Archived decisions

Contact: John Sorrell, ext 6216 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 It has long been recognised that a post was required to provide a strong focus for the implementation of transport management initiatives in the New Forest. The Strategy Officer, John Sorrell, was appointed in late July 2003. The implementation of initiatives which deliver the objectives of the New Forest Transport Strategy, which are consistent with those of the Strategy for the New Forest (produced by the New Forest Committee), will provide the main areas of work.

2. Introduction

2.1 This post is jointly funded by Hampshire County Council, The Countryside Agency, New Forest District Council and the Forestry Commission on a temporary contract for three years. The post holder will be employed by Hampshire County Council but with office facilities at both Winchester and New Forest District Council offices at Appletree Court in Lyndhurst. The post has the strong support of the New Forest Committee.

2.2 The proposed New Forest National Park designation area will provide the focus for the geographical area that the post will cover.

2.3 The main accountabilities will be to work closely with local stakeholders to influence attitudes and to provide a point of contact for the development and delivery of transport improvement projects through the established mechanism of the New Forest Transport Strategy. By involving the community in a dynamic way and developing relationships with local businesses, tourism providers, parish councils and other stakeholders, it will be possible to identify transport needs and gain support for initiatives. By using facilitation and consensus building, it will be possible to manage the complex range of conflicting views and deliver appropriate solutions.

2.4 Achieving early success by winning community support to implement transport schemes and assisting in identifying sources of funding from local authorities and other agencies, together with utilising them to support appropriate transport projects, is a key aim.

2.5 Maintaining contact with other national initiatives will enable the sharing of best practice. The officer will assist in the identification of appropriate working arrangements for transport-related activities within the proposed New Forest National Park and report as necessary to the Members' Panel covering the New Forest and other committees/forums. The post will also provide support for public consultations and attending exhibitions/events as appropriate to fulfil the aims of the Transport Strategy.

3. Key Areas for Action

3.1 The following themes have been identified as areas of particular focus for this post. Clearly these will evolve and become more specific over time:

(i) Demand Management

(a) Involvement/liaison on the introduction of car park charges.

(b) Exploration of opportunities for "quiet lane" type projects related to remote areas.

(ii) Cycling and Walking

(a) New Forest Strategic Cycle Plan.

(b) Progression of the Lyndhurst to Ashurst cycle route.

(c) Promotion of cycling and walking as alternatives to the car.

(iii) New Forest Tourism

(a) Implementation of initiatives linked to the New Forest Tourism Strategy and the Transport Strategy in conjunction with the New Forest Tourism Officer. Car-free tourism, promoting and marketing of innovative use of buses and cycles as alternatives to the car.

(iv) Community and Passenger Transport

In liaison with the County Council's Passenger Transport Group and other interested parties:

(a) Promotion of projects such as Moped loan and Cango cycle carrying facilities.

(b) Identification of possible transport improvement projects.

3.2 It is envisaged that there will be regular updates to this Panel on the initiatives being developed.

Recommendation

That this report be noted.

8239/JPS