ISSUE

COUNTY COUNCIL RESPONSE

No.

Comment

1

PEDESTRIANS

a)

Pedestrian safety is a major concern. Lack of adequate facilities mean that rural roads in the Forest are dangerous and unlikely to encourage pedestrian use.

The NFTS seeks to promote the implementation of safer pedestrian routes within the Forest where pedestrian activity is high or where the provision of such facilities may promote safe walking as an alternative means of transport.

b)

An improved pedestrian network is required, that provides safe, direct and well-maintained routes to facilities, shops and public transport.

The strategy will seek to develop pedestrian routes where there is a need and where an alternative travel mode is provided improving links (transport). These routes will be maintained through the footpath maintenance strategy.

2

CYCLISTS

a)

Greater promotion of cycle facilities is required within the Forest. Suggestions include `road shows', provision of maps, cycle networks, cycle training and safety bike checks.

There is considerable scope for encouraging cycling in the New Forest. A cycle strategy for the New Forest is currently being developed which will be in the term of a leaflet and plan of all cycle routes within the New Forest. This is a start in the promotion of cycling.

b)

Whilst many welcome the need to cycle, concerns have been raised as to the disbenefits of cycling, particularly related to the New Forest. These include degradation to the local Forest ecology resulting from off-road cycle use and the building of new infrastructure on open land. If on road facilities are to be provided then land will then need to be taken away from the car.

NFTS will ensure that any proposed cycle facilities within the forest, including off-road tracks, are environmentally assessed. Partnership working with New Forest District Council, the New Forest Committee and the Forestry Commission will also ensure that the unique forest environment is protected.

c)

More cycle facilities are required including comprehensive cycle parking and cycle infrastructure.

More facilities will be encouraged at the appropriate locations. This will include secure cycle parking at public transport interchanges, in towns and villages.

3

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

a)

Many people within the Forest are reliant on the use of a car. If people are to be encouraged to use public transport it needs to be fully integrated.

The strategy will strive to improve and promote public transport that will seek to improve and promote the rail network and ensure better public transport interchanges at all rail stations.

b)

Improved facilities are required at train stations and bus stops, including parking for both cars and cycles.

The provision of adequate and secure cycle parking at all New Forest stations is being undertaken.

c)

More bus and rail services are required within the forest, covering a greater network, if people are to be encouraged out of their car. This may include more rail-link services.

The NFTS will seek to encourage close working with the public transport operators in order to promote and encourage an increase in the provision of public transport network.

4

EQUESTRIANS

a)

Greater emphasis is required on the provision of improved and safer facilities for horse riders and horse driven vehicles.

The aim of the NFTS document is to reduce the impact of motorised transport and encourage more sustainable modes, that includes walking, cycling and equestrians.

5

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

a)

Strategy needs to consider through traffic, including commuter and heavy goods vehicles (HGV).

NFTS will look at ways of making better use of the Forest's highway network, by ensuring that traffic uses the appropriate routes, and by encouraging greater use of public transport the strategy seeks to limit the impact of through traffic.

6

DEMAND MANAGEMENT

a)

Re-allocating road space for public transport, cycling and walking should be encouraged but not to the detriment of the environment.

The strategy will consider bringing forward demand management measures that may include the re-allocation of road space for cycling, walking and quiet lanes initiative. The strategy will seek to ensure that any measures brought forward are not to the detriment of the unique forest environment.

b)

A review of parking within the Forest is required. The scale, extent and distribution of all informal and formal car parks need to be considered

As part of demand management measures, the NFTS will seek to encourage the management of car parks, in order to reduce the number of vehicles and car trips into the Forest.

c)

Park-and-Ride is welcomed, however the location of the parking sites needs to be thoroughly considered, as does the consequences to the surrounding area as a result of additional traffic generated by the car park.

Any consideration for Park-and-Ride facilities in the countryside will require Transport and Environmental Impact Assessments.

Serious consideration would need to be given to this, working with partners including New Forest District Council, the New Forest Committee and the Forestry Commission.

d)

Any reduction of the size of car parks and the introduction of car parking charges may negatively effect local businesses.

This comment will be noted when Hampshire County Council, New Forest District Council, the New Forest Committee and the Forestry Committee review car parking facilities and charges.

7

ENVIRONMENT

a)

Air quality monitoring in the Forest needs to be more appropriate to the New Forest.

This is being undertaken by New Forest District Council and this comment is noted.

8

FREIGHT MOVEMENT

a)

More control is required into the movement of HGVs in the Forest. Concerns are that much of this traffic is rat-running and not using the appropriate roads.

The NFTS document seeks to minimise the impact of freight on the Forest community, however, it does accept that there is a need for the movement of freight onto more appropriate roads. The strategy will develop proposals to discourage lorry traffic from unsuitable areas and encourage it to use more appropriate routes.

9

PUBLIC AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT

a)

Residents and visitors to the Forest need to be made aware of the transport issues the forest faces. Greater public involvement and a sense of shared responsibility is needed if any changes in transport use are to be made.

The negative effect of increased car use on the environment and economy is becoming more apparent and public awareness is also increasing. The strategy will seek to influence people's movement and travel choices.