Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - SPATIAL STRATEGY

PROJECT APPRAISAL

PROJECT:

QUEENS ROAD, FARNBOROUGH - 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

180

180

Fees

20

20

200

200

Less developers/

other contributions

200

200

Financial provision for total scheme

Total Cost

1.

From Committees own resources

(a) Capital programme (as above)

200

(b) Other

200

2.

From other resources

(a)

-

(b)

(c)

TOTAL

200

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

2.5

0.002

Capital charges

20.0

0.017

TOTAL net expenditure

22.5

0.019

2.

STATEMENT OF NEED/JUSTIFICATION FOR PROJECT

(Client Department)

Three Farnborough schools, South Farnborough Infants, St Mark's CE (Aided) Primary and The Linden Education Centre have each produced a Level 3 School Travel Plan (STP) in consultation with the local community, and approved by the County Council's STP 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.

A joint Queens Road Safer Routes to School (SRTS) scheme has been developed by Rushmoor Borough Council from the measures identified in these STPs by the three schools in the vicinity. This scheme has been developed in tandem with the Park Road Traffic Management Scheme considered in the following report.

A provisional sum of £200,000 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 to the presence of school children.

On 23 January 2004 the Executive Member for Environment agreed an indicative allocation of £1.25 million for a county-wide programme of SRTS 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 £200,000 cost of this scheme is included within other SRTS schemes totalling a further £440,000 seeking approval at this meeting.

3.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL (Client Department)

National/County Network and Policies

The scheme forms part 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 being delivered and collected from school by car.

Details of Scheme and Design Standards

The proposals include:

(i) introducing a 20 miles per hour (mph) zone between Camp Road and Park Road;

(ii) replacing the existing mini-roundabout at the junction of Peabody Road with a more traditional crossroads layout;

(iii) providing three Zebra crossings to serve the schools and Queens Road recreation ground; and

(iv) installing speed cushions and build-outs between Peabody Road and Park Road.

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 three schools.

Traffic surveys have shown an average daily flow of 7,500 vehicles, with flows of up to 1,400 vehicles in the peak hour.

Pedestrian and vehicle surveys have confirmed that each zebra crossing is justified under the County Council PV² criteria, with further validation counts planned.

Recent speed checks have shown an off-peak 85%ile speed of 54 mph along Queens Road.

A location plan is attached and detailed drawings 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 advertise and implement all changes to Traffic Regulation Orders required by the proposals. Depending on the impact of the scheme the Borough Council may in the future investigate further waiting restrictions in Queens Road.

Rushmoor Borough Council will also undertake the necessary statutory procedures for road humps and zebra crossings.

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

Public Consultation

Taking into account the recommendations of the three STPs, proposals have been developed in consultation with the schools, the Borough Council and local residents.

Local residents and Ward Members have been consulted on the proposals through a widely advertised exhibition held on 10 May 2004. This exhibition, held in conjunction with consultation on Park Road Traffic Management proposals, had over 300 residents attending, generating 191 questionnaire responses to Queens Road scheme proposals. Over 90% of responses supported the 20 mph school zone and pedestrian crossing improvements, with 75% support for speed cushions and revised junction layout at the junction of Queens Road/Peabody Road.

The scheme is generally supported by the majority of residents and the proposals were approved by Rushmoor Borough Council Cabinet on 27 July 2004.

Local Member's View

The local Member, Councillor Mrs Devereux, supports 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

South Farnborough Infants,

St Mark's CE (Aided) Primary and

The Linden Education Centre,

School Travel Plans

Environment Department