Contact: Dominic McGrath, ext 6054 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This report brings Members up-to-date on recent decisions impacting on the strategy area.

2. Current Issues

2.1 The report provides updates on the following issues:

(i) heavy goods vehicles in the north New Forest;

(ii) parking clocks - pricing and future arrangements; and

(iii) Ferry Services review.

3. Heavy Goods Vehicles in the North New Forest

3.1 On 13 September approval was given by the Executive Member for Environment: North Hampshire and Spatial Strategy for an informal consultation with key local stakeholders to seek views on a proposal to potentially introduce an area-wide 7.5 ton weight limit on the B3078/B3079/B3080 between Cadnam and Fordingbridge and between Cadnam and Downton (in Wiltshire). This followed complaints from residents in both Hampshire and Wiltshire about the high level of through-routeing heavy goods vehicles in this part of the New Forest.

3.2 The informal consultation is aimed at seeking views from local businesses, the New Forest National Park and other interested bodies. It is thought that such views will help shape the boundary of any potential weight limit measures that may be required.

3.3 The outcome of the consultation and a decision on whether to proceed with a formal weight limit (Traffic Regulation Order) will be considered by the Executive Member towards the end of the year.

4. New Forest Parking Charges

4.1 A report was submitted to the Executive Member for Environment: North Hampshire and Spatial Strategy on 11 October. This sought approval for the District Council's parking clock scheme to be continued for a further 12 months. It is anticipated that a variation to the scheme will be introduced, which will lead to two types of parking clock being available. A short stay `shoppers' clock will be available at a cost of £8 per annum for short stay use (up to three hours) in car parks. A long stay `commuters' clock will be required for long stay parking, at a cost of £80 per annum.

4.2 It was recommended that a working group be established to review parking patterns in relation to the introduction of decriminalised parking enforcement, scheduled for January 2006.

5. Ferry Services Review

5.1 The Interim Local Transport Plan establishes the long term strategic objective of improving ferry services for Hampshire.

5.2 On 13 September a report on Hythe Ferry was submitted to the Executive Member for Environment: South Hampshire and Resource Management. The report highlighted the intention to undertake the strategic ferries review. While principally impacting on the Solent transport strategy area, it will also influence travel patterns in adjoining areas, including parts of the New Forest area in the Hythe Ferry catchment area.

6. Impact Assessments

6.1 This report provides a position statement on the progress of various schemes and initiatives of interest to the Panel. An impact assessment in terms of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act has not been undertaken. Impact assessments are normally reported in the specific reporting for each scheme, as they develop. The schemes and initiatives are not expected to compromise the County Council's policies for equality and diversity, and are anticipated to improve access for all users in most cases.

Recommendation

That the contents of this report be noted, and that the Panel advises the Executive Member for Environment: North Hampshire and Spatial Strategy of its views on the various issues raised.

616/DMcG