Contact: Helen Merrills, ext 5204 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

(i) That the attached Project Appraisal for the construction of five pedestrian improvement schemes at the following locations in Gosport, at an estimated cost of £150,000, be approved:

(a) Grange Lane between Samson Close and Cornwell Close - new footway and additional street lighting;

(b) Jellicoe Avenue south of Western Way - proposed pedestrian refuge;

(c) B3333 Privett Road/Military Road/Gomer Lane roundabout - improved cycleway and footway links;

(d) B3333 Marine Parade East, South Place - proposed pedestrian island; and

(e) Browndown Road junction with Privett Road - enhanced crossing facilities on Browndown Road for existing cycle route.

(ii) That the existing and proposed footways that comprise (c) above are formally converted to shared use for pedestrians and cyclists, under Sections 65 and 66 of the Highways Act 1980.

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 by improving the condition of roads and pavements, improving travel choices and improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists, including those who travel to school.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Grange Lane footway - an alternative route crossed private land between Samson Close and Cornwell Close, but it has not been possible to secure agreement with the many freeholders.

3.2 Jellicoe Avenue pedestrian refuge - installing a pedestrian refuge on the northern side of the junction was considered but rejected. A bus stop was located nearby and lack of visibility would compromise safety. A Zebra or signal controlled crossing could not be justified in terms of numbers of vehicles and pedestrians.

3.3 B3333 Privett Road/Military Road/Gomer Lane - improved cycleway and footway links. There are limited alternative options which secure a safe link from Gomer Lane to Military Road. Provision of an off-road section was considered but following consultations rejected due to safety implications.

3.4 B3333 Marine Parade East/South Place - options considered were provision of a Puffin crossing and locating the refuge further west. Both were rejected. The results of a pedestrian survey gave the PV² average value of 0.429 during peak periods. With the exception of one hour, the counts were lower during the rest of the day. If the refuge was located further west it would not be used.

3.5 Browndown Road junction with Privett Road - the existing refuge on Browndown Road is relatively close to the junction with Privett Road and is on a safer route to school. Cyclists travelling along Privett Road do not use it, preferring the direct route which links into the existing cycle and road network on Privett Road. Relocating the existing refuge nearer to the junction was considered and rejected as it already provides a safe crossing point for pedestrians and schoolchildren.

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 G Knight

474Decn/HM