Contact: Jonathan Crabb, ext 6047

1. Summary

1.1 This report describes progress on the 2002/03 South West Hampshire Transport (SWHT) programme and other key strategy issues and schemes.

2. Capital Programme

2.1 On 10 September 2002 the Executive Member for Environment approved amendments to the 2002/03 transport capital programme by increasing allocations for Winchester Station Interchange, Chandler's Ford Rail Station, the A33 in Basingstoke and Petersfield town centre. The current forecasts for capital expenditure on transport in 2003/04, including preparation costs of Phase 1 of the South Hampshire Rapid Transit (SHRT) project, show an excess of spending over resources. Although additional resources are being sought from the Department for Transport (DfT) through the Local Transport Plan (LTP) process, a contingency plan needs to be prepared in case extra funding is not made available. The Area Strategy Panels were therefore requested to review their programmes for 2003/04 and 2002/03 schemes not yet committed, and to advise the Executive Member on priorities for early implementation.

2.2 This report reviews progress on the schemes included in the South West Hampshire Transport Strategy (SWHTS) programme.

3. County-wide Overall Funding Position

3.1 The current forecasts for 2003/04 for transport, including SHRT preparation, Integrated Transport (Area Strategies and county-wide programmes) and Structural Maintenance of Highways and Bridges show an excess of spending over resources. Additional funding is being sought through a major scheme bid with respect to the A3 Bus Priority Scheme and also through the LTP process, but it is necessary to consider a contingency plan in case the funding is not made available for 2003/04. Decisions are expected from the Government in December 2002 on the funding support available for the County Council in 2003/04.

Progress on the County-wide 2002/03 Programme

3.2 The 2002/03 capital programme was approved in January 2002 and amended at the Executive Member meeting in May 2002. A number of schemes were carried forward from the 2001/02 programme together and some credit approvals were also carried forward into 2002/03.

3.3 In summary, the 2002/03 transport capital programme position (credit approval funded schemes only) is now as follows:

Spending Forecast (includes spending from schemes started in 2001/02 and before and fees for future schemes)

Resources Available (to cover spending in 2002/03)

3.4 Additional resources have been sought to cover the difference between the forecast and the resources. In the event of no additional resources becoming available the 2002/03 integrated transport spending will be held at no more than £17.1 million so that spending balances resources. This will result in an additional £4.3 million integrated transport spending being incurred in 2003/04.

4. County-wide Funding Position 2003/04

4.1 The County Council has indicative allocations of Government funding through the LTP process for the period 2003/04 to 2005/06. These allocations do not include any increased allocations that may come forward as a result of the latest Annual Progress Report submission, through the single capital pot or as a result of the major scheme bid made for the A3 Bus Corridor project.

The indicative allocations are:

4.2 The current spending forecasts (assuming a £17.1 million spend in 2002/03 on integrated transport) and full implementation of the currently approved programme plus the A3 and Light Rapid Transit/SHRT projects are:

4.3 The above totals show a forecast spending above minimum resource levels. Information will not be available until mid-December 2002 concerning any additional funding for 2003/04 from the LTP process or specific support for major schemes (SHRT or A3 corridor) or funding through the single capital pot. The Hampshire programmes have been deliberately prepared above these minimum resource levels so that the County Council is in a good position to respond to any new initiatives and funding sources.

5. 2002/03 Programme

5.1 The revised 2002/03 SWHT programme in the County Council's administrative areas is as follows:

	£'000
Romsey Movement and Access Study	250
Eastleigh Central Area	50
Eastleigh Bus Quality Partnership	100
Totton and Waterside Cycles	100
Southern Test Valley Cycles	200
Romsey Schools Transport Plan	200
Eastleigh Schools Transport Plan	200
Chandler's Ford Rail Station	1,400
Totton Town Centre	50
Southern Test Valley Quality Bus Partnership	50
Portsmouth Road/Hamble Lane junction	150
Woodside Avenue	150

5.2 The Executive Member for Environment approved this investment programme for SWHT on 25 January 2002.

5.3 The full programme is attached as Appendix 2.

6. Major Schemes

Botley Bypass

6.1 Further to the detailed report provided to the November meeting of the Panel, the Executive Member for Environment approved that the scheme be prepared in line with that report. The Executive Member for Environment approved the Capital Programme on 25 January 2002, which included the Botley Bypass in the 2005/06 financial year.

6.2 The development of the project for the Botley Bypass is continuing and an officer steering group has been established to progress the development of the scheme. This includes officers from the County Council, Eastleigh Borough Council and Winchester City Council. Five working groups are being set up to include the local authorities, statutory organisations and the Parish Council.

6.3 Discussions will take place in the near future with the Government Office for the South East (GOSE) to discuss the scheme.

Chickenhall Lane Link Road

6.4 On 12 December 2001 the Executive Member for Environment approved that this scheme be designed in partnership with developers, and that detailed estimates be prepared in readiness for a 'Major Scheme' funding bid to be submitted to the DfT later in 2002. Discussions are in hand between County Council officers and representatives of GOSE to discuss the Local Transport Plan (LTP) progress and the Major Schemes.

6.5 The British Airports Authority (BAA) successfully challenged the Secretary of State's decision to grant planning permission and Gazeley Properties (the developers) are seeking leave to appeal this decision. The outcome of this further application is awaited.

6.6 Running concurrently, Hampshire County Council is continuing to work with Gazeley Properties, the BAA, Eastleigh Borough Council and GOSE to develop a scheme that satisfies the needs of all potential partners.

Eastleigh Schools

6.7 The table in the attached appendix sets out the programme for Safer Routes to School (SRTS) projects within Eastleigh borough. All the schools have School Transport Plans.

Doncaster Drove Cycleway

6.8 This is an important link that will provide a connection between Stoneham Lane and Southampton Road as well as links to Southampton Parkway railway station. The first phase across Lakeside Country Park has been completed. The next phase between the Country Park and the railway station will be starting on-site.

Fair Oak Cycleway

6.9 This proposal continues the extension of the strategic Cycle Network within Eastleigh, and provides a valuable link between the existing cycleway in Bishopstoke to both the Wyvern School complex and north of Fair Oak village. Detailed design and consultation has been completed by the Borough Council. Subject to a successful project appraisal in November 2002, works are likely to start in January 2003.

Knightwood Development Funded Programme

6.10 A report was submitted to the Executive Member for Environment on 16 July 2002 on the developer-funded programme for Knightwood. This considered the overall funding programme, prioritisation of cycle funding and the Castle Lane/Templar Way signals.

Chestnut Avenue Cycleway

6.11 Developer contributions to provide a new cycleway in Chestnut Avenue have been collected on occupation of the new offices as part of a Section 278 Agreement. In addition, funding has been agreed for the improvement of pedestrian links between the development site and Eastleigh town centre, including a pedestrian crossing in Chestnut Avenue and traffic calming in Falkland Road.

6.12 In addition to the above, the Borough Council is carrying out an audit to identify the possibility of converting low-flow footways to shared-use cycle facilities. This will allow a relatively simple and cost effective extension to cycleway provision within the borough.

Southern Test Valley Cycles

6.13 The County Council and Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) previously identified six routes to progress the cycle network in southern Test Valley, and have undertaken a preliminary assessment of priorities. These are:

(i) North Baddesley to Valley Park (via Castle Lane);

(ii) Romsey to Nursling (via Lee Lane);

(iii) North Baddesley to Chilworth roundabout;

(iv) North Baddesley to Rownhams;

(v) Romsey to Ampfield; and

(vi) Romsey to Timsbury.

6.14 The previous assessment considered the routes against the five LTP criteria of integration, environment, safety, accessibility and economy, along with deliverability. The contribution to more journeys by bicycle to work and school is a key determinant of the choice of cycle route to be progressed.

6.15 The North Baddesley to Valley Park cycle scheme was officially opened in October 2001. The Romsey to Ampfield route is not high priority and will be progressed in the future. TVBC is progressing sections of the Romsey to Timsbury cycle scheme.

6.16 Romsey to Nursling (via Lee Lane), North Baddesley to Chilworth and North Baddesley to Rownhams have now all been assessed through feasibility studies which were considered in detail at the last meeting of this Panel.

6.17 The County Council Capital Programme has allocated £600,000 for Test Valley Cycles and £75,000 for Romsey and Southampton Rural Roads, as well as £63,000 through a Section 278 contribution received from Chilworth Science Park for cycle routes or other works in lieu. This provides a total of £738,000.

Romsey to Nursling (via Lee Lane)

6.18 Lee Lane provides a direct and flat route between Romsey and Nursling. A previous consultant's report considered the option of a point closure of Lee Lane, expected to be an effective mechanism to stop traffic `rat-running' as an alternative to the A3057 and making it more suitable for cyclists. An initial estimate of £75,000 has been identified for the potential closure and associated works.

6.19 The County Council's partner consultant has prepared a feasibility study into the provision of a safe connection for cyclists between Southampton Road, Romsey and Lee Lane. The provision of a cycle route in this location is subject to a number of key constraints.

6.20 The study found that the A27/Lee Lane junction was unsuitable for an at grade crossing facility, due to high vehicle speeds and insufficient forward visibility. Therefore this option is not recommended to be taken forward.

6.21 Two other options have been appraised which the Panel agreed to review to enable a route to be achieved which would meet requirements, in particular safety.

North Baddesley to Rownhams Cycle Scheme

6.22 As agreed at the last meeting, Option No 1 of an off-road facility on both verges along Rownhams Lane is being progressed to detailed design by Atkins, the partner consultant. Consultation will be undertaken with TVBC, parish councils and the local Member in October 2002. Works on-site are expected to start in March 2003.

North Baddesley to Chilworth Roundabout

6.23 As part of this route option the partner consultant Atkins undertook a feasibility study to consider route options and costs from Chilworth to the Chilworth roundabout (adjacent to the county boundary with Southampton). The section from North Baddesley to Chilworth is also being developed.

6.24 As previously agreed at the last Panel, that in consultation with local Members, a package of work from Options 1, 4, 5b and 6 is being developed to preliminary design stage.

Romsey Movement and Access Study

£600,00 SWHTS

£390,000 Section 106

£100,000 Country Towns Initiative

6.25 Hampshire County Council and TVBC have jointly commissioned transport consultant Scott Wilson Associates to consider options for the Romsey Town Centre Pedestrian Enhancement Scheme.

6.26 Funding for the scheme from the SWHT programme is supplemented by the Section 106 Agreement made by TVBC for the proposed Alma Road food store.

6.27 This transport scheme is intended to create an area of greater pedestrian priority in the centre of Romsey. It will link with conservation, urban design and economic development objectives. Traffic will continue to pass through the main shopping areas but, where possible, road space will be reallocated to provide a safer, more pedestrian-friendly area. Good walking routes from the new food store to the rest of the town centre will be created to encourage linked trips. Traffic speeds will be reduced by self-enforcing traffic calming features, and illegal parking will be made less likely in many areas. However, space for delivery vehicles and disabled parking will be retained.

6.28 Following agreement at a previous Southampton Area Transport Strategy Joint Members' Panel, a public exhibition was jointly hosted by the County Council and TVBC. Scheme options were displayed and officers were on hand to answer questions on the proposals.

6.29 Further exhibitions took place between 5 and 7 September 2002 and on 16 and 19 September, showing detailed designs for the schemes. The results of the public consultations are being collated, and an update will be given at the meeting. The comments will then be determined by Test Valley Borough Council's Executive prior to their consideration by the Executive Members for Environment and Policy and Resources.

Totton and Waterside Cycles

6.30 The 2001/02 allocation is planned to secure improvements on three routes within Totton and Waterside, namely:

(i) extending the Holbury to Hythe route strategy from north of Hardley roundabout to Butts Ash Lane and onto the ferry, via Frost Lane. This forms part of the SRTS linking Nodeswood and Hardley Schools. Feasibility stage design and consultation has already taken place on this proposal and preliminary design is being carried out;

(ii) upgrading of the uncontrolled cycle crossing on Southampton Road, Dibden to provide central island refuges (forming part of the existing Dibden to Eling cycle route system); and

(iii) expenditure on the A36 Salisbury Road at Totton. This is currently being constructed in conjunction with the major maintenance scheme monies to upgrade an existing Pelican to a Toucan crossing with shared use facilities.

6.31 The draft Totton and Waterside Transport Strategy has identified proposed routes around Fawley, Hythe and Marchwood. The routes have been assessed along with other key routes. These routes will be coordinated with SRTS projects and further assessments undertaken with regard to costs, land and legal issues. The findings indicate that the following routes should be prioritised for implementation from the capital programme and external funds (the priority list is not necessarily an ordered list, and implementation will depend upon an array of factors):

(i) Hythe town centre to Applemore via North Road;

(ii) Southampton Road and Claypits Lane to the New Forest;

(iii) Shore Road/Frost Lane;

(iv) Water Lane;

(v) Hardley roundabout to Hythe; and

(vi) Salisbury Road (A336) to Calmore Drive.

(vii) Testwood Lane to Totton Railway Station;

(viii) Rumbridge Street and High Street;

(ix) Hounsdown (Jacob's Gutter Lane) to Wharton's Lane;

(x) Testwood School to Totton;

(xi) Butts Ash Lane to Applemore (Roman Road);

Halterworth and Mountbatten Schools Safer Routes to School

6.32 The schemes for Romsey schools that have been brought forward through the preparation of the Halterworth and Mountbatten Schools' Transport Plan are currently being designed. An interim report has been prepared and highlights improvements to be taken forward through the Safer Routes to School aspect of the project. These include:

(i) traffic calming proposals along Botley Road, including gateway signing;

(ii) options for coach parking in the vicinity of the school;

(iii) cycle lanes; and

(iv) the establishment of a school safety zone around Halterworth School and associated speed reduction measures on Halterworth Lane.

6.33 In association with these physical measures, there is the need for the schools to progress the implementation of measures through a School Transport Plan. This can be facilitated through School Transport Plan officers at the County Council, which may then enable funds to be used for specific on-site enhancements such as lockers and cycle facilities. Consultation is taking place with the schools, the police and TVBC, as well as the team which developed the initial report, on the way forward. Concurrently, proposals for the location of facilities at the school are being considered, which must be taken forward in association with the SRTS schemes.

6.34 Two workshops were held on 26 September 2002 on the specific proposals arising from the report. The outputs are being considered with local Members, parents, teachers, governors, schoolchildren and local residents and further consultation on the details will be carried out.

Portsmouth Road/Hamble Lane Junction

6.35 At the last meeting of the Panel it was agreed that traffic signals be developed for this junction. Following that, the Executive Member for Environment increased the SWHT budget by £150,000 to deliver this junction, in addition to the previously collected £70,000 developer's contribution.

6.36 The Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Group assessed the scope for improving access to and from the Hamble peninsula, and has reported that using traffic signals to control this junction would not reduce delay. Previous design work had considered using traffic signals to improve the right turn to Portsmouth Road from Hamble Lane southbound, and had
developed a design that provided right of way to Hamble Lane northbound and southbound in separate stages. This option would have facilitated an unopposed right turn from Hamble Lane running concurrently with the left turn from Portsmouth Road.

6.37 This system would cause additional delay for traffic on Hamble Lane, particularly northbound traffic, and the ITS Group is now considering alternative junction arrangements specifically aiming to reduce delay for Hamble Lane traffic. Other factors, including making provision for cyclists and pedestrians, and limiting the need for third party land, will affect the current study and determine the extent to which access from the Hamble peninsula can be improved. Discussions are taking place with officers from Eastleigh Borough Council and a joint Member briefing is being arranged to further discuss the junction.

Winchester Hill/Cupernham Lane Junction

6.38 As highlighted previously, design work has been progressing on options for this junction, which will form Phase 1 of the ring of junctions to be implemented as part of the signal network within the Romsey Movement and Access Study. It is considered that this junction can be implemented as a stand-alone improvement prior to the other junctions. Developer contributions of £100,000 are available for this junction, however initial estimates suggest a figure of £300,000 will be required to implement the improvements.

6.39 The implementation of this junction can be addressed in conjunction with the delivery of the town centre environmental enhancement scheme, and its delivery as part of the wider signal network and the implementation of the Romsey Movement and Access Study.

Parish Partnerships Programme

6.40 The Parish Partnerships Programme has been developed by the County Council in response to legislation enacted in 1997 which permits parish and town councils to fund or contribute towards traffic calming schemes. Since 1999/00 the County Council has been able to match locally-generated funds from the Minor Works Programme, and in some cases additional funding has been forthcoming from district councils.

6.41 The general concept is that the local community works jointly with the County Council to identify priority issues and develop appropriate measures. Consultation is usually managed by the parish or town council and this ensures that a scheme proceeds with the approval of the local community. Local contributions have ranged from £1,000 to £20,000, with £2,000 to £3,000 being fairly typical. In some cases projects may evolve so that supplementary or alternative funds can be employed. Examples have included the SRTS Programme, the Casualty Reduction Programme and the Traffic Management Revenue Budget.

6.42 Common concerns are the speed and volume of traffic, with particular emphasis on improving pedestrian security, especially for children. The measures vary depending on the circumstances of such projects, but examples include road markings, gateway features, chicanes and road humps.

6.43 Of the 18 parish and town councils in the SWHT area (8 in Eastleigh, 6 in Test Valley and 4 in the New Forest), 7 have to date expressed an interest in the programme. Of these, projects have been implemented or are being developed in 4, as described in the table below.

6.44 A contribution of £36,000 was secured as part of the development of the Lidl supermarket adjacent to the Romsey Road/Twyford Road junction in central Eastleigh.

6.45 Atkins has been appointed to prepare a feasibility report into the opportunity of enhancing pedestrian and cycle crossing facilities on the roundabout, focusing on the access from the Lidl store to Twyford Road. An update will be reported to the next meeting of the Panel.

Archer's Road Footbridge, Eastleigh

6.46 The pedestrian footbridge over the railway line near Archer's Road in Eastleigh has been raised as an issue to be considered, due to its links between the residential area to the north of the railway line and Eastleigh town centre.

6.47 There have been discussions regarding the bridge and the opportunity to provide a replacement bridge to enhance pedestrian flows to and from the town centre, due to it providing poor access for the mobility impaired and cyclists. The estimate for a replacement is approximately £1 million, and therefore surveys have been undertaken to ascertain the existing levels of use of the bridge and the justification for a potential replacement. Other local routes are also to be surveyed to compare with the use of the footbridge, which is used as a diversionary route. A questionnaire survey was also undertaken with local residents and those using the bridge to determine the origin, destination and purpose of their journey and their views about the bridge, to assess the potential usage if the bridge is replaced.

6.48 The number of people, including cyclists and those with pushchairs, was counted over a 12 hour period (0700-1900) in September 2002. There were 906 people counted using the bridge, with 75 cycles being carried over.

6.49 Assessment of the survey data is still ongoing. This scheme can be assessed through the Central Eastleigh Transport Strategy which is discussed in another report on the agenda.

Dibden Bay

6.50 The County Council and New Forest District Council are in discussion with Associated British Ports regarding a potential package of measures which could be associated with the proposal. Due to the ongoing discussions on this major proposal, an oral update will be provided at the meeting to bring Members up-to-date on the negotiations.

South Coast Multi-Modal Study

6.51 The final report for the South Coast Multi-Modal Study was produced by consultants Halcrow and submitted to the South East England Regional Assembly (SEERA) on 8 September.

6.52 The consultants tried to develop a balanced strategy, built on a range of local and regional initiatives. These involved targeted road-based improvements aimed solely at bottlenecks that cause congestion, the promotion of rail- and sea-based freight initiatives, and of personal safety, road safety and accessibility for the mobility impaired.

6.53 Within southern Hampshire the key recommendations identified include a new rail chord at Eastleigh, double-tracking between Fareham and Botley, additional platforms at Fareham and Havant stations, improved interchange at Southampton Parkway and Fareham and several possible new stations. Measures suggested for the M27 include widening of the motorway between junctions 3 and 5, and junctions 11 and 12, as well as improvements to a number of the other junctions. Significant improvement to the local public transport system, building upon the SHRT initiative are also considered to be fundamental. The strategy also suggests consideration should be given to increasing parking charges in major centres, introducing a levy on all private workplace parking spaces and introducing charges for cars entering Southampton and Portsmouth.

6.54 The Study report was considered by SEERA's Regional Planning Committee on 15 October and, as a key partner in the delivery of the strategy the County Council was asked for its views . An update will be orally reported at the meeting. Following this, the Planning Committee's recommendations will be presented to SEERA's Plenary session in November, and subsequently to Ministers.

South Hampshire Study

6.55 As part of the review of the Structure Plan, the second phase of the South Hampshire Study is now well underway. This involves an assessment of a range of strategic scenarios for future land use and transport options. This assessment makes use of the comprehensive transport evaluation which was carried out earlier this year, which provided a factual base of information using common assessment criteria upon which the potential scenarios can be tested.

6.56 Five different options have been identified, ranging from concentration of development in the cities, an even spread across the area and three public transport-based options, where development is focused on transport nodes and corridors. These options will be considered by the Strategic Planning Joint Advisory Panel in November with a view to consulting on the options with the public early in 2003.

Recommendations

1. That the position of the schemes within the Capital Programme be supported.

2. That the Priority Assessment within the Totton and Waterside Cycles Priority assessment be agreed.

7438/JC