Archived decisions

Contact: Mandy Ware, tel 01962 857818 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This report covers the main programme of traffic management work in the East Hampshire area in 2005/06 and 2006/07. This year's programme is, for the first time, entirely Capital funded and includes Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs), signing, lining and traffic calming schemes.

2. Background

2.1 Traffic Management issues are raised in a number of ways, usually by Parish Councils, Local Borough or County Members, or the public. The Police also raise issues of concern relating to congestion, parking or potential safety hazards.

3. Progress

3.1 A list of schemes included in the 2005/06 traffic management programme for the East Hampshire district is shown on Appendix 1. Schemes included in the list are, at this stage in the year, either operational or expected to be completed by the end of the financial year.

3.2 A list of schemes included in the 2006/07 traffic management programme for the East Hampshire district is shown on Appendix 2. The programme is provisional at this stage.

3.3 The traffic management programme evolves during the year, with new schemes that may arise as a high priority being added to the list as appropriate. However, this can have the effect of delaying the implementation of some programmed schemes that have a lesser justification. Schemes already in the programme are often subject to delay, modification or deletion as consultations progress, or where the TRO advertising procedure gives rise to objections.

3.4 Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE) has been introduced successfully in 8 of the 11 districts in the county so far, with a further one proposed in 2006. In these districts, both the District and County Councils are members of the National Parking Adjudication Service (NPAS) Joint Committee. This is the national body, based in Manchester, established under the relevant legislation to provide an independent adjudication service for drivers or vehicle owners wishing to appeal against a penalty charge notice. The County representative, Councillor Phrynette Dickens, is the Assistant Chairman of the NPAS Joint Committee.

3.5 Regulations have recently been made that will enable local authorities operating DPE to introduce camera enforcement of bus lanes under the Transport Act 2000. This will be superseded in due course by regulations under the Traffic Management Act when the provisions for civil enforcement outside London come into effect, although this is not expected to be until at least 2007. They will include not only parking and bus lane enforcement, but also some other moving traffic offences such as banned turns, no entry and yellow box markings.

4. Impact Assessments

4.1 The Traffic Management Programme proposes a set of measures that would benefit all sectors of the community through improved on-street parking controls, assistance to the safe movement of traffic and further control and reduction of traffic speeds. The impact of specific measures would be assessed as they are developed through to Project Appraisal, where appropriate, and following implementation.

Recommendation

That this report be noted.

830/MW