Archived decisions

Contact: Paul Turner, ext 6978 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the Executive Member for Policy and Resources approves the attached Project Appraisal to carry out the Brighton Hill Roundabout Improvements, subject to the deferment of the bus priority lane on Brighton Way pending a review of the public transport strategy for the Basingstoke area.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision supports Aims 2 and 4 (Stewardship of the Environment and Building Strong and Safe Communities) of the Corporate Strategy. The primary need for the scheme is to improve the condition and safety of the road layout at the Brighton Hill roundabout to reduce traffic accidents. The scheme includes a bus lane to improve the reliability and speed of public transport services during peak traffic periods and so encourage the use of better quality bus services as an attractive and accessible alternative to the car. The relevant targets within LTP 1 are:

(i) for a 40% reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured and for a 10% reduction in the number of slight casualties per 100 million vehicle kilometres to the average 1994-1998 level by 2010;

(ii) to increase bus use from 2000 levels by 10% by 2010; and

(iii) to halve the deterioration in the condition of principal roads.

This scheme will help towards the achievement of these targets. Similar targets are currently being developed for LTP 2.

2.2 The Executive Member for Environment: North Hampshire and Spatial Strategy recommends the proposal.

2.3 This report was considered by the Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel on 30 June 2005.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 The initial feasibility study identified signalisation as an option for Brighton Hill roundabout. Further modelling during the detailed design revealed that signalisation alone at this location had limited benefits in terms of vehicle management or congestion. The geometry and size of the existing roundabout does not support a viable signal improvement scheme without major improvement works which would necessitate a third circulatory lane to keep flows to within current levels. This would cost three times as much as the current scheme which gives proportionately similar benefits.

3.2 A left turn only was considered to improve the safety from Western Way. Consultation with the Borough Council and local Members showed that local residents were not in favour of this proposal. Western Way has since been redesigned so that the exit onto the roundabout enables drivers to choose either a left turn lane or straight on manoeuvre with offset visibility to improve safety in this area.

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 T K Thornber

269/PST Decn