Archived decisions

Contact: Nick Hunt, tel: 023 80 285916 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This report outlines the opportunities for partnership working with the New Forest National Park Authority (NFNPA) on transport related issues that impact on the New Forest National Park and adjacent areas.

2. Background

2.1 A NFNPA has been set up but is not yet fully functioning. Given that transport is an important issue both in its own right and as a cross cutting issue it is considered important that the NFNPA be encouraged to participate in the shaping, resourcing and implementation of the New Forest Transport Strategy (NFTS) and measures to deliver the Strategy's aims and objectives.

2.2 The key statutory change is that for the area included in the National Park the NFNPA will become the Local Planning Authority.

3. Implications of a National Park Authority on the NFTS and Local Transport Provision

3.1 Hampshire County Council is the Local Highway and Local Traffic Authority. It is responsible for the local road network (excluding motorways and trunk roads). The County Council is the responsible or co-ordinating authority for most highway, traffic and transport related functions including:

i Co-ordination of passenger, school and community transport;

ii Maintenance, management and enhancement of the road network;

iii Public rights of way;

iv Road safety; and

v Transport planning at a sub-regional level and highways development control.

3.2 None of these functions will be transferred to the NFNPA.

3.3 New Forest District Council (NFDC) also has a number of transport responsibilities including:

i Concessionary fares schemes;

ii Considering the transport implications of development (on the basis of advice given by HCC);

iii Decriminalised enforcement of on-street parking restrictions (due to be adopted in 2006);

iv Footway Lighting;

v Off street public car parking;

vi Planning Policies included in its various planning documents; including planning routes for pedestrians and cyclists as well as transport related improvements and access to new development. Much of this work is done in partnership with HCC;

vii Street cleansing;

viii Tourism;

ix Traffic Management (in accordance with an agency agreement with the County Council).

3.4 In addition to these responsibilities NFDC uses its discretionary powers to work in partnership with the County Council and others to improve local transport provision.

Key areas include:

i Community Transport initiatives;

ii Environmental Improvements;

iii Footpath enhancements;

iv Footway Lighting Improvements;

v Identification and development of transport related improvement schemes.

3.5 In April 2006 the NFNPA will become the Local Planning Authority for the area within the National Park. This means that the area covered by NFDC as Local Planning Authority will exclude a significant part of the District. A result of this will be (unless agency arrangements are agreed between NFNPA and NFDC) that the NFNPA become the lead authority for considering the transport implications of development (considering the advice given by the County Council developing and implementing Planning Policies for the National Park).

3.6 The NFNPA will also play a key role in managing tourism and it will be important for the District's tourism economy for there to be effective partnership working. Proposals now stand to be considered by the County Council, with a view to incorporation into the next and future Local Transport Plans.

4. Opportunities for Partnership Working

4.1 There are clear advantages in inviting NFNPA employees to join relevant officer working groups and consulting them on transport related proposals. It is also recommended that the NFNPA be invited to send representatives to the New Forest Highway and Transport Advisory Panel, the New Forest Transport Strategy Panel and Local Strategic Partnership meetings.

4.2 The County Council and NFDC should seek to work closely with NFNPA representatives to develop, secure funding (if appropriate) and implement transport related policies and measures that will contribute towards meeting the aims and objectives set out in the New Forest Transportation Strategy.

4.3 It is suggested that initially the focus be on the following:

(i) Implementation of the approved New Forest Strategic Cycle Routes;

(ii) Working with Parish Councils and community based groups to identify acceptable demand management measures for all vehicular traffic and measures to deter lorries from using Forest Roads as unless necessary for serving the local community;

(iii) Identifying improvements to the operation of the New Forest road network; and

(iv) Measures to promote car free tourism.

(v) Development of the Local Transport Plan.

4.4 The post of New Forest Transport Officer has been in place since July 2003. The role has been jointly funded by Hampshire County Council, New Forest District Council, the Countryside Agency and the Forestry Commission. This funding was for a three year period which ends July 2006. The Transport Officer has been instrumental in developing and enhancing aspects of car free tourism and the strategic cycle network in the New Forest area.

4.5 Alongside the development of the National Park Authority it is an opportune time to review the post of the New Forest Transport Officer and consider its future role and responsibilities. A report will be presented to Members in the near future regarding options for funding the post.

Recommendation

That the County Council and New Forest District Council should seek to work closely with the New Forest National Park Authority to develop, secure funding and implement measures that will contribute towards meeting the aims and objectives set out in the New Forest Transport Strategy with priority given to:

(i) Implementation of the approved New Forest Strategic Cycle route;

(ii) Identifying locally acceptable demand management measures for all vehicular traffic;

(iii) Measures to deter lorries from using forest roads unless necessary for serving the local community; and

(iv) Measures to promote car free tourism.

9149/NH