Archived decisions

Contact: Peter Savidge, ext 6918 email [email protected] email: @hants.gov.uk

1. Summary

1.1 It is proposed to convert the A3023 Langstone Road bridge footways to permit legal shared use by cyclists and pedestrians. This proposal is in accordance with the findings of an A3023 Corridor Study Report and Hayling Billy Trail Cycling and Pedestrian Needs Study (Langstone to Hayling Island) commissioned by the County Council and Havant Borough Council in 2003 and undertaken by Atkins.

1.2 The bridge footways were widened (completed in 2004) to 2.05 metres as part of the Langstone Bridge major maintenance works in order to accommodate the option for shared use as part of a developing strategy for walking and cycling improvements to the A3023/Hayling Billy corridor. The current proposal for conversion requires minor works, costing under £10,000, involving small signs, road markings and minor works to achieve the formal conversion of both footways to shared use with pedal cyclists.

1.3 This first stage is only a small element of more extensive works that would be required to complete the cycling and walking route corridor and fully link the mainland and Hayling Island sections of the Hayling Billy Trail to the north and south of Langstone Bridge. Further stages in completing the walking and cycling strategy, estimated to cost £450,000 for works (November 2003 prices), will be subject to the second Local Transport Plan (LTP2) infrastructure programme priorities and funding. Havant Borough Council has recently notified the County Council of measures it proposes for the A3023 corridor as part of the Liveability Programme and from Sustrans funding which it holds, secured from Landfill Tax. These measures, which are proposed for 2005/06, complement the walking and cycling strategy between Mill Lane and Langstone High Street.

2. Introduction

2.1 The proposal is to formalise currently unlawful cycle use that occurs daily on both bridge footways. The average 12-hour two-way cycle flows recorded in September 2002 on the east side and west side footways are 28 (11) and 23 (20) respectively, with pedestrian flows shown in brackets. The east side footway provides a natural link between Northney and Langstone village and the west side footway between the Hayling Billy Trail on Hayling Island and Langstone, leading to Havant town centre. The Hayling Billy Trail forms part of the proposed Sustrans South Coast Cycle Route (SSCR), in turn forming part of the National Cycle Route (NCN) number 2 between Emsworth, Portsmouth, Gosport and Fareham within South East Hampshire.

3. Details

3.1 The existing bridge footways are approximately 200 metres in length each bounded by a standard edge of running carriageway kerb and by the bridge structure railings which were increased to 1.4 metres in height as part of the bridge major maintenance works. These parapets now represent the minimum height recommended for adjoining use by cyclists. The provision of signs and road markings for conversion to shared use would be in accordance with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002. A location plan is attached.

4. Standards

4.1 The overall footway width of 2.05 metres permits the footway to be converted to shared use in accordance with Department for Transport advice. This also advises that converted footways can safely operate with a combined pedestrian and cycle two-way flow of up to 60 per hour per metre width. Each bridge footway can therefore safely operate with a two-way flow of up to 120 pedestrians and cyclists per hour. The current combined two-way flow of cyclists and pedestrians is less than 3% of the maximum recommended usage level for each footway. The minor works to achieve the conversion have been designed in accordance with Hampshire County Council Standards and national guidance on cycleway provision. The scheme proposals have been subjected to an independent safety audit at the design stage.

5. Land Requirements

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

6. Consultation

6.1 As part of the Atkins A3023 Corridor Study Report a number of representative organisations including Havant Borough Council, Hampshire Constabulary and Ward Members were consulted. The same have again been consulted on the current proposal and their views together with Officer Comments are set out in the attached appendix (confidential).

7. Local Members' View

7.1 The local Members, Councillors Gale and Gillett, have been consulted. Councillor Gale supports the proposal; Councillor Gillett's response is awaited.

8. Crime and Disorder Act 1998

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

9. Sustainability

9.1 The scheme is expected to contribute towards the encouragement of more sustainable modes of transport through the provision of a safer off carriageway cycle facility.

10. Impact Assessments

10.1 The proposal incorporates tactile paving thereby making adequate provision for the visually impaired. Assessment of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act has been considered in the development of this scheme and it is not expected to compromise equalities in terms of race, creed or gender, but to further improve access for all.

Recommendation

That approval be given under Sections 65 and 66 of the Highways Act 1980 for sections of the existing footways over the A3023 Langstone Bridge, Langstone, Havant to be converted to shared use footways and cycleways.

475Rpt/PDS