Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - SPATIAL STRATEGY

Item 3

PROJECT APPRAISAL

PROJECT:

ROMSEY - SOUTHAMPTON ROUTE 15 SOUTHERN TEST VALLEY QUALITY BUS PARTNERSHIP - INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

JANUARY 2004

COMPLETION DATE:

APRIL 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 Sept 04

(at Sept 04

prices)

prices)

Capital Expenditure

£'000

£'000

Land to be purchased

nil

nil

Construction

110

110

Fees

40

40

150

150

Less developers/

other contributions

150

150

Financial provision for total scheme

Total Cost

1.

From Committees own resources

(a) Capital programme (as above)

150

(b) Other

150

2.

From other resources

(a)

(b)

(c)

TOTAL

150

Value of land for this project in HCC ownership £

Variations from capital programme

Revenue implications

£'000

% variation

to Committee's

budget

Net current expenditure

Nil

Nil

Capital charges

16

0.014

TOTAL net expenditure

16

0.014

2.

STATEMENT OF NEED/JUSTIFICATION FOR PROJECT

(Client Department)

The Romsey Movement and Access Study identified the need to improve the transport network "to provide for necessary travel needs in and around Romsey in a sustainable manner". The recommended strategy includes quality bus partnerships which will generate higher levels of patronage through improvements to frequency, quality and accessibility.

The bus operator of Route 15, Solent Blue Line has expressed the view that infrastructure improvements along this route will encourage higher patronage of the service as they will attract potential new users more than alterations to existing junctions. It is anticipated that the Quality Bus Partnership (QBP) will deliver an increase in passenger numbers of approximately 5%.

3.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL (Client Department)

National/County Network and Policies

The objective of the infrastructure improvements is to improve the operation of public transport between Southampton and Romsey by reducing stop times. This is in compliance with the Solent Transport Strategy which aims to encourage modal shift to public transport.

Details of Scheme and Design Standards

The design adheres to the design standards of the Department for Transport and those of the County Council.

Specific works will include:

(i) a programme of replacing approximately 50 bus stop poles with high visibility, colour coded aluminium units incorporating large integral display cases and comprehensive publicity;

(ii) provision of new bus shelters where possible. Worn out shelters will also be replaced as necessary; and

(iii) a programme of raised kerbs to provide level access to low floor buses for people with limited mobility and for those with shopping trolleys or baby buggies. This will include safer crossing points, dropped kerbs and tactile paving to provide safer access to bus stops.

Solent Blue Line has taken part in site visits to agree the appropriate level of infrastructure. Test Valley Borough Council will administer and supervise the highway works on a fee basis.

A location plan is attached and a detailed plan of the proposed improvements will be displayed at the meeting.

Environmental Impact

Through the QBP agreement, public transport in the Southern Test Valley area will be substantially improved. The local environment will be aesthetically improved by new bus shelters, bus stop poles and access measures.

Land Requirements

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

Statutory Procedures

There are no statutory procedures involved.

Public Consultation

As part of the Passenger Transport Group Best Value Review, Miller Associates carried out extensive market research and convened focus groups with Hampshire residents. The results show a very positive response to measures to improve bus services, ie improved information, new vehicles, better accessibility, new bus shelters and improved timetables.

Local Members' View

The local Members, Councillors Dowden and Mrs Barron, support the proposals.

Equalities

Solent Blue Line has introduced low-floor easy-access buses on Route 15. The infrastructure improvements funded by the County Council will provide level access to these buses at bus stops in the Southern Test Valley area. Tactile paving and dropped kerbs will provide safer crossing points for the mobility impaired.

Maintenance Implications

The bus operator will maintain bus stop publicity and fittings. Materials will be funded from existing revenue budgets. Maintenance of new bus shelters that are not maintained by an advertising company will be administered by the Borough Council and Parish Councils in line with existing arrangements.

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

Successful public transport can help to reduce the sense of isolation of families and family members who do not have access to a car. With a reliable public transport system and the resulting reduction in congestion, urban areas can become healthier and more attractive places to live, work and shop. Improved facilities at bus stops and shelters can help to improve perceived personal safety, and to discourage anti-social behaviour.

Sustainability

The improvements will encourage people to use public transport and help to change some people's travel behaviour. Improvements to the public transport system can lead to more sustainable communities by providing more travel choice. In the long term this can reduce environmental damage and improve social inclusion.

4.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT - ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

(Client Department)

Improvements were considered at the Rownhams Lane/A27 Botley Road junction and the Luzborough Lane/Botley Road junction to aid buses leaving the two junctions. However, following consultation with the bus operators they expressed the view that the benefits these improvements would bring were negligible and should therefore not be implemented.

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

Scheme Working File

Environment Department

Passenger Transport Strategy Team

Room 228