Archived decisions

Contact: Jonathan Crabb, ext 6047 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This report sets out progress on the following items:

i) Referral of a deputation from Eastleigh Highways and Transportation Advisory Panel

ii) Disbandment of the Light Rapid Transit Development Panel and the establishment of Gosport Peninsula Access Panel

iii) Southampton Airport and Hub Member's Sub-Group.

2. Referral of a Deputation from Eastleigh Highways and Transportation Advisory Panel - Portsmouth Road/Hamble Lane Junction

2.1 At the Eastleigh Highways and Transportation Advisory Panel of 15 October 2004, Councillor Pepper put forward a deputation on the Portsmouth Road/Hamble Lane junction. Councillor Davidovitz, Chairman of the Highway Transport Advisory Panel, requested that this deputation be referred to the Solent Transport Strategy Panel.

2.2 The deputation and accompanying letters are attached at Appendix 1.

2.3 The feasibility of implementing signals at the Portsmouth Road/Hamble Lane junction was investigated in 2002. The feasibility design of the controlled junction took into account that the principal policy objective for this junction was to retain access to and from the peninsula (north/south) through the junction, whilst retaining a degree of access onto and from Portsmouth Road.

2.4 In order to achieve this, there is a need to provide a separate lane for southbound traffic through the junction so that it would not be severely disadvantaged by having to wait behind the traffic wishing to turn right. As part of the scheme, the right turn movement out of Portsmouth Road would also need to be banned. The optimum solution would include allowing westbound traffic turning from Hamble Lane and northbound traffic turning onto Hamble Lane to carry out the movement at the same time. The southbound traffic would also move concurrently. It was also established that the implementation of this junction would require the purchase of a residential property on Hamble Lane and approximately ten separate parcels of land. If the properties could not be purchased on the free market, then a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) would be required. The cost and time implications of progressing a CPO for this scheme would be significant.

2.5 At a Joint Member briefing the traffic signal design at the Portsmouth Road/Hamble Lane junction was considered in detail and it was agreed not to pursue the signalisation of the junction, or any of the other options including the roundabout. Instead it was agreed to investigate alternative options to improve access to the peninsula. The Hamble Area Transport Strategy (HATS), adopted by the County Council in December 2003, provides a framework of proposals aimed at managing the increased demand for travel by car and providing effective alternatives in the Hamble peninsula.

2.6 One of these proposals is a Toucan crossing at Portsmouth Road/Hamble Lane, which has now been installed and all works are complete. As well as improving pedestrian and cycling facilities between Old Netley and Lowford, it is also anticipated that the crossing will assist the traffic movements at the Hamble Lane/Portsmouth Road junction by creating gaps when the pedestrian crossing is used. This will increase opportunities for vehicles to make the right turn in and right turn out of Portsmouth Road.

2.7 The Portsmouth Road/Hamble Lane junction has been the subject of a number of assessments and consultations over recent years. The need for a further meeting to discuss it is unclear, unless Members consider that there is a need to review the options for the junction further. In addition, the emerging South East Plan may influence land use proposals for this area.

3. Disbandment of Light Rapid Transit Development Panel and establishment of Gosport Peninsula Access Panel

3.1 Following the Government decision to withdraw the funding for the South Hampshire Rapid Transit (SHRT) project pending a review of procurement options, the County Council needs to pursue a twin track approach and also examine all means of improving access to the Gosport peninsula. On this basis, the decision has been taken to broaden the responsibilities of the Light Rapid Transit (LRT) Development Panel by replacing it with the "Gosport Peninsula Access Panel", the Terms of Reference for which are attached at Appendix 2.

3.2 The first meeting of the group took place on 20 January 2005 with representatives from the County Council, Fareham Borough Council and Gosport Borough Council. An oral update on the meeting will be presented at the Panel.

4. Southampton Airport and Hub Member's Sub-Group

4.1 At the last meeting of the Panel it was agreed to establish a sub group of Members to consider the range of issues in and around the airport, including the development of the hub as set out in the Regional Transport Strategy and the Chickenhall Lane Link Road. The first meeting is currently being arranged with representatives from the County Council, Southampton City Council and Eastleigh Borough Council.

Recommendation

(i) That the report be noted; and

(ii) That the Executive Member for Environment be advised that subject to Members' views, no further consideration be given to options for the Portsmouth Road/Hamble Lane junction at the present time, particularly in view of the emerging South East Plan.

9128/JC

Appendix 2

GOSPORT PENINSULA ACCESS PANEL

Terms of Reference

1. The Panel shall be called the `Gosport Peninsula Access Panel' and shall be comprised of up to three members appointed by Hampshire County Council and up to three representatives each from the Borough Councils of Fareham and Gosport.

2. The Panel shall be responsible for:-

a) advising Hampshire County Council, Fareham Borough Council, Gosport Borough Council and the Solent Transport Strategy Panel on such matters relating to access to the Gosport peninsula as may be referred to it;

b) steering the work of officers of County and Borough Councils concerning the issue of access to the Gosport peninsula;

c) authorising the commissioning of consultants and advisers to advise on such aspects as are necessary to enable the Panel to carry out its functions;

d) authorising any agreements or other action considered necessary;

e) authorising such consultation with the public or a section of the public or with any interested body or bodies as it considers appropriate.

PROVIDED that the Panel shall not authorise any action pursuant to the above which is not covered by an approved budget, or if at least two members of the County Council require the matter to be referred to the Council for decision.

3. The Chairman of the Panel shall be from Hampshire County Council and the Vice-Chairman shall be from either Fareham or Gosport Borough Councils.

4. Meetings of the Panel shall be held on dates agreed between the County Council and the two Borough Councils and shall be convened by the Secretary of the Panel giving at least 14 days notice.

5. The Secretary of the Panel shall convene a meeting at the request of the Chairman or within 7 days of receipt of a notice from either of the Borough Councils requiring him to do so.

6. Conduct of meetings of the Panel shall be regulated by the Standing Orders of Hampshire County Council so far as the same are applicable to Committees and are consistent with these terms of reference, and no member shall have a casting vote.