Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - ENVIRONMENT

ITEM 3

PROJECT APPRAISAL

PROJECT:

HAVANT RAILWAY STATION HAYLING BILLY TRAIL CYCLING AND WALKING ACCESS/CYCLE PARKING - PHASE 2

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

FEBRUARY 2005

COMPLETION DATE:

JUNE 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 2004

(at 2004

prices)

prices)

Capital Expenditure

£'000

£'000

Land to be purchased

nil

nil

Construction

190

190

Fees

84

84

274

274

Less developers/

other contributions

24

24

250

250

Financial provision for total scheme

Total Cost

1.

From Committees own resources

(a) Capital programme (as above)

250

(b) Other

2.

From other resources

(a) Havant Borough Council

24

(b)

(c)

TOTAL

274

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

0.25

0.0005

Capital charges

nil

nil

TOTAL net expenditure

0.25

0.0005

2.

STATEMENT OF NEED/JUSTIFICATION FOR PROJECT

(Client Department)

The Hayling Billy Trail (HBT) provides a primary cycle and pedestrian route between Havant Railway Station and Hayling Island. The trail forms part of a comprehensive cycle network identified in the Havant Borough Cycle Plan. It is also forms a part of the projected National Cycle Network (NCN) promoted nationally by Sustrans (the cycling and environment charity) and is an integral section of the east-west coastal route in southern Hampshire.

Havant Railway Station is designated as an Interchange Station, which is the highest designation on the South West Trains network. Its important status is reflected in the demand for cycle parking and the present use fully utilises the 80 stand spaces available, which are located on the main platforms. The aim of the scheme is therefore to substantially increase the level of available cycle parking to meet immediate and future demand needs. The proposed covered parking area for 115 cycles will greatly enhance the station passenger facilities, providing well-lit and secure parking immediately adjacent to the main entrance. Havant Borough Council, in support of the scheme, has agreed to contribute £24,000 towards the cost.

The new cycle parking provides further opportunity in offering increased travel choice which will encourage non-car travel and may assist in reducing the demand on station car parking, which is currently at capacity on most weekdays before the end of the morning peak. (The car parking constraints are under investigation by the County Council, Havant Borough Council and South West Trains.) The Phase 2 works also complete the cycle and walking access through the station car park to the station entrance, providing a high quality, safe and direct link for the HBT between the station, East Street and Langstone.

The level of cyclists using the new (and existing) cycle parking, together with cycle and pedestrian use on the trail, will be monitored in the future. Data collected will be used in a process of assessing new local targets for cycling. (In 2005, Members will consider what new targets for cycling should be included in the second draft Local Transport Plan (LTP).) Earlier surveys on the use of the trail showed a two-way total of 54 cyclists and 40 pedestrians recorded daily (over 12 hours) at North Halt, Langstone in 2002. More recent cycle use data showing a two-way total of 140 cyclists daily, recorded over 12 hours in August 2004, is likely to have been influenced by the completion of the Phase 1 station access scheme in September 2003.

3.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL (Client Department)

National/County Network and Policies

The proposals are consistent with the aims and objectives of set out in the Hampshire LTP and the Solent Transport Strategy documents. The main aim is to reduce the harmful effects of transport, improve the safety of all travellers and improve the quality of the local environment.

The overall project accords with the provisions for "Improving the Walking and Cycling Environment" in a new Department for Transport Walking and Cycling Action Plan published in spring 2004. This is the Government's action plan for increasing the levels of walking and cycling in England.

Details of Scheme and Design Standards

The Phase 2 works that are the subject of this report include two main areas of works. The first part is to extend the cycling and walking route through the one-way section of the existing station car park. This involves the demolition of part of the old station platform to permit changing the parking layout to facilitate a wider area for pedestrians and a contra-flow cycle lane. The revised parking layout is to include new spaces for disabled parking and the resultant reduction in spaces has already been accommodated by the new 15 space car park extension provided under Phase 1.

The second part of the works is to provide a purpose-built covered parking unit for 115 cycles, together with a replacement area set aside for waste bins, motorcycles and cycles at the western end of the station site (see plans to be displayed at the meeting).

It is proposed that the design and implementation of the project should be managed by South West Trains Limited on behalf of the County Council, since the works are wholly on railway land. To formalise this arrangement, it is proposed that a Grant Agreement be entered into between the County Council and South West Trains Limited for the Phase 2 works. South West Trains Limited, as the Train Operating Company (TOC), would agree the provision of the works with Network Rail.

Design Standards

The design standards adhere to the County Council and Department for Transport standards for pedestrian and cycle facilities. Works to alter the railway station site comply with the Railways Inspectorate Regulations and TOC procedures.

Environmental Impact

The proposal has negligible consequences on the local environment, but there will be some impact from additional signing, carriageway markings and surface treatments. The design of the new covered cycle parking area will enhance the appearance of the railway station frontage.

Land Requirements

No land acquisition required. All works to be confined to the Havant Railway Station site and Railway land holdings.

Statutory Procedures

There are no statutory procedures to be undertaken by the County Council. The TOC is required under its agreement with Network Rail as the primary operator to commence a Station Change Procedure for the proposed works.

Public Consultation

Havant Borough Council has consulted district Members, local disability groups, residents' associations and the Cyclists Touring Club (CTC). All support the scheme. On 6 November 2002 the Borough Council's Highway Management Panel considered and supported the scheme.

Local Member's View

The local Member, Councillor Mrs Wride, supports the project.

Equalities

The scheme includes tactile surfacing for the visually disabled and the overall access provides improved wheelchair access to the railway station. Car parking spaces for the disabled are to be provided in the revised parking layout immediately adjacent to the station forecourt.

Maintenance Implications

Work to the station site will be wholly maintained by South West Trains Limited as part of the station infrastructure.

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

No areas have been raised or reported. Closed circuit television camera operations and lighting have been improved by South West Trains Limited as part of the Phase 1 works. As part of Phase 2 platform alterations the existing lighting will be amended and upgraded.

Sustainability

The Hayling Billy Trail project provides improved access opportunities for cyclists, pedestrians and disabled users to the Havant Town Centre. The trail has the potential to provide considerably improved access to the railway station from the south and the east, supporting the principles of providing travel choice and increasing travel by train.

4.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT - ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

(Client Department)

No alternative road improvements have been considered appropriate to this project.

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

None.