Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - SPATIAL STRATEGY

ITEM 1

PROJECT APPRAISAL

PROJECT:

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENT SCHEME WATER LANE, TOTTON PHASE 1

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

FEBRUARY 2005

COMPLETION DATE:

MARCH 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

105

105

Fees

15

15

120

120

Less developers/

other contributions

120

120

Financial provision for total scheme

Total Cost

1.

From Committees own resources

(a) Capital programme (as above)

(b) Other

2.

From other resources

(a)

(b)

(c)

TOTAL

120

Value of land for this project in HCC ownership £

Variations from capital programme

Revenue implications

£'000

% variation

to Committee's

budget

Net current expenditure

2.5

0.003

Capital charges

11.0

0.009

TOTAL net expenditure

13.5

0.012

2.

STATEMENT OF NEED/JUSTIFICATION FOR PROJECT

(Client Department)

The justification for the proposed scheme along Water Lane is based upon the need to improve safety, reduce the level of through traffic, and reduce vehicle speeds.

The accident rate is above the national average for this standard of road. Some traffic uses this road to avoid traffic delays and congestion in Totton town centre. There is traffic travelling along this road in excess of the 30 mph speed limit which causes concern for pedestrians, especially children attending the local schools.

The current personal injury accident rate is 2.34 per million vehicle kilometres. The target for this scheme is to reduce the accident rate to the national average for this class of road, which is 0.83 per million vehicle kilometres.

Similarly, the current 85%ile speed of traffic along Water Lane is approximately 36 mph. The target for this scheme is to reduce 85% ile speed down to 30 mph.

The scheme has been developed through a public consultation exercise and a series of community workshops. The workshops involved officers from both county and district councils, the local Member, Mrs Randall, Totton and Eling Town Council and residents from Water Lane.

3.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL (Client Department)

National/County Network and Policies

The proposals are consistent with the aims and objectives set out in the Hampshire Local Transport Plan and the Solent Transport Strategy.

The main aim of the scheme is to reduce the number of personal injury accidents along this road and improve safety for pedestrians and road users, as well as improving the general environment for local residents.

Details of Scheme and Design Standards

The proposed scheme consists of a number of traffic calming measures that include raised tables at several priority junctions and build-outs to reduce vehicle speeds and improve safety.

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

The design standards adhere to Hampshire County Council's standard and national guidance.

Environmental Impact

The scheme has been developed to reduce the effects of traffic on the residents of Water Lane.

Land Requirements

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

Statutory Procedures

The road humps proposed for this scheme are currently being advertised under Section 90(C) of the Highways Act 1980.

Public Consultation

The current scheme was developed through an initial public consultation exhibition followed by two community workshops.

The initial consultation exhibition asked for residents' comments on a traffic calming scheme which consisted of a series of speed cushions along the entire length of Water Lane.

This was well-attended and the results from the questionnaires completed and returned following the exhibition showed that the majority of those completing the questionnaire did not support the measures proposed. The main concern raised was that the cushions would create extra noise as vehicles braked and accelerated.

In the light of these results a community workshop was organised and residents from the Water Lane area were invited to attend and work with officers to develop a scheme that had the support of local people.

The initial workshop held in September 2004 was attended by nearly 200 people. They were invited to work in groups on the section of Water Lane they resided in, comment on the current problems and suggest measures to overcome the problems that they would support as a group.

The results of this were analysed and a revised scheme designed which reflected the outcome of the workshop.

A second workshop was organised and held in November 2004 and those people who attended the first workshop were invited to attend to review the measures and asked to give their support to the preferred final options.

Between 90 and 100 people attended the second workshop and, having inspected the revised options, were asked to express their preference for the individual measures to enable the scheme to be finalised.

The results of the questionnaire showed that residents preferred the option of `raised table' traffic calming measures along Water Lane east of the junction with Hammonds Green Road. West of the Water Lane/Hammonds Green Road junction, which is where the college and recreation centre access is located, build-outs, central refuges in the carriageway and anti-skid surfacing on the approaches to the college/recreation centre access is preferred.

Local Member's View

The local Member, Councillor Mrs Randall, supports the measures.

Equalities

The proposed traffic calming measures will make it easier for disabled persons and those with pushchairs to cross Water Lane to access the recreation centre and local schools/college.

Maintenance Implications

The revenue implications of this proposal will be taken into account when the annual base budget is set.

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

The provisions of this Act have no impact on these proposals.

Sustainability

This scheme will enhance the environment for walking.

4.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT - ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

(Client Department)

Alternative traffic management measures were investigated, which included road humps, build-outs and changes in priority at some junctions along Water Lane.

Following discussions with Totton Town Council and the initial public consultation exhibition, these measures were reviewed and the scheme amended to take into account the views of local people.

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

Water Lane, Totton, Working Files

Environment Department