Contact: Chris Lait, tel 01329 824485 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This report outlines progress with regard to other programmes and initiatives within the Environment Department.

2. Intelligent Transport Systems

2.1 The Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Group of the Environment Department is responsible for the feasibility, design, implementation, operation and maintenance of traffic control and traffic and travel information systems throughout Hampshire. The majority of the new implementation is funded either through the Capital Programme or external funding and maintenance of the central systems and facilities on street is revenue funded. During 2002/03 and 2003/04 there has been a significant deployment of ITS throughout Hampshire, including a large number of new traffic signals and pelican crossings, real-time bus passenger information, car park information systems and bus departure information systems, etc.

2.2 This is an update on the ITS works identified for Fareham during 2003/04:

(i) New Toucan crossing at Southampton Road near Lower Church Road is in the draft programme for 2004/05.

(ii) Modification to existing signals at Downend Road scheme is completed but a number of remedial measures are required.

(iii) New Toucan crossing across the A27 at Cams Hall golf course as part of the cycle route linking Delme Arms with Cams School has been completed.

(iv) Segensworth Roundabout is externally funded and in the draft programme for 2004/05.

(v) New Toucan crossing at A27 Western Way at the location of the existing footbridge is in the draft programme for 2004/05, subject to external funding.

(vi) Fareham Town Centre car park information system. Externally funded by the Borough Council and project appraisal approved on 16 September 2003. The scheme will provide real-time car parking information from five car parks which will be displayed on seven variable message signs. Works scheduled for completion in April 2004.

3. Casualty Reduction Programme

3.1 The 2003/04 safety programme consists of 62 schemes throughout the county, totalling approximately £1,100,000. Appendix 1 shows the list of schemes with the current position for the Fareham area.

Hampshire Safety Camera Partnership

3.2 Installation of fixed speed cameras is progressing well, with cameras operational at the following sites:

(i) B3037 Bishopstoke Road, Eastleigh;

(ii) Highlands Road, Fareham;

(iii) A337 Setley, New Forest; and

(iv) A32 Gosport Road, Fareham.

3.3 The site at A35 Totton Causeway is scheduled for completion by the end of October. However, technical difficulties with the proposed site on A325 at Holt Pound, East Hampshire now mean it is likely to be implemented using speed reactive signing rather than a new fixed camera, supplementing the existing mobile camera enforcement that takes place there.

3.4 Approval has been received from the Department for Transport for further fixed cameras and, subject to further analysis, these will be installed this financial year, at:

(i) A3090 Crampmoor, Romsey;

(ii) B3333 Marine Parade, Lee-on-the-Solent;

(iii) A36(T) West Wellow; and

(iv) A339 North East of Wootton, Basingstoke.

3.5 This year, new mobile safety camera routes have been introduced at:

(i) A30 Blackwater;

(ii) A30 Hook;

(iii) A339 Lasham; and

(iv) Grange Road, Gosport.

Further routes are proposed, subject to final analysis of the most recent casualty records, at:

(i) B3272 Yateley;

(ii) B3272 Hawley Lane, Farnborough;

(iii) Petersfield Road, Havant;

(iv) New Road, Havant; and

(v) A272 Privett.

3.6 An analysis of accidents on existing Hampshire mobile safety camera routes for the year to the end of March 2003 showed a decrease of 11% in personal injury collisions. Initial reductions on new routes can be expected to be well in excess of this level.

4. Safer Routes to School Programme

4.1 Appendix 2 outlines the 2003/04 Safer Routes to School (SRTS) programme. A number of schemes were carried forward from the 2002/03 programme following adjustments required to the capital programme to keep within 2002/03 spending limits.

4.2 Following the capital programme review of December 2002, the SRTS budget was reduced from £500,00 to £100,000. This made it necessary for a number of schemes still in the design stage to be carried forward to the 2003/04 financial year. These schemes are now being progressed alongside new schemes associated with School Travel Plans.

5. Regeneration of Older Urban Areas Programme

Castle Street, Portchester

5.1 The Regeneration of Older Urban Areas (ROUA) scheme for Castle Street, implemented by the County Council and Fareham Borough Council in partnership, is now substantially complete and will open in spring 2004. As outlined previously, further phases of work in the Portchester Conservation Area are subject to agreement with English Heritage.

Shore Road, Warsash

5.2 Work to reverse the one-way system on Shore Road and Passage Lane, and associated improvements to verge areas, has now been completed. The ROUA 2003 to 2005 programme has secured a budget allocation for a final phase of work that will bring the overall improvement plan for Warsash to completion. Consultants have been commissioned to prepare details for a scheme that will link all previously completed projects on the waterfront, including resurfacing of:

(i) Shore Road and Passage Lane (below Thornton Avenue) with stone kerbs and setts, and a high quality surface dressing to strengthen the village character;

(ii) access to the Harbour Master's Office and improvements to the historic boundary of the old Lobster Quay; and

(iii) the waterfront car park and adjacent footways, to minimise the visual impact of this amenity, reduce conflict between cars and pedestrians, and improve access and circulation.

Implementation is currently programmed for autumn 2004.

6. 2003/04 Bridge Works Programme

6.1 As previously reported, the Bridges Section of the Environment Department is responsible for inspection and maintenance, load assessment and strengthening of all existing county highway structures, as well as new structures built as part of road improvements, housing schemes and industrial developments. This includes 1,400 road bridges, 300 footbridges and numerous ancillary structures, such as retaining walls and gantries.

6.2 Bridge maintenance includes regular routine items, such as vegetation and drainage clearance; repairs to accidental damage; major and minor structural maintenance, identified from the annual cycle of bridge inspections; and environmental maintenance of subways.

6.3 Works identified for Fareham within the Bridge Works programme for 2003/04 are listed in Appendix 3.

Recommendation

That this report be noted.

8371/CL

APPENDIX 2

Safer Routes To School Programme 2003/04

Schemes in Fareham Borough Council Area

Key:

1 - Working towards a School Travel Plan

2 - Draft School Travel Plan prepared

3 - School Travel Plan completed

APPENDIX 3

Bridge Works Programme 2003/04 - Fareham

Bursledon Bridge, carrying A27 over the River Hamble

This three-span reinforced concrete arch carries the A27 over the River Hamble at Bursledon. Following detailed inspection and investigation, a contract for major refurbishment has been awarded to Concrete Repairs Limited. This was originally planned in two phases, March to August 2003 and December 2003 to February 2004, to allow for boat movements on the River Hamble. However, the contractor has revised his method of working and is now carrying out the repairs from March to December 2003, without a break. Work is mainly from scaffolding under the bridge, so traffic disruption is being kept to a minimum.

Gillies Subway

A new mural, designed by a local church youth group, was painted on Gillies subway under the A27 Western Way in May 2003. This is in addition to the regular subway cleaning programme.