Contact: Caroline Bonner, ext 6592 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This report sets out the progress on several studies and schemes being undertaken in the Central Hampshire Rural Transport Strategy (CHARTS) area as follows:

(i) A3 Hindhead Tunnel scheme;

(ii) Transport in Alton - public consultation;

(iii) CHARTS cycling;

(iv) B2177 Twyford to Wickham Route corridor - Colden Common consultation;

(v) Denmead traffic management; and

(vi) Village initiatives.

1.2 It should be noted that the funding for CHARTS schemes discussed below is not yet approved.

2. A3 Hindhead Tunnel Scheme

2.1 In July 2003 the Highway Agency held a public exhibition to present changes to the proposed scheme as a result of the review by the Highway Agency A3 Team. The exhibition was held for three days and attracted a total of nearly 1,600 visitors. Hampshire County Council and Surrey County Council officers also attended the exhibition. The timing of the public exhibition was to provide stakeholders, local residents and organisations with the opportunity to make comments on the scheme before publication of the Environmental Statement in August 2003 and Draft Orders later in the year.

2.2 Visitors to the exhibition were given the opportunity to fill in a questionnaire on traffic management for the local areas affected by the scheme. The questionnaire also sought views on the timing and form of traffic management measures. The response from the exhibition can be seen in the attached appendix. Further comments from the forms expressed concern about additional traffic flows in Grayshott and specifically on Crossways Road following the opening of the tunnel.

2.3 As a result of the consultation the Highway Agency have suggested a number of changes including further changes at the southern end of the scheme at the Hammer Lane Junction. A plan will be displayed at the Panel meeting.

2.4 In relation to the local traffic management issues, Hampshire County Council is working with Surrey County Council to agree an approach for developing and consulting on the traffic management measures for the whole of the area. This will ensure a consistency of approach and prevent local consultations being carried out in isolation to the rest of the area.

2.5 Draft Orders were published on 24 October 2003 with the deadline for consultation 9 January 2004. A further public exhibition to accompany the Draft Orders was held by the Highways Agency on 29 October 2003 at Grayshott and Friday 31/Saturday 1 November at Hindhead.

3. Transport in Alton

3.1 Members will recall that at the October 2002, draft proposals were considered for public consultation. Since then preparation has been continuing, in partnership with East Hampshire District Council and Alton Town Council for a public consultation event in Alton to be held on Tuesday 25 November 2003 and Friday 28 November 2003. This will involve an exhibition over two days where visitors can view and comment on a range of transport issues, proposals and priorities. In addition, information on the proposals including a comment form will be available on the County Council's website - Hantsweb, at the Local Transport Plan Consultation page. Leaflets and posters advertising the exhibitions and website will be distributed in and around Alton.

3.2 The proposals for consultation focus on measures that can be implemented within the next two years of the current Local Transport Plan 2004/5 to 2005/6 with a current funding allocation of £400,000 plus £100,000 external funding. The proposals are based on:

(i) the draft transport proposals presented to the CHARTS Panel on 22 October 2002;

(ii) issues raised through Alton Town Council's `Vision for Alton' questionnaire; and

(iii) issues identified through meetings with a range of county, district and town council officers.

3.3 The closing date for comments will be approximately six weeks from the date of the exhibition. A summary of the comments and any other results will be reported in due course.

4. CHARTS Cycling

4.1 A meeting was held in July 2003 with Winchester Cycling and East Hampshire Cyclists' Forum as well as representatives from the two local authorities to discuss the development of a cycle map for the Central Hampshire area. At the meeting it was agreed that both Winchester CC and East Hampshire DC would draw up a list of their key cycle routes.

4.2 A progress meeting was held in October 2003. East Hampshire DC reported that progress has been made in prioritising their cycle routes and they have put forward five key routes in the Alton, Bordon, Horndean, Liphook and Petersfield areas. These routes were drawn up in consultation with local cyclists and further consultation is to be carried out with the East Hampshire area committees.

4.3 Winchester CC are still in the progress of reviewing their cycle routes in order to put forward priority routes. The key routes from both local authorities will be put forward, subject to a process of scheme prioritisation, for inclusion as schemes within the Capital Programme and the next LTP 2006-2011. The current draft Capital Programme has £100,000 for CHARTS cycles in 2005/2006.

5. B2177 Twyford to Wickham Route Corridor - Colden Common Consultation

5.1 In September 2003 Phase 1 of the Twyford to Wickham route corridor was completed in Twyford village. Consideration of pedestrian crossing facilities at the signal controlled crossroads in the village centre in Twyford continues.

5.2 Phase 2 focuses on Colden Common which is the next village southward along the route. Preliminary traffic management proposals have been drawn up for the B3354 (Main Road) running through the village following meetings with the Parish Council to identify priority issues. The objective of the scheme is to provide a safer environment for all road users but with particular emphasis on pedestrians. The main elements proposed include pedestrian refuges, gateway features, coloured surfacing and revised carriageway marking.

5.3 A public consultation on the proposed scheme was held on the 3 and 4 of October 2003 at the Colden Common Community Centre which was attended by approximately 160 local residents. The feedback is currently being analysed and the outcome of the consultation will be presented to members in due course.

6. Denmead Traffic Management

6.1 Since February 2003 a further two meetings have been held with Denmead Parish Council to discuss the priority issues raised by the Parish. These issues have been developed into a number of traffic management proposals for the village. The overall aim of the scheme is to reduce speeds and improve road safety in the village. Measures will include installing new pedestrian refuges, gateway signs at the village entrance and the upgrading or relocation of several bus-stops. Discussions are also being carried out with the two local schools who are developing a School Transport Plan.

6.2 A public consultation on the preliminary traffic management proposals was held on the 16 and 17 of October 2003 at Denmead Infants School. The results of the consultation will be analysed and reported back to members in due course.

7. Village Initiatives

7.1 Progress is being made on the remaining village initiative schemes. The following schemes are programmed for 2004/5 and 2005/6:

(i) Easton village;

(ii) Clanfield;

(iii) Kingsley;

(iv) Steep;

(v) Itchen Abbas; and

(vi) Curdridge.

7.2 Hambledon and West Meon are schemes in the 2003/4 programme and are largely completed. In addition a scheme in Lindford will now be implemented this year (2003/4) with either funding from CHARTS or the traffic management revenue budget.

7.3 The original list of prospective schemes included Hursley. However a Parish Partnership scheme resulted in a reduction in traffic speeds such that a 30 m.p.h. speed limited has been introduced which was the local community's primary objective. It is anticipated that developer funding will be available for further works in due course.

Recommendation

That the report be noted.

8336/CB