Contact: Colin Taylor, tel 01730 235818 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This report details the programmes for:

(i) Street Lighting;

(ii) Hampshire Villages Initiative and Regeneration of Older Urban Areas;

(iii) Bridgeworks;

(iv) Intelligent Transport Systems;

(v) Pedestrian Crossings; and

(vi) Development Related Works.

2. Street Lighting

Maintenance Contract 2002/07

2.1 The maintenance contract continues to provide over 99% of all street lights on at any one time with performance levels remaining much the same since the change to 'working days'. The maintenance contract was originally measured in calendar days but this has been changed to Monday to Friday, or `working days'. Satisfaction levels as regards the delivery of street lighting following a recent telephone survey suggest a varied response across the county. However, whilst there are specific instances of failure to repair within set timescales, the performance indicators within the contract are generally being met.

Extension of the Maintenance Contract

2.2 Discussions are currently in progress with the current Maintenance Contractor, Southern Electric Contracting, regarding the extension of the existing contract. Any possible extension will be dependent upon past performance and the contract continuing to give value for money.

Column Replacement Programme 2005/06

2.3 The £1.8 million programme of work for 2005/06 commenced in late March 2005. The programme for the Eastleigh area was completed as follows:

· Chestnut Avenue, Eastleigh - works completed 7 September 2005

· Cedar Road, Eastleigh - works completed 7 September 2005

· Consort Road, Eastleigh - works completed 14 October 2005

· Hardy Road, Eastleigh - works completed 14 October 2005

· Stoke Common Road, Eastleigh - works completed 14 October 2005

· The Copse, Eastleigh - works completed 30 September 2005

· Ormond Close, Eastleigh - works completed 30 September 2005

· Hocombe Park Close, Eastleigh - works completed 30 September 2005

· Richmond Close, Eastleigh - works completed 30 September 2005.

Column Replacement Programme 2006/07

2.4 A programme estimated at £2.2 million is expected to commence in April 2006. Details of the final programme will be made available once all the necessary quotes have been received but the provisional programme is as follows:

· Greenfinch Close, Eastleigh

· Maple Square, Eastleigh

· Greenwood Close, Eastleigh

· Coulsdon Road, Hedge End.

Community Safety Initiative 2005/06

2.5 The programme for 2005/06 is as follows:

· Whitebeam to Laburnham footpath, Hedge End - programmed start date 27 February 2006

· Havendale, Hedge End - works completed 13 February 2006.

Community Safety Initiative 2006/07

2.6 A report to the Executive Member for Environment: South Hampshire and Resource Management is to be considered on 21 March 2006. So far, bids have been received for the following sites in the Eastleigh Area:

· School Road - Long Lane, Bursledon

· Phoenix Close footpath

· Windermere Road footpath

· Ferndale to Ambleside footpath

· Oatlands Road, Botley

· Bursledon Road, Hedge End.

Energy

2.7 A new contract for the supply of energy has been awarded to E.ON UK (the owners of Powergen). The contract will supply 100% green energy for two years starting on 1 April 2006 and will be exempt from the Climate Change Levy. Street lighting energy costs have increased by £1 million county-wide. This was the cheapest option available and also allows the County Council to continue its strategic aim of promoting the use of renewable energy sources.

The Deadsure Computer System

2.8 The street lighting computer management system, Deadsure, designed to monitor the street lighting maintenance contract, became operational on 10 February 2005. The new system was required as the previous system, SLIMs, was mainframe-based and the mainframe was switched off at the end of March 2005. There are still a few problems to resolve as regards data and reports, but the inclusion of the street lighting GIS database and the expectation of the web browser and mobile field based operational returns make this an innovative system for the future.

Private Finance Initiative (PFI)

2.9 A report was considered by Cabinet on 23 January 2006 regarding the submission of an Expression of Interest to the Department for Transport (DfT) in relation to a PFI for street lighting maintenance and column replacement. Work has progressed between officers and the consultants, Price Waterhouse Cooper, investigating the viability of such a bid. Should such a bid be successful it is anticipated the new contract would commence in mid to late 2008.

2.10 With a larger than average ageing stock of street lighting columns, the question of ability to fund the whole replacement in a reasonable period of time has become the main issue irrespective of the condition of the columns at present.

2.11 Government funding has not been forthcoming through the Local Transport Plan (LTP) nor is the County Council minded to provide the necessary funds through Prudential borrowing or increasing the revenue budget. The only option, therefore, is to make a bid for funding under the Government PFI funding regime.

2.12 The County Council has therefore submitted an Expression of Interest to the DfT and awaits an answer enabling a move to the next stage in May/June 2006.

3. Hampshire Villages Initiative (HVI) and Regeneration of Older Urban Areas (ROUA)

Bishopstoke HVI

3.1 The initiative in Bishopstoke is centred on improving provision for the riverside access. Street lighting column work is already completed, and further improvements to riverside access will be completed later this financial year.

The Square, Hamble ROUA

3.2 Working in partnership with Eastleigh Borough Council, the ROUA programme is part-funding a scheme for The Square in Hamble. A first phase at Copperhill Terrace has been completed and detailed proposals have now been prepared for a second phase in The Square.

3.3 The Square is an important space in the centre of the Conservation Area and is the point of arrival for visitors to Hamble. The aim of the scheme is to create a formal public space which can be used for community events, improve existing bus and parking facilities, and introduce visitor information. The scheme will use high quality, traditional materials and care will be taken to provide a suitable setting for adjoining historic properties.

3.4 Subject to final approval, phase two works will begin in October 2006 with completion in spring 2007. The scheme is being funded through the ROUA programme, an Eastleigh Borough Council Capital Improvements Programme budget of £500,000 and developer contributions.

4. Bridgeworks

Archers Road Footbridge, Eastleigh

4.1 This precast concrete footbridge over the Romsey/Eastleigh railway line was built in 1935, with stepped access only, and is nearing the end of its useful life. In 1998 £25,000 was spent on extensive repairs, but further repairs are becoming uneconomical. There is also local pressure to provide access ramps to enable use by wheelchairs, pushchairs and those with mobility impairment.

4.2 The initial estimate for a new footbridge with ramps is in excess of £1 million, not including any Network Rail or land costs. Discussions and surveys are ongoing. The proposed Capital Programme includes an allocation of £1.5 million for the replacement footbridge during the current LTP period, 2006 to 2011.

Fish Pass Footbridge, Bishopstoke

4.3 This footbridge, over a tributary of the River Itchen, carries the footpath alongside the B3037, Bishopstoke Road at the junction with Riverside in Bishopstoke. Some elements of the bridge are in poor condition and in 2005 options for repair or replacement were investigated. Replacement is the chosen option and work on-site is programmed for June 2006. Oral updates will be given at the meeting when further details are finalised.

Allington Lane No 1 Bridge, Fair Oak

4.4 This bridge carries the C194, Allington Lane, over a tributary of the River Itchen, just north of the junction with Firtree Lane and is sub-standard for load carrying. The scheme for its replacement is out to tender at present, with construction expected from April to July 2006.

4.5 The work will require single lane traffic controlled by temporary signals, and oral updates will be given at the meeting when further details are finalised with the successful contractor.

Wide Lane Rail Bridge, Eastleigh

4.6 Parapet works completed during 2005.

5. Intelligent Transport Systems Group (ITS)

5.1 The ITS Group of the Environment Department manages the feasibility, design, implementation, operation and maintenance of traffic control and traffic and travel information systems throughout Hampshire. As a result of the Traffic Management Act 2004, further responsibility now sits with the ITS Group for the monitoring of and improvement to the operation of the highway network.

5.2 Progress on schemes during 2005/06 within Eastleigh is as follows:

(i) As part of the county-wide STOPWATCH Real Time Information (RTI) contract, requirements have been assessed for provision of RTI. Solent Blue Line buses operating Quality Bus Partnership routes are to be fitted, subject to the installation of new ticket machines, with Automatic Vehicle Location equipment in early 2006, as part of the Smartcard Project.

(ii) The installation of an Information and Journey Planning kiosk at Eastleigh Bus Station has been delayed due to power and communication issues that have now been resolved. The kiosk hardware and software has been manufactured, with works scheduled to be complete by March 2006.

(iii) The addition of pedestrian facilities at the Horton Heath traffic signals is included in the 2006/07 Capital Programme. A feasibility study is approaching completion and consultation is currently underway. Construction could start in early summer 2006, subject to approval.

(iv) Wide Lane/South Street Eastleigh. New three arm traffic signal junction with closed circuit television for traffic monitoring. Works associated with the South Street development. Detailed design currently being undertaken by developer, and installation is expected in 2006/07.

(v) Leigh Road/Manor Bakeries site, Eastleigh. Changes to the existing layout and operation of the traffic signals, including a new signal controlled right turn lane into the site and a redesigned approach road from the site to the signals. Detailed design to be undertaken shortly by the developer, with installation expected in 2006/07.

6. Pedestrian Crossings

A27 Swaythling Road West End Pedestrian Refuge

6.1 The scheme is located on the A27 Swaythling Road between the Allington Lane roundabout and the Chalk Hill/High Street junction at West End. The proposals include the provision of a new pedestrian refuge on Swaythling Road, adjacent to The Drive, local carriageway widening and raised bus boarder kerbing. The scheme aims to address pedestrian severance issues on the A27, improve access to the existing bus stops, and may have a beneficial effect on vehicle speed management.

6.2 Funding is available from local developer contributions, with the balance provided from the 2006/07 LTP funded pedestrian crossing programme. The scheme is expected to be ready for construction in the summer of 2006.

7. Development Related Works

7.1 Section 38 Development work currently being undertaken by Hampshire Highways in the Eastleigh area is detailed in Appendix 1.

External Funding

7.2 External funding and schemes relevant to that funding, and controlled by the County Council's Development Control section are detailed in Appendix 2.

8. Impact Assessments

8.1 This report provides a position statement only, therefore an impact assessment, in terms of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act, has not been undertaken.

Recommendation

That this report be noted.

770/CT

COUNTY COUNCIL HELD DEVELOPER FUNDING APPENDIX 2

Current Programme

Notes: 1. £110,000 of the EF for this scheme is actually held by EBC

2. £60,000 of the EF for this scheme is actually held by EBC £

Total Held to fund the above Capital Programme Schemes ............................................. 803,741

Possible Future Schemes

Total funding allocated to future schemes above ............................................................ 406,394

Funding for schemes to be developed ............................................................................. 1,717,798

Total Held: ................... 2,927,933

Contributions Received since last HTAP (* included in above unallocated)

Possible Future Funding

Note: The above will only produce contributions IF the development proceeds.