) whether the scheme has `added value' and is deliverable in the financial year.

The prioritised list is given in the attached appendix.

3.3 It is anticipated if financial allocations remain similar to previous years that two schemes are likely to be funded. From the current table the schemes with the highest priority rating are:

(i) extension to the cycleway in Gosport Road linking the proposed Toucan crossing of Western Way adjacent to Quay Street roundabout to the existing cycleway in Elmhurst Road. The new Toucan crossing of Western Way is currently identified in the South East Hampshire Transport Strategy 2003/04 programme and the removal of the pedestrian bridge:

£10,000;

(ii) provision of new footway in Funtley Lane to complete the missing link between Roebuck Avenue and Stag Way:

£10,000; and

(iii) provision of a new rural footway from the railway bridge to the motorway bridge in Downend Road:

£10,000.

Recommendation

That Members indicate their preference for minor works schemes in 2003/04 and the Executive Member for Environment be advised.

7397/CL