Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - ENVIRONMENT: NORTH HAMPSHIRE AND SPATIAL STRATEGY

ITEM 5

PROJECT APPRAISAL

PROJECT:

LYMINGTON TO BARTON-ON-SEA - BUS INFRASTRUCTURE AND INFORMATION IMPROVEMENTS

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

FEBRUARY 2006

COMPLETION DATE:

APRIL 2006

PLANNED YEAR OF START IN ACCORDANCE WITH CAPITAL PROGRAMME: 2005/06

1.

FINANCE (Client Department, Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services [Estates Practice] and County Treasurer)

Current

Capital

Estimate

Programme

(at 2005

(at 2005

prices)

prices)

Capital Expenditure

£'000

£'000

Land to be purchased

Construction

82

82

Fees

18

18

100

100

Less developers/

other contributions

100

100

Financial provision for total scheme

Total Cost

1.

From Committees own resources

(a) Capital programme (as above)

(b) Other

100

2.

From other resources

(a)

(b)

(c)

TOTAL

100

Value of land for this project in HCC ownership £ nil

Variations from capital programme

Revenue implications

£'000

% variation

to Committee's

budget

Net current expenditure

2

0.002

Capital charges

10

0.008

TOTAL net expenditure

12

0.010

2.

STATEMENT OF NEED/JUSTIFICATION FOR PROJECT

(Client Department)

2.1

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.5

This project will contribute towards the County Council's Local Transport Plan and LPSA2 targets for increasing bus patronage. It will also positively impact on BVPI 103 (local public transport information) and BVPI 104 (satisfaction with local bus services). Hampshire County Council and the Wilts & Dorset Bus Company share a common objective to encourage greater use of public transport in Hampshire to address traffic congestion problems. The provision of high quality, reliable and accessible bus services can help to address these issues. Both parties are working closely together to deliver a high quality public transport system.

Service 123 links Lymington, New Milton, Barton-on-Sea, Christchurch and Bournemouth. The works proposed cover the section from Lymington to the county boundary at Barton-on-Sea. A survey of the route has been undertaken in conjunction with the bus operator and this will be used to guide investment on the route.

Department for Transport research has identified a number of barriers to increasing the use of public transport. These areas include poor timetable information, lack of adequate waiting facilities and inadequate access to bus stops. The proposed works will improve these highlighted areas to generate more passenger journeys.

The partners will work together to improve passenger information, bus stop infrastructure, publicity and promotion.

The civil engineering works on the highway will go out to tender.

Targets and Outcomes

2.6

2.7

2.8

2.9

The bus operator, Wilts & Dorset, has provided the County Council with a list of the busiest stops for the route allowing resources to be targeted effectively.

Wilts & Dorset has expressed the view that infrastructure improvements along this route will encourage higher patronage of the service and improve running times. It is anticipated that the works will deliver an increase in passenger numbers of approximately 5%, namely 6,000 per annum in Hampshire.

Route 123 serves Lymington, New Milton, Barton-on-Sea, Christchurch and Bournemouth. The operator has introduced low-floor buses at a cost of £200,000.

The proposed investment of £100,000 is anticipated to build on investment by the operator and increase passenger journeys by 5%.

3.

IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL (Client Department)

National/County Network and Policies

3.1

The proposals are consistent with the objectives of providing greater travel choice and improved public transport systems. The objective of the infrastructure improvements is to improve the operation of public transport on route 123 by reducing stop times and so offer an attractive and viable public transport alternative.

Details of Scheme and Design Standards

3.2

3.3

3.4

3.5

3.6

This report deals with the roadside infrastructure proposals. The design adheres to the design standards of the Department for Transport and those of the County Council.

Specific works will include:

(i) replacing approximately 60 bus stop poles with high visibility, colour coded aluminium units incorporating large integral display cases and comprehensive publicity;

(ii) refurbishing approximately 12 bus shelters; and

(iii) installing raised kerbs to provide level access to low floor buses for people with limited mobility and for those with shopping trolleys or pushchairs. Works will also include safer crossing points, dropped kerbs with tactile paving and footway links, where appropriate, to provide safer access to bus stops and bus stop clearways.

Wilts & Dorset has provided a list of the busiest stops, and site visits have been undertaken to determine appropriate measures for each stop. Hampshire County Council Engineering Consultancy will administer and supervise the highway works on a fees basis.

The civil engineering works on the highway will go out to tender.

A location plan is attached.

Environmental Impact

3.7

The local environment will be aesthetically improved by removal of life- expired infrastructure and the installation of new bus shelters and high quality bus stop poles.

Land Requirements

3.8

No land acquisition required. All works to be confined within existing public highway limits.

Statutory Procedures

3.9

No Statutory Procedures are involved.

Public Consultation

3.10

As part of the Passenger Transport Group Best Value Review, Miller Associates carried out extensive market research and convened focus groups with Hampshire residents. The results show a very positive response to measures to improve bus services, eg improved information, better accessibility and new bus shelters. Furthermore, improvements to public transport are rated very highly in the annual MORI surveys of issues of concern to residents.

Local Members' View

3.11

The local Members, Councillors Evans, Rice and Mrs Banks have been consulted. Councillor Evans supports the proposal. Other responses awaited.

Impact Assessments

3.12

3.13

3.14

These measures have been assessed to ensure that they improve equal access to services and employment.

Wilts & Dorset has introduced low floor easy-access buses on the route. The infrastructure improvements funded by the County Council will provide level access to these buses at bus stops which will provide easier entry for the mobility impaired.

A Steering Group will be established to provide a vehicle for engaging with all members of the community and undertaking regular consultation to ensure that the bus service offered best reflects their needs and aspirations and is marketed in a way that reaches all interested parties.

Maintenance Implications

3.15

Maintenance of refurbished bus shelters will be undertaken by New Milton Town Council.

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

3.16

The provisions of this Act have no impact on this proposal.

Sustainability

3.17

The measures proposed support the County Council's policies to make best use of the existing transport network and help to ensure a sustainable transport facility for the future by making the bus an attractive travel option.

4.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT - ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

(Client Department)

4.1

Taking no action.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1.

Published works.

2.

Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

TITLE

LOCATION

Project File

Environment Department

Room 228