Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - ENVIRONMENT

PROJECT APPRAISAL

PROJECT:

DENMEAD - TRAFFIC CALMING/PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES/ TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

OCTOBER 2004

COMPLETION DATE:

AUGUST 2005

PLANNED YEAR OF START IN ACCORDANCE WITH CAPITAL PROGRAMME: 2004/05

1.

FINANCE (Client Department, Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services [Estates Practice] and County Treasurer)

Current

Capital

Estimate

Programme

(at Aug 04)

(at Aug 04)

prices)

prices)

Capital Expenditure

£'000

£'000

Land to be purchased

Nil

Nil

Construction

194

194

Fees

36

36

230

230

Less developers

69

69

contributions

161

161

Financial provision for total scheme

Total Cost

1.

From Committees own resources

(a) Capital programme (as above)

161

(b) Other

161

2.

From other resources

Developers Contributions

69

TOTAL

230

Value of land for this project in HCC ownership £

Variations from capital programme

Revenue implications

£'000

% variation

to Committee's

budget

Net current expenditure

4

0.004

Capital charges

22

0.019

TOTAL net expenditure

26

0.023

2.

STATEMENT OF NEED/JUSTIFICATION FOR PROJECT

(Client Department)

The road network in Denmead, particularly Hambledon Road, Forest Road, Bunker Hill and Southwick Road, carries high volumes of traffic, particularly during peak hours. This has resulted in crossing difficulties for pedestrians. A need has been identified for safe and convenient pedestrian crossing points throughout the village. Surveys have resulted in a proposal for refuge islands on Hambledon Road and Forest Road. A kerb build-out is proposed for Southwick Road.

Islands on Hambledon Road will also emphasise a `School Safety Zone' with new flashing signs and coloured surfacing.

Furzeley Road and Bunkers Hill have differing issues regarding pedestrian facilities, in particular the lack of a footway. A small section of footway can be constructed on Bunkers Hill and Forest Road, but after detailed studies it is apparent that any other sections of formal footways cannot be constructed due to the constraints of the carriageway width. Therefore, a `virtual' footway is proposed, allocating an area of the road for use by pedestrians by a white line marking separating them from the main traffic area. This will also help to reduce traffic speed due to the visual narrowing of the carriageway.

A general signing review will be undertaken to ensure through traffic is not directed through the village centre, but instead along Forest Road. This will improve the village environment. Other signs will be upgraded where appropriate.

Improvements are proposed at the junction of Southwick Road and Hambledon Road by The Green. This has been identified as an area where the junction bell mouth is wide and as a result vehicles tend to maintain high speed through this section. It also exits near to the local health centre and bus stop where pedestrians need to cross. A trial new layout will be monitored and assessed before a permanent scheme is implemented.

A scheme for the public transport route is also proposed. It will involve bus stop pole replacement with stop relocation, as agreed with the local bus company and the Passenger Transport Group; and provision of a new shelter.

It is proposed to extend the Hambledon Road speed limit further south to enhance the entry point into the village by Forest Road (Traffic Regulation Order required).

To assist in lowering traffic speeds by a few miles per hour on Bunkers Hill, it is proposed to enhance the signing of the existing speed limit with advance signing. Also, it may be possible to relocate the entrance into the woodland recreational area on the eastern side of Bunkers Hill to improve pedestrian safety in this area (subject to further approvals). This would help to maintain the present low accident record.

Finally, on the approaches into the village it is proposed to provide surface treatment and new speed limit/village name plate signs to form entry gateways to the village environment.

3.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL (Client Department)

National/County Network and Policies

The proposal is consistent with the County Council's local transportation strategy and policies, to reduce accident potential and improve facilities for pedestrians.

Details of Scheme and Design Standards

The design complies with Department for Transport and Hampshire County Council standards, and has been safety audited at the appropriate stages in the design process.

The scheme has been designed to meet the objectives of improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians and reducing traffic speeds. Features of the scheme include the following:

(i) enhanced village `gateways';

(ii) pedestrian refuge islands (Hambledon Road, Forest Road) with highlighted road space for cyclists;

(iii) allocations of road for use by pedestrians (`virtual' footways);

(iv) minor sections of new footway;

(v) improved and new bus stop facilities;

(vi) new signs and surface treatment to create `School Safety Zone' on Hambledon Road;

(vii) junction realignment Southwick Road and Hambledon Road (to be trialled first);

(viii) improved direction signing and upgrade of signs where appropriate;

(ix) extension of Hambledon Road speed limit to nearer Forest Road roundabout; and

(x) kerb build-out on Southwick Road.

It is expected that these measures will encourage more pedestrian activity.

Environmental Impact

The proposal has negligible consequence for the environment - it will provide positive impacts. All necessary requirements have been satisfied in the development of this proposal.

Land Requirements

No land acquisition required. All works to be confined within existing public highway limits.

Statutory Processes

The proposal for an extension to an existing speed limit will require formal consultation and public advertisement procedures, and will be subject to consideration of any objections and approval from the Executive Member for Environment or under delegated authority, as appropriate.

Public Consultation

Extensive consultation has been ongoing throughout the process of developing this package of measures with Denmead Parish Council, the Denmead Village Association, the Police and local Members. A public exhibition was held in October 2003 displaying plans and inviting comments. These were discussed in detail with the above parties and considered if appropriate. An objection was received in respect of cycle safety at refuge islands. Extensive surveys, further investigations and discussions have subsequently taken place, resulting in a revised scheme for refuge islands on Hambledon Road, with a reduction from 8 to 3, accompanied by surface treatment to highlight the need for motorists to leave space for cyclists. The Cyclists' Touring Club has approved the new proposals.

The Denmead Festival, which commenced on 14 August 2004, provided a further opportunity to exhibit plans of the proposals. Positive feedback has been received from this, with the refuges on Hambledon Road being particularly supported.

Local Member's View

The local Member, Councillor Mrs Hindson, supports the proposal.

Equalities

The proposals incorporate tactile paving for the visually impaired, with flush kerbs at the crossing points for wheelchairs, prams and the less mobile.

Maintenance Implications

The revenue implication of this proposal will be taken into account in the setting of the annual budget base.

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

The provisions of this Act have no impact on the proposal.

Sustainability

The pedestrian crossing points and improved accessibility to community facilities, including the school, support walking, which is a sustainable form of transport.

4.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT - ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

(Client Department)

An option for the provision of a series of eight central islands on Hambledon Road was proposed, but following consultation was not considered appropriate, particularly due to the difficulties these would create for cyclists using this route. Other options for cycle facilities have been considered, but cannot be introduced or constructed due to lack of road and highway widths.

The options of vertical and horizontal deflection traffic calming have also been considered but are unsuitable in these particular circumstances.

A formal pedestrian crossing facility has also been considered but the normal numerical criteria are not satisfied.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1.

Published works.

2.

Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

TITLE

LOCATION

Project File

Environment Department

Traffic Management Group