Contact: Adrian Gray, ext 6892 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the attached Project Appraisal to install traffic signals at Portchester rail bridge in Fareham, at an estimated cost of £52,500, be approved.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision supports the following Aims of the Corporate Strategy:

(i) Aim 2 (Stewardship of the Environment) by making walking and cycling more attractive and helping to meet the County Council's objective of reducing the environmental impact of transport; and

(ii) Aim 3 (Achieving Economic Prosperity) by managing traffic delays at the junctions to optimise the efficient movement of vehicles.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 To leave the junction as it is. This option is not considered a viable long term solution as the current informal priority system is causing difficulty for motorists in this location.

3.2 To remove the experimental priority system and footway. This is rejected as reinstatement of two-way traffic would result in the loss of the widened footway, which has overcome the access difficulties formerly experienced by wheel chair users and people with push chairs. There would also be considerable disbenefits for local residents, school children walking to local schools and passengers accessing the station.

3.3 Variable message signs exist that can be used in combination with appropriate vehicle detection to advise motorists of the presence of on-coming vehicles. These systems are typically used to detect specific types of vehicle, eg lorries and buses, and would not be appropriate here where general traffic presents the hazard. In addition, such a scheme would be unlikely to cost less than the proposed traffic signals, and would incur similar operating costs.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or Other Executive Member Consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor K B Estlin

8916decn/AG