Archived decisions

Hampshire County Council

Executive Member - Environment

14 January 2003

Project Appraisal: A339 Hackwood Road, Basingstoke - proposed Puffin crossing

Report of the County Surveyor

Item 11

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - ENVIRONMENT

PROJECT APPRAISAL

(Externally Funded)

PROJECT:

A339 HACKWOOD ROAD, BASINGSTOKE - PROPOSED PUFFIN CROSSING FACILITY

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

FEBRUARY 2003

COMPLETION DATE:

APRIL 2003

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

7.

Scheme

7.1

Introduction

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council wishes to fund and install a Puffin crossing on the A339 Hackwood Road to provide a safe point for pedestrians to cross the road (see attached location plan).

7.2

Details

On the northbound lane of the dual carriageway it is proposed that the existing carriageway width be retained. The narrow central island is to be widened, thereby providing a central area where pedestrians crossing Hackwood Road can wait for traffic to stop before continuing. This proposal will necessitate reducing the southbound section to a single lane, thereby displacing some of the on-street parking that currently occurs in the inside lane of the southbound section of the dual carriageway.

The 85%ile speeds taken on 29 July 1999 in Hackwood Road were 40 miles per hour (mph) northbound and 39 mph southbound. The PV² result of a pedestrian/vehicle survey taken on 7 November 2001 gave a PV² value of 0.63 x 10⁸ which reaches a level where a controlled crossing is justified in special circumstances. In view of the site conditions at this location it is considered that a signal controlled Puffin crossing is appropriate.

7.3

Standards

The signalised crossing has been designed to national and County Council standards. The design will be safety audited.

7.4

Statutory Procedures and Consultation

Two options were developed and these were considered by Borough Council Members and Councillor Gurden. One was considered inappropriate due to the volume of existing on-street parking that would be removed. The option preferred by Borough and County Members is shown on the design plan B&D/DS/762/A1/06 which will be displayed at the meeting.

There was a public consultation exercise by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council between 12 December 2001 and 25 January 2002. Approximately 120 letters outlining the proposals, each accompanied by a comment sheet and a pre-paid envelope, were sent to properties fronting or taking direct access off Hackwood Road. The comment sheet asked consultees to express a preference for or against the proposals and provided an opportunity for them to make any comment. Seventy-eight comment sheets have been returned, 64 (82%) of which support the implementation of the signal controlled pedestrian crossing and 14 (18%) of which are against the proposal.

A 28 day public notice has been displayed at the proposed location from 23 August 2002. A total of three written responses have been received by Hampshire County Council, which include concerns about the effects of traffic congestion and loss of trade to the adjacent paper shop. Copies of the letters are to be made available at the meeting.

Councillor Gurden has discussed the concerns about the possible loss of trade to Hackwood Stores with the owner and would like to continue with the advertised scheme with the proviso that Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council will monitor the parking situation after the crossing is installed and take any necessary remedial action.

7.5

Policy Considerations

The proposal is consistent with the policy aims and objectives of the Basingstoke Environmental Strategy for Transport.

7.6

Environmental Impacts

There is no significant environmental impact 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

A similar alternative option was considered, but due to the amount of on-street parking removal it was considered unacceptable.

To do nothing would not improve the safety of pedestrians crossing the road at this location.

7.9

Local Member's View

The local Member, Councillor Gurden, is aware of the concerns and supports this proposal (letter on file).

7.10

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

The provisions of this Act have no impact on this proposal.

7.11

Sustainability

The provision of a Puffin crossing will add to improving the conditions for pedestrians and vulnerable highway users in Basingstoke.

8.

Financial Arrangements

8.1

Expenditure

£'000

Funds Available

£'000

Design Fee

10

Developer Funding

Nil

Supervision

5

Basingstoke and

Project Works

85

Deane Borough

Land

Nil

Council

100

____

____

Total

100

Total

100

____

____

The cost of installing this crossing is to be met by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

8.2

Revenue Implications

£'000

% Variation to Committee's budget

Net increase in

current expenditure

1.2

0.002

Capital Charge

0

0

____

____

Total Expenditure

1.2

0.002

____

____

8.3

Maintenance Implications

There will be minimal revenue implications of this proposal and they will be taken into account in the setting of the annual base 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

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council

Pedestrian Crossing Facilities - A339 Hackwood Road, Basingstoke

Environment Department