Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - SPATIAL STRATEGY

PROJECT APPRAISAL

PROJECT:

ST JOSEPH'S SCHOOL, BRIDGE ROAD, ALDERSHOT - SAFER ROUTES TO SCHOOL SCHEME

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

OCTOBER 2004

COMPLETION DATE:

DECEMBER 2004

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 June 04

(at June 04

prices)

prices)

Capital Expenditure

£'000

£'000

Land to be purchased

Nil

Nil

Construction

54

54

Fees

6

6

60

60

Less developers/

other contributions

60

60

Financial provision for total scheme

Total Cost

1.

From Committees own resources

(a) Capital programme (as above)

60

(b) Other

60

2.

From other resources

(a)

-

(b)

(c)

TOTAL

60

Value of land for this project in HCC ownership £ nil

Variations from capital programme

Revenue implications

£'000

% variation

to Committee's

budget

Net current expenditure

0.65

0.001

Capital charges

6.00

0.005

TOTAL net expenditure

6.65

0.006

2.

STATEMENT OF NEED/JUSTIFICATION FOR PROJECT

(Client Department)

St Joseph's School has developed a Level 3 School Travel Plan (STP) in consultation with the local community assisted by the Borough Council, and approved by the County Council's School Travel Plan team. The objective of the Travel Plan is to encourage as many children as possible to be active and independent by walking or cycling to school on a regular basis.

The St Joseph's School Safer Routes to School (SRTS) scheme has been developed by Rushmoor Borough Council from the measures identified in the STP. As part of its STP St Joseph's School is also developing a `Walking Bus' which will utilise the proposed facilities on its daily route, and further pedestrian improvements are planned within the school grounds.

A provisional sum of £60,000 is allocated from the 2004/05 SRTS budget to implement this scheme which aims to provide better pedestrian crossing facilities for children en route to the school and traffic calming measures to reduce vehicle speeds and increase driver awareness of the presence of schoolchildren.

On 23 January 2004 the Executive Member for Environment agreed an indicative allocation of £1.25 million for a county-wide programme of SRTS Schemes from the 2004/05 Capital Programme, and £1.5 million in 2005/06. It was also agreed that a school must have an approved STP in order to qualify for funding of an associated SRTS scheme.

To date £745,000 of the 2004/05 SRTS allocation has been approved and committed. The £60,000 cost of this scheme is included within other SRTS schemes, totalling a further £440,000 seeking approval.

3.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL (Client Department)

National/County Network and Policies

The scheme forms parts of the County Council's programme of SRTS and accords with policy to improve child safety, as well as making the environment for walking and cycling safer and reducing the number of children travelling to and from school by car.

Details of Scheme and Design Standards

The scheme consists of the introduction of a one-way system, designated pedestrian crossing point and road narrowing in Bridge Road, with the introduction of a crossing point, road narrowing and a gateway feature on Eggars Hill. It is intended that the improvements to the crossing point on Eggars Hill will enable the recruitment of a school crossing patrol operator in the near future and this has been considered in its design.

Subject to approval, works are planned during the autumn half-term holiday to minimise disruption. It is anticipated that these measures, which have been designed in accordance with appropriate and most recent design standards and guidance, will improve safety, and enhance and encourage walking to the school. A location plan is attached and a detailed drawing (HY 4191) will be displayed at the meeting.

Environmental Impact

The scheme should help to ensure a safer and improved environment for all pedestrians and vulnerable road users.

Land Requirements

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

Statutory Procedures

Rushmoor Borough Council will process and make the Traffic Regulation Orders for Bridge Road and Eggars Hill, as well as the one-way system, under its Traffic Management Agency Arrangements should the scheme receive approval. (Draft orders have already been prepared.)

Police, Fire and Ambulance services have also been consulted with no objections raised.

Public Consultation

Taking into account the recommendations of the STP, proposals have been developed in consultation with the school, the Borough Council and local residents. The parents and pupils of St Joseph's were consulted on 11 March 2004, with local residents and Ward Members consulted on the proposals through an exhibition held on 17 March 2004.

Feedback has indicated that the scheme is supported by the majority of residents and parents.

Local Members' View

The local Members, Councillors Roberts and Kimber, support these proposals.

Equalities

Accessibility will be improved by dropped kerb pedestrian crossings with tactile paving, which will assist all users, including people with disabilities.

Maintenance Implications

These will include the ongoing maintenance of additional traffic calming and management features and will be taken into account at the setting of the annual budget.

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

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

Sustainability

The scheme will improve the environment for walking and will help reduce dependence on the motor car.

4.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT - ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

(Client Department)

To take no action on the proposals from the STP.

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

St Joseph's School Travel Plan

Environment Department