AT A MEETING of the SOUTH EAST HAMPSHIRE TRANSPORTATION PANEL held at The Castle, Winchester on Wednesday, 26 March 2003.

PRESENT:

Hampshire County Council

Councillors: K.B. Estlin (Chairman); Mrs E.M. Byrom; J.D. Wride

Councillor T.G. Knight was also in attendance.

East Hampshire District Council

Councillors: Mrs D.K. Denston; K.J. Graham

Fareham Borough Council

Councillors: Mrs D.M. Burton-Jenkins; Mrs D.R. Harrison; A. Mandry; D.J. Murray

Gosport Borough Council

Councillors: P.R. Edgar; K.L. Gill; A.H.G. Hayward

Havant Borough Council

Councillors: D.M. Farrow; T.P. Hart

22. DECLARATIONS ON INTEREST

Members were mindful that, where they had a personal or personal prejudicial interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting, they should declare their personal interest and, having regard to the circumstances described in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the County Council's Code of Conduct, consider whether to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed, any declarations to be made at the time of the debate.

23. MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on 11 November 2002 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

24. CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

There were no matters arising under this item.

25. DEPUTATIONS

There were no deputations.

26. CAPITAL PROGRAMME - UPDATE

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 5 in the Minute Book) on the revised integrated programme for 2002/03, a new programme for 2003/04 and proposed reassessment of schemes for possible inclusion in the 2004/05 programme.

It was reported that as finance could no longer be transferred from one financial year to the next, the 2002/03 programme for the area transport strategies had been set at a high level in the knowledge that some schemes would be delayed, so as to enable the spending target to be achieved. It would therefore be necessary for some schemes to be deferred until 2003/04 and beyond. Members were asked to indicate their preferred priority schemes for possible inclusion in the 2004/05 programme. Following detailed discussion it was agreed that priority be given to the following scheme:-

Petersfield Road, Havant Puffin


RESOLVED:


(i) That the report be noted.

(ii) That the South East Hampshire Transport Strategy Schemes for 2004/05

and beyond be considered as part of the county-wide review of Transportation Strategy Areas to be presented to the Environment Policy Review Committee on 9 July 2003.

27. WORK-IN-PROGRESS UPDATE

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 6 in the Minute Book) which outlined progress on key planned schemes and developments in feasibility projects in the South East Hampshire Transport Strategy area.

(i) South Hampshire Rapid Transit

(a) South Hampshire Rapid Transit 1 Scheme for Light Rail between Fareham, Gosport and Portsmouth

Announcement of the successful bid was due autumn 2003. Construction was likely to begin early 2004, with works continuing for three years. Services would then commence during 2007.

(b) A3 Public Transport Corridor


The outcome of the County Council's bid to the Department for Transport for funding of the A3 corridor works was still awaited.

(c) Wider South Hampshire Rapid Transit Network Development


A partnership had been formed between the Executive Members of Hampshire County, Portsmouth City and Southampton City Councils under the name `Solent Transport'. Once prepared, literature would be circulated to promote public awareness.

Funding for a new rail service between Romsey and Totton and a new station at Chandler's Ford were being finalised. Operations would begin in May 2003.


(d) Major Road Schemes


At the last meeting of the Panel Members identified Stubbington Bypass as the preferred scheme for progression. Approval to continue with a feasibility study had been granted by the Executive Member for Environment on 24 January 2003. Preliminary investigations were being undertaken. Various public consultation exercises would take place during May and June 2003, subject to the approval of interested parties.

(ii) Quality Bus Partnership


Several routes had been identified between Gosport and Fareham for the quality partnership route improvement programme. The new service was called `Connect 6'. A formal launch for a bus quality partnership in the area would take place following completion of works at Gosport and Fareham bus stations, which was anticipated for spring 2003.

(iii) Fareham - Gosport Accessibility

(a) Bus Services to Whiteley


A new service, route 64, from Gosport to the Solent Business Park at Whiteley commenced in February 2003.

(b) Bus Detection Measures A32 Fareham/Wych Lane Junction


A feasibility study was being carried out at the junction to introduce bus detection measures. Early indication showed that there would be benefits at off-peak times but little change during peak hours.

(c) A32 Gosport Road/Salterns Lane Junction Improvements


A feasibility study was underway to reduce congestion and delays at the junction. Investigative work was nearing completion. Once deemed feasible, consultation would begin.

(d) B3385 Newgate Lane Signalisation Of Longfield Avenue and Speedfields Roundabouts


Following completion of a feasibility study, officers had requested that further investigations at the junction to relieve congestion be carried out. Outcome of the investigations would be reported to the Panel in the autumn.

(iv) Other work

(a) Broom Way Cycle Route


As part of the Cherque Farm development, a cycle route was to be built between the development and Peel Common roundabout. The scheme was to be entirely funded by developer contributions. Footway and street lighting improvements would be included in the works.

(b) Delme Roundabout

Initial investigations concluded that no changes could be made at
Delme Roundabout to improve traffic flows. Further investigations
were being carried out.

(c) Developer Contributions - Gosport


Following a previous request by Members, the appendix to the report set out the current position of developer funded contributions in the Gosport area.

(d) Petersfield Road Crossing, Fareham


Investigations had been carried out into installing a light-controlled crossing on Petersfield Road outside Havant College, to create a safer crossing point. Implementation of a crossing was likely to cost between £75,000 and £100,000. Officers advised Members that the scheme should be considered a priority for the 2004/05 programme.

(v) A302B Corridor and Hayling Billy Cycling and Pedestrian Needs (Langstone to Hayling Island)


A study into cycling and pedestrian needs had been completed and consultation with local Members carried out.


RESOLVED :


(i) That the report be noted.


(ii) That the Executive Member for Environment be advised that the South East Hampshire Transport Panel supports:

(a) the undertaking of public consultation for the Stubbington Bypass;

(b) the implementation of bus detection at the A32 Fareham Road/Wych Lane junction; and

(c) the crossing at Petersfield Road, Havant as a priority scheme for detailed design to commence, and that a project appraisal be prepared seeking authority to implement the proposal as funding permits.

28. A32 BUS PRIORITY STUDY UPDATE

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 7 in the Minute Book) which outlined the outcomes of a study into bus priority work on the A32 corridor.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

29. SOUTH EAST HAMPSHIRE TRANSPORT STRATEGY CYCLE NETWORK PRIORITY ASSESSMENT UPDATE

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 8 in the Minute Book) which outlined the outcome of an assessment of cycle routes in the South East Hampshire Transport Strategy area.

An executive summary and results of the assessment were set out as an appendix to the report.

RESOLVED:


(i) That the report be noted.

(ii) That the Executive Member for Environment be advised that the South East Hampshire Transportation Panel supports the further development of priority cycle routes in each of the boroughs of Fareham, Gosport and Havant.

30. QUEEN ALEXANDRA HOSPITAL, PORTSMOUTH

The Panel received a presentation by Glen Hewlett of Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust offering an update on the development proposals at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth. Mr Hewlett advised the Panel that selection of the preferred bidder would take place on 24 July 2002. Construction work would be ongoing until 2007. Members invited Mr Hewlett to return at a later date to advise them on further progress.

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