Archived decisions

Contact: Frank Baxter, ext 6581 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This report considers key schemes relevant to the North Hampshire Transport Strategy area. Members' views are sought on a themed approach to allocating resources.

2. Major Schemes Update

2.1 This section of the report details potential major schemes that could be considered and developed within the period of the next Local Transport Plan 2006-2011. A major scheme is a scheme that costs over £5 million and for which a separate bid to the Department for Transport (DfT) is required. For the North Hampshire Transport Strategy area such schemes would include Chineham Station and enhancements to the A33.

Chineham Station, Basingstoke

2.2 At the last Panel meeting it was noted that the timetable and route capacity analysis for this scheme were positive and as such, Chineham had been included on the Strategic Rail Authority's (SRA) `Single List of Enhancements'. Since then discussions have begun with Reading Borough Council and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council with regard to the development of a joint business case for both Chineham and Reading Green Park Stations. It is considered that together they will make a more compelling business case, as well as providing the potential to alleviate the transport impacts of a regional housing and employment imbalance. If it makes a good business case, the scheme will be more likely to get support from the Rail operators and the DfT.

A33 Enhancements, Basingstoke

2.3 As part of development work on the South East Plan officers and Members will be considering the impact of various growth options. Within the next Local Transport Plan (LTP) period further improvements to the A33 may need to be considered within these options.

3. Other Significant Schemes

3.1 Other schemes refer to those which are under £5 million and will form part of the block allocation for the LTP.

A287/Redfields Lane Junction, Church Crookham

3.2 As requested by the Executive Member for Environment, this scheme was discussed at a District and County Member meeting in May and with County Members in July. No decision has yet been made as to the future of the scheme. The scheme was considered necessary to address a road safety problem at the junction. However, following the implementation of a successful low cost safety scheme, there is no justification for a new junction based on road safety grounds. Further junction improvements would yield little benefit.

3.3 To date a large amount of developer contributions has been sought for this improvement or measures in the vicinity. These could be diverted to other local transport schemes if the junction improvements were not progressed.

3.4 There will be a public exhibition for the Queen Elizabeth II Barracks development (see agenda item 10) where the access strategy for the development will be on view for discussion. A date has not yet been set. The strategy focuses on diverting the development traffic to the east and not onto Redfields Lane. Transport assessments carried out by the developer suggest the impact on Redfields Lane will be very small. A report to a future Panel will be informed by the results of the exhibition and will seek views on the future of this scheme.

Blackwater Valley Public Transport Strategy

3.5 The following is an update since the March Panel meeting:

(i) The Blackwater Valley Umbrella Quality Bus Partnership (QBP) was officially launched on 27 June 2004 with the signing of the partnership agreement.

(ii) 100,000 copies of the Blackwater Valley Public Transport map have been printed and a door to door distribution has taken place.

(iii) A public satisfaction survey conducted on Route 1 in May revealed increasing customer confidence in bus journey reliability and overall level of service, following the construction of the bus lanes.

(iv) As a result of increased patronage figures of 2.5% and savings in journey time of 8% due to bus priority measures, Stagecoach has increased the frequency on Route 1 to every 10 minutes from every 15 minutes.

(v) A programme of improvements to bus passenger waiting facilities on Route 1 in Aldershot has been approved and will be implemented before March 2005.

(vi) Route 1, already fully equipped with low-floor buses, has been upgraded with new vehicles.

(vii) A Real-Time Passenger Information (RTPI) system is to be installed at 22 stops on Route 1 and integrated with the RTPI used by Surrey County Council in Camberley. Nationally this system will pioneer integration between neighbouring authorities.

(viii) Investigations are being carried out into the possible benefits of installing Selective Vehicle Detection (SVD) at four more signalised junctions on Route 1 in Aldershot.

(ix) Route 6, identified as the next QBP route, is to undergo a programme of infrastructure improvements, including RTPI and the introduction of low-floor buses, to be completed by March 2005.

(x) The marketing initiative, known as `InfoMotion', offering personalised public transport information was started in September in Rushmoor.

(xi) An initiative to introduce integrated ticketing in the Blackwater Valley has been received positively after initial discussions with bus operators.

Aldershot Town Centre

3.6 In drawing up the next LTP programme, transport improvements to Aldershot town centre could form a significant scheme vital to the Aldershot area. Located just to the north of the town centre the proposed Aldershot Urban Extension (AUE) will have a significant impact on the town centre in terms of it future vitality. Its proximity has the potential for encouraging sustainable walking and cycling habits. In addition to this, Rushmoor Borough Council is due to begin work on its Local Development Framework (LDF). Changes to land use within the town centre could be key to unlocking transport challenges that have faced the area for some time. The opportunity exists to bring together the LTP, LDF and AUE work. There are several ways in which this could be done and Members' views are being sought on the best way forward.

3.7 Officers are progressing work on a study to investigate the potential for sustainable transport solutions in Aldershot town centre. The study would review the existing transport infrastructure in the light of proposed development in the area and recommend changes which would contribute towards the following objectives:

(i) to encourage the residents of Aldershot, the AUE and other local areas to choose Aldershot town centre as their preferred destination;

(ii) to encourage access by sustainable modes;

(iii) to support the economy of Aldershot town centre;

(iv) to promote social inclusion; and

(v) to integrate transport proposals with land use development.

3.8 An alternative to a Hampshire County Council transport study would be to make Aldershot town centre the subject of a Special Planning Document (SPD) within the Rushmoor LDF. The SPD would contain a definitive vision for the future of the town centre and would incorporate plans to deliver complementary transport, land use changes and wider regeneration measures.

3.9 Members' views are sought on combining the efforts and resources that would be used to develop a transport study with Rushmoor Borough Council's work on the LDF and the creation of an SPD. Members' views are also sought on this becoming a priority project for the next LTP and on the setting up of a Members' Panel to oversee the delivery of this project.

Yateley to Blackwater Cycleway

3.10 This scheme has been brought forward from the 2005/06 capital programme to 2004/05. It was moved because development of the scheme had advanced to detailed design and could be implemented in 2004/05.

A30 Brighton Hill Roundabout, Basingstoke

3.11 This scheme is to provide accident remedial measures at Brighton Hill roundabout on the A30 and includes the implementation of a priority lane on the Brighton Way approach. A proposal for an accident remedial scheme was discussed at a District and County Member working group in August. There was general agreement that a scheme of this nature is required to address the safety concerns because of a high number of casualties at this junction. A signalisation scheme was proposed for the junction; however, modelling has demonstrated that such a scheme would yield no overall benefits in reducing congestion and would prove very expensive (in excess of £3 million). The proposed scheme is expected to cost less than £1.5 million and is entirely funded through developer contributions. The scheme has now been developed to detailed design stage, with a possible date of April 2005 for the commencement of works on site.

A30 Winchester Road Roundabout, Basingstoke

3.12 This scheme is required as a continuation of the junction improvements to the A30 south-west corridor. It is anticipated that the scheme will follow the implementation of the Brighton Hill roundabout scheme, possibly in 2006/07. Officers will be working on developing four potential options for consultation with local Members. These will be:

(i) full signalisation;

(ii) part signalisation with bus priority;

(iii) accident remedial; and

(iv) flyover.

3.13 The benefits and disadvantages of each option will be set out in the consultation process.

A30 High Occupancy Vehicle Lane, Basingstoke

3.14 A report by consultants Atkins in 2000 identified the potential for implementing a High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane between Kempshott roundabout and Brighton Hill roundabout. A high occupancy lane is for vehicles carrying two or more persons, including buses. It offers the potential to reduce congestion by encouraging more car sharing. However, there are presently enforcement issues that require resolution before such schemes can be progressed further. It is hoped that new technology which is still being tested and legislation, which has yet to be enacted, will provide an effective enforcement option. The scheme which was a 2005/06 scheme has therefore been deferred to the preparation pool, pending resolution of the enforcement issues.

A339/A340 Aldermaston Road Roundabout, Basingstoke

3.15 This scheme involves junction improvements to the A340 Aldermaston Road roundabout with A339 Ringway and link improvements up to Priestley Road.

3.16 It was previously in the 2004/05 capital programme but has been deferred to the preparation pool, pending the resolution of a land acquisition issue and the outcome of further modelling. This will allow for consideration to be given to the design options available and the alternative transport strategies that will need to be developed on this corridor.

3.17 Junction improvements will be necessary to coincide with the development of the North of Popley sites. Several of the North of Popley sites have already been given planning permission and highways consent. However, the consent is not conditional on this junction being improved.

A33 Junction Improvements, Basingstoke

3.18 The A33/Ringway junction improvement has been brought forward from the 2005/06 capital programme to 2004/05. Work is taking place to initiate a start this financial year, at least with the statutory undertaker diversion works. The remaining elements of this £3.5 million scheme which include signalisation of the roundabout junction, and bus, cycle and pedestrian measures will be implemented subsequently.

3.19 The main consultation was undertaken several years ago. Consequently, from November onwards the County Council will be advertising the works. A detailed work programme is being developed for project appraisal.

3.20 Additional improvements are being investigated for Great Binfields and Crockford Lane junctions. These are presently in the preparation pool awaiting more detailed feasibility work. Some feasibility work has already been done at these junctions but in light of the recently approved North of Popley development this work now needs to be revisited. Advancement of these options will need to be made in conjunction with the evolving growth option being considered as part of the South East Plan.

4. Locally Themed Transport Strategies for LTP2

4.1 Agenda item 8 on "Key Local Transport Plan Policy Decisions for Hampshire" includes reference to transport themes. This report considers the implications of having themed transport options for the North Hampshire Transport Strategy area. Informal discussions have been held with officers from Hart District and Rushmoor and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Councils about appropriate themes.

Hart and Rushmoor

4.2 Key themes to include:

(i) Continuation of county-wide maintenance programme;

(ii) Continuation of Road Safety programme;

(iii) Continuation of Safer Routes to Schools programme;

(iv) Improvements for pedestrians;

(v) Area based town centre access improvements;

(vi) Public Transport interchange improvements; and

(vii) Targeted cycle investment.

4.3 Officers in both districts gave a high rating to general measures throughout the districts to improve accessibility, particularly on foot and by bicycle. A continuing priority was placed on the county-wide programmes for road and footway maintenance, road safety and Safer Routes to Schools. Better transport interchange was also considered important, particularly in Rushmoor. Accessibility improvement by sustainable means to town centres such as Aldershot, Farnborough and Fleet were seen as important.

4.4 One method of improving access for pedestrians could be to develop a pedestrian strategy which could potentially include pedestrian environment audits, area access improvements to transport interchanges, town centres and leisure and health facilities, introduction of pedestrian phases at signalised junctions, better signing and improved footway maintenance.

4.5 Work is being undertaken to review the existing cycle networks, with a view to developing a core network of high quality direct routes that demonstrates value for money.

4.6 Public transport interchange improvements are being considered and will need to be developed in partnership with localised developments such as the Aldershot Urban Extension, which offer funding potential, and the evolving work on the Regional Spatial Strategy and Western Corridor.

Basingstoke

4.7 The future development of the LTP themes in Basingstoke will need to take into account evolving housing growth scenarios that are being developed for the Western Corridor as part of the South East Plan (see agenda item 10). Key themes to include:

(i) Continuation of developer led junction improvements;

(ii) Improvements for pedestrians;

(iii) Continuation of public transport improvements and partnership working;

(iv) School transport and Safer Routes to Schools; and

(v) Targeted cycle investment.

4.8 Discussion on themed transport strategies for the next LTP have also been held with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council officers. In addition, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council's Cabinet has identified its key priorities for transport in Basingstoke. It is clear that completion of various large junction improvements that facilitate development in the area remain a high priority and this work is likely to continue into the next LTP period. For the next LTP the discussions that have taken place have indicated support for themed transport schemes that focus on pedestrians and public transport.

4.9 A particular focus on pedestrians was thought necessary to address accessibility issues within Basingstoke. This could be achieved through the development of a Basingstoke Pedestrian Strategy. This may involve developing distinct programmes of work that seek to address key issues such as the removal of barriers to movement on foot, the removal or enhancement of pedestrian subways, audit of pedestrian environments and the identification of key missing pedestrian facilities, particularly in older housing estate areas where the lack of footways presents problems for local residents who wish to walk.

4.10 Public transport improvements have been delivered through various initiatives, including two Quality Bus Partnerships and the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council led Centre Shuttle. Through the LTP this work will be continued. In addition, feasibility work is commencing on interchange improvements at Alencon Link and improved shelters at the main bus station.

4.11 Measures to tackle the school run also remain a high priority for Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and the County Council. Cycle schemes featured heavily in the list of schemes identified in the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Cabinet report. There is a need to review both the present and planned cycle route network to develop a list of key improvements in terms of core routes and missing links that deliver good value.

Congestion as a Theme

4.12 Whilst congestion is an important issue it is notable that many of the key themes discussed for all districts in the North Hampshire Transport Strategy area are accessibility related. They could therefore be funded through the LTP capital programme on this basis.

4.13 Adopting congestion related measures, as explained in agenda item 8, would mean that District and Borough Councils and the County Council would be obliged to consider options available to reduce congestion. These would include congestion charging, workplace parking charges or other methods, such as parking charge increases. In addition, targets would need to be set for the core congested routes or networks. Performance against the targets would be monitored and reported to the DfT on an annual basis. The results would influence its future funding decisions.

5. New Objective for the Basingstoke Environmental Strategy for Transport (BEST)

5.1 A recent Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Cabinet report sought Basingstoke Member approval to include a new BEST objective to:

"ensure that investment is properly co-ordinated to mitigate the impact of new development and to meet the transport needs of existing and new communities".

5.2 The BEST objectives will be reflected in the new LTP either as urban master plans or as part of the area strategies. Within this process consideration will be given to including the new objective which is in line with existing policy.

Recommendations

1. That Members endorse the following:

(i) Further development work on the Chineham Station scheme during the next Local Transport Plan period;

(ii) consideration of enhancement works to the A33 corridor;

(iii) continued implementation of the Blackwater Valley public transport strategy over the next Local Transport Plan period;

(iv) the suggestion on the Aldershot town centre project of combining the efforts and resources that would be used to develop a transport study with Rushmoor Borough Council's work on the Local Development Framework and the creation of a Special Planning Document;

(v) the suggestion of the Aldershot town centre project becoming a priority project for the next Local Transport Plan and the establishment of a Member steering group to oversee the project;

(vi) the findings of the Brighton Hill roundabout working group that the junction improvements be advanced as an accident remedial scheme with some benefits for all users; and

(vii) the four junction improvement options (in paragraph 3.12) at Winchester Road roundabout for further investigation.

2. That the Panel advise the Executive Member for Environment of its views on the suggested themed campaigns within the North Hampshire area.

8999/FB