AT A MEETING of the CENTRAL HAMPSHIRE TRANSPORT STRATEGY PANEL held on Wednesday 26 January 2005 at The Castle, Winchester.

PRESENT:

Hampshire County Council

Councillors: K. B. Estlin (Chairman); Mrs A. Bailey: Mrs P. Dickens; J. K. West;

M. J Woodhall.

Basingstoke Borough Council

Councillor: S Parker.

East Hampshire District Council

Councillors: A. B. Chick; R. Ayer.

Test Valley Borough Council

Councillors: R. J. Bailey; A. Hope; T. M. Southern.

Winchester City Council

Councillors: Mrs G. M. C Busher; P. Davies; R. J Knasel; B. Lipscomb.

23. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Members were mindful that, where they believe they had a personal or personal prejudicial interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting, they should normally at the time of the debate, declare their interest and, having regard to the circumstances described in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the County Council's Code of Conduct, consider whether to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed.

24. MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on 14 October 2004, were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

25. CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

There were no Chairman's communications.

26. DEPUTATIONS

There were no deputations

27. TRANSPORT CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2005/06

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 8 in the

Minute Book) appraising Members of the proposed 2005/06 capital programme presented to the Executive Member for Environment on 21 January 2005 and to County Council on 31 March 2005.

The Director of Environment advised that it was encouraging to note that there were a significant number of schools writing their own travel plans. School packs were now available and Members involvement in encouraging Schools to participate was welcomed.

A Member expressed concern about progress on developing a long term transport improvement plan for Alton which would help to alleviate the increased traffic resulting from the growth of new housing. The Director of Environment advised that consultation on major issues had taken place last November with Members and constituents of Alton about the movement round the town centre. A package of measures has been put together including proposals to be implemented in 2005/06.

Members noted that the existing Real Time Information System in Winchester was to be replaced by a new up to date system.

In response to a question about the justification for the cycle schemes in Andover proposed implementation in 2005/06, the Director of Environment advised that the cycle schemes would help to link the radial routes coming into the town centre, provide for movements around the town centre and complete a connection to the railway station. It would also help to cut down the barriers to movement and help people to choose the mode of transport. A Member expressed some disappointment that cycling use remained low despite the fact that 10% of the Local Transport Plan finance had been spent on schemes to help cyclists. Members noted that in each strategy area usage of traffic trends was monitored for 1-2 days and the LTP2 would provide a clearer base across all modes of transport and the information would establish trends.

RESOLVED:

That the Central Hampshire Transport Strategy Panel noted the Executive Member for Environment's proposed programme for 2005/06.

39. LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN CAPITAL PROGRAMME - PRIORITISATION OF SCHEMES

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 9 in the

Minute Book) setting out the methodology for the assessment and prioritisation of schemes within the next Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 (LTP2).

The Director of Environment requested Members views on the methodology and "weighting" scores under particular headings incorporating a "multipler" to certain headings to give a higher priority to which are considered to be more important.

Members noted that guidance had been received by Central Government to alleviate areas where traffic was causing congestion but this was primarily in larger urban areas. Members highlighted concerns about accessibility to hospitals and doctors surgeries dealing with disability problems and signing to help deal with congestion.

Officers noted some initial views from Members on the table showing the relationship between assessment headings and priorities.

RESOLVED:

(i) That Members endorsed the headings which covered all objectives that

should be incorporated in the final assessment scheme.

(ii) That Members should respond within 10 days if they have views on the

methodology, including "weighting" for particular headings to give higher

priority to those which are considered more important.

(iii) That the Panel advises, subject to its views on (i) above, the Executive

Member for Environment that it endorses the headings indicated in the report

(in section 4) as the basis for future assessment and ranking of schemes

within the Local Transport Plan 2006-2011.

29. STRATEGY PROGRESS AND ISSUES

The Panel received an oral report of the Director of Environment informing Members about the current issues in the Central Hampshire area.

Members noted that a recent Central Government press release on spending review had recently indicated that the A3 Hindhead Scheme was "to be progressed for future construction". Assurances had been given that the scheme was still there and not being delayed. A possible start date of 2008/09 with completion in 2012/2013 was given. The public enquiry which had been adjourned had now been reconvened to consider particular problems raised by objectors. A decision by the Inspectors was expected late Summer 2005. Members agreed that they were disappointed at the delay and that each District should make representations to Central Government about the scheme.

The Director of Environment further advised that an agreement had been reached between Hampshire County Council and Winchester City Council to trial a 6-9 month extension to Park and Ride starting in February/March which would stop at The Castle and Romsey Road. It was hoped that it would encourage employees working at the County Council and Royal Hampshire County Hospital would use the scheme. Members agreed that extensive marketing should be carried out to ensure that Hampshire County Council and Romsey Road employees are aware of the trial. The trial was only at peak periods but if successful could be extended depending on the level of demand.

RESOLVED:

That the oral report of the Director of Environment be noted.

30. SOUTH EAST PLAN UPDATE

The Panel received a presentation by the Director of Environment on the South East Plan update.

Public consultation on the Regional Spatial Strategy, now known as the South East Plan, would take place from 24 January 2005 to 15 April 2005. Following further rounds of consultation and a Public Examination into the Plan, the final version is expected to be published by the Government in late 2006 or early 2007.

RESOLVED:

That the oral report of the Director of Environment on the South East Plan update be noted.

31. LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN GUIDANCE AND FUNDING ALLOCATION

FORMULA

The Panel received a presentation by the Director of Environment on the Local

Transport Plan.

The presentation focussed on the process and broad outline content for the new Local Transport Plan and covered the Government's main themes for the second round of Local Transport Plans namely congestion, accessibility, road safety and air quality.

32. LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN UPDATE AND PROCEDURAL DECISIONS

The Panel considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 7 in the Minute Book) seeking Members' endorsement of the proposed policy and programme direction for the Central Hampshire Strategy area.

RESOLVED:

That the Central Hampshire Transport Strategy Panel advises the Executive Member for Environment that the Panel endorses the policy and programme direction proposed for the Central Hampshire area.

33. DATE, TIME AND VENUE FOR THE NEXT PANEL MEETING

The date and time for the next meeting of the Panel:

Tuesday 1 March at 2.00pm in the Wellington Room, Winchester.