Archived decisions

Contact: Peter Syddall, ext 6050 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 An oral update will be presented to Members on the progress being made in preparing the Local Transport Plan and the proposed consultation strategy. This report seeks Members' endorsement of the proposed policy and programme direction for the Central Hampshire strategy area.

2. Policy and Programme Direction for the Central Hampshire Area Overall Approach

2.1 The strategy area comprises the main urban settlements of Andover and Winchester, larger settlements such as Alton, Whitehill/Bordon and Petersfield and the remaining rural area within which lie smaller towns and villages.

2.2 Common themes have emerged for the strategy area which focus on improving accessibility, greater travel choices and making the best use of existing assets. These themes are consistent with the County Council's Corporate Strategy objectives of stewardship of the environment, building strong and safe communities and contributing towards economic prosperity.

2.3 The opportunity should be taken wherever possible of providing added value through integrating area strategy proposals with county-wide programmes such as casualty reduction, safer routes to school, community transport and influencing travel behaviour. Improving access, particularly to local facilities, can help to enhance health choices, and support local economies. Seeking to influence travel behaviour, promoting incentives and providing up to date information through the wide range of media now available can assist in meeting travel needs `at source'. In this way travel demands can be reduced and people made more aware of actual travel choices.

Andover

2.4 Within Andover there is a need and opportunity to develop travel choices both for the short and longer term. Improving these choices over the next five years will put in place measures that will help to address the longer term challenges of increasing car ownership and the extra travel needs of the Major Development Areas (MDAs) proposed in the Local Plan.

2.5 Walking and cycling can be made more attractive and convenient by completing strategic routes where cost effective, reducing the severance effects of roads and improving the standard and maintenance of existing routes. Better access to local facilities will help reduce travel demands. Schemes should take full account of the requirements of disabled and less mobile people.

2.6 Public transport can be made more accessible through improved infrastructure, including better interchange and waiting facilities. In the Test Valley Borough Local Plan a new bus station is proposed for Andover. Information should be a key area for action, making optimum use of modern technology in order to provide an attractive alternative to the car. Partnerships with bus operators will secure improved vehicles and services in return for investment in infrastructure.

2.7 There is the prospect of considerable contributions towards transport infrastructure and services in the latter part of the LTP period and beyond, as the MDAs are commenced.

Winchester City

2.8 Within Winchester there is the need to protect the historic character of the city against the impact of traffic and to contribute towards improving air quality. Walking can be encouraged through new and well maintained infrastructure and the promotion of its health benefits. Walking over shorter distance journeys will contribute towards less use of the car for trips to local facilities. Attention should be given to completing routes and reducing severance by new and improved pedestrian crossing facilities. All schemes should recognise the requirements of disabled people.

2.9 Provision for those wishing to cycle will again help to improve travel choices for journeys within the city. There will be a need to recognise the constraints of an historic settlement, with its narrow streets and limited road space.

2.10 Increased use of bus services can be actively promoted through better infrastructure and information, utilising modern technology. Expansion of partnership working with bus companies will lead to better, more accessible and less polluting vehicles.

2.11 The County and City Councils will work together on the park and ride strategy for Winchester. Car parking policy is likely to feature prominently as part of a successful park and ride strategy. This would involve transferring long stay parking provision to park and ride sites from the city centre, whilst recognising the importance of short stay provision for the economy of the city.

Other Settlements

2.12 Improving accessibility in the other larger settlements will aim to facilitate, within the available budgets, walking and cycling for shorter trips. This will seek to improve access to and encourage the use of local facilities. Public transport will focus on value for money schemes that meet local needs and reduce severance.

2.13 Considerable contributions for transport measures are likely to become available for Whitehill/Bordon should significant development occur with the release of Ministry of Defence land.

Rural Area

2.14 Within the remaining rural areas and smaller settlements, there will be an emphasis on public transport improvements that are best suited to local needs and provide value for money. For villages it is envisaged that there will be some limited funding for improved walking access to local services and reducing the impact and severance caused by traffic.

Recommendation

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

9129/PCS