Archived decisions

Contact: Barry Armstrong, ext 5175 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This report provides a progress update on transport schemes from the 2004/05 and 2005/06 Capital Programmes together with schemes for the 2006/07 Capital Programme that were approved by the Executive Member for Environment: South Hampshire and Resource Management on 18 January 2006. A summary of schemes is shown at the attached appendix.

1.2 The table below shows the county-wide improvement programmes for 2006/07 and where applicable to the New Forest area, the report items are given for reference.

1.3 Schemes in the Capital Programme are financed from the Local Transport Plan (LTP) and/or external funding (EF) received from developers or other contributors.

2. Capital Schemes 2004/05

North Street, Pennington Traffic Management £70,000 LTP

2.1 This scheme which included the construction of new sections of footway and traffic calming measures in the form of build-outs and speed cushions was substantially completed in February 2006. During the construction of the scheme reconsideration was given to a build-out feature as concern was raised over the safe access/egress of vehicles from adjacent properties. An alternative measure has been agreed which will result in the extension of an existing footway. This will have the benefit of not only slowing vehicles down due to the narrowing of the carriageway but providing better facilities for pedestrians.

2.2 Part of this footway crosses a private road and therefore agreement with the landowners has been sought through discussions with them. Verbal agreement has been obtained to the dedication of the necessary land for highway purposes and the necessary legal agreement has been pursued.

Rumbridge Street Traffic and Environmental Improvement Scheme £600,000 LTP, £400,000 EF

2.3 Phase 1 of the overall scheme to regenerate the old centre of Totton which covered the section of Rumbridge Street between the A35 Totton bypass and Brockenford lane was substantially completed in 2005. The landscaping of the former lorry park area adjacent to the public car park at the entrance to Rumbridge Street was delayed due to the imported topsoil not meeting the required specifications. The contractor's supplier has since accepted liability and will replace the topsoil for the tree planting to begin.

2.4 The detailed design for Winsor Road is complete. A programme for the implementation of this phase is being prepared in conjunction with a programme for Rumbridge Street (Batts Corner to Brockenford Lane). A Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) is being pursued to prohibit specific vehicle movement on the section of Rumbridge Street between Batts Corner and Winsor Road junctions which will complete the scheme.

3. Capital Schemes 2005/06

Town Quay Southampton - Hythe Ferry Pontoon, £135,000 LTP

3.1 This scheme is reported in item 11 of the agenda as part of the Passenger Transport Report.

A337 Pennington Cross Roundabout - Belmore Road, £125,000 LTP

3.2 This shared use footway/cycleway scheme was completed mid 2005. Feedback from the local district councillor and local residents has been favourable. The route is being used by cyclists travelling between the town centre and the school/recreation centre.

Ashurst to Lyndhurst Cycles, £490,000 LTP

3.3 At the last meeting it was reported that an issue relating to providing land in mitigation had delayed the implementation of this scheme by several months. This matter has now been resolved to the satisfaction of all interested parties.

3.4 A contract to construct the cycle route will be let and it is anticipated that a start will be made on-site in the summer, subject to consideration of the traffic impact.

A326 Applemore Cycle Crossing, £49,000 LTP

3.5 The new crossing point immediately north of the Applemore roundabout will connect to the NCN2 (National Cycle Network) route and form part of the New Forest Cycle Plan adopted by the District Council, providing a safer crossing point for cyclists and pedestrians on this heavily used route. The old crossing point south of the roundabout will be removed and full height kerbs and grass verges reinstated. Work commenced in February 2006.

New Forest Bus Infrastructure Improvements, £100,000 LTP

3.6 This scheme is reported in item 11 of the agenda as part of the Passenger Transport Report.

New Forest Demand Management/Car Free Tourism, £10,000 LTP

3.7 Ten finger-post signs in the Bramshaw area to encourage traffic to use appropriate routes are to be replaced in this scheme. The new signs now include the National Park logo, following consultation with the Parish Council, the New Forest District Council and representatives from the National Park. The new finger-posts are of traditional design and it is proposed to complete works by early spring 2006.

NFTS Decriminalised Parking, £120,000 LTP

3.8 The contribution from the County Council is to assist the District Council to assume responsibility for the enforcement of non-endorsable traffic offences (decriminalised parking) which transferred from the Police on 1 January 2006.

3.9 All the necessary legal documentation, IT systems, and staffing structures are now in place and the staff concerned have undergone a training programme. Works are being carried out to bring highway signs and lines up to the required enforceable standard.

Ringwood Pedestrians and Cycles - 2005/06, £50,000 LTP

3.10 The first phase of walking and cycling measures for Southampton Road, Gorley Road and Mansfield Road were completed in August 2005.

3.11 Phase 2 of this scheme will provide a number of measures to improve pedestrian access to the town located in the following areas:

(i) Hightown Road (access to town centre and schools) improved drop crossings and footway extension at Kingsfield;

(ii) Duck Island Lane (access to town centre) footpath and drop crossing improvements in Bickerley Road;

(iii) Southampton Road (shopping centre) new drop crossing;

(iv) Meeting House Lane (shopping centre and bus station) improved drop crossings and footway widening;

(v) School Road and the Quomp (access to town centre) new and improved drop crossings; and

(vi) Gorley Road (access to local shops) new pedestrian link.

3.12 These works are expected to be underway in March 2006.

Rookes Lane and Ridgeway Lane, £155,000 LTP

3.13 The construction of the new footway together with traffic calming measures and the realignment/change of priority at the Rookes Lane/Ridgeway Lane junction commenced in January 2006. The works are expected to be complete by April 2006.

Water Lane, Totton (Casualty Reduction Programme), £120,000 LTP, £245,000 EF

3.14 The aim of this scheme is to improve the poor accident record and reduce the speed and level of through traffic along Water Lane which is being implemented in two phases:

(i) Phase 1 of the scheme which was completed in early 2006 consisted of traffic calming measures in the form of speed tables and a build out at several locations along Water Lane. However there is a delay with respect to the build out feature and local planning issues which now requires a Traffic Regulation Order to be processed. It is anticipated that this additional measure will be implemented in May 2006; and

(ii) Phase 2 of the scheme is the change in priority at the Water Lane/Hammonds Green junction to further discourage through traffic on this largely residential road. The detailed design of the revised junction layout is complete but progress is now dependent upon the resolution of land issues. This is expected to delay the construction of the revised junction alignment to later in the year.

4. Capital Schemes 2006/07

Ampress to Town Centre Cycleway, Lymington, £220,000 EF

4.1 The new Lymington hospital is currently under construction at the Ampress (former Wellworthy engineering) site in Lymington. In conjunction with the Primary Care Trust, a shared footway and cycle way has been identified as a link from the town centre into the site. A programme to implement this scheme is being prepared.

Market Towns, New Milton, £50,000 LTP, £60,000 EF

4.2 New Milton has been the subject of a town centre health check as part of the Town Councils Market Towns Project in support of a government initiative. A joint bid from the County Council, the District Council and New Milton Town Council has led to approval by SEEDA (South East Development Association) for a grant for works in the town centre. The first phase of the programme was paving and landscaping in Station Road North. Also, support works to the Mallard Courtyard area which will create a focal space for commercial and social events in the street.

New Street Lymington, Town Centre Accessibility, £100,000 LTP, £63,000 EF

4.3 This scheme is to improve accessibility with footway widening and improved pedestrian crossing areas. The existing street lighting and drainage is also to be upgraded. The areas for improvement are at the junction of New Street/High Street together with the narrowing of New Street. The District Council are carrying out the detailed design for the scheme and are preparing a programme for the works.

New Forest Car Free Tourism, £130,000 LTP

4.4 The bus service known as `The New Forest Tour' has now run for the past two summers and has increased its passenger numbers to over 5,000 for 2005. In 2005/06 Hampshire County Council, New Forest District Council and the New Forest Committee (now the National Park Authority) all contributed towards the revenue cost required to operate the service. In 2006 the aim is to increase the service from every two hours to hourly. This will be achieved by using two nearly new open top buses. To secure the introduction of the new buses and the increased frequency, a contribution of approximately £100,000 is required. It is suggested that the allocation of capital funding will be dependant upon securing external service support for a minimum of three years. Currently New Forest District Council and the New Forest National Park Authority are looking to provide 50% each of the revenue funding required.

4.5 Once the final cost of the capital contribution has been determined, the remaining funds will be allocated to specific schemes that help to provide greater sustainable travel choices for visitors to the Forest.

Northern New Forest HGV Restrictions, £100,000 LTP

4.6 Numerous complaints have been received from both Hampshire and Wiltshire residents about the number of through-routeing HGVs over a number of years. Consequently a joint officer working group has been established to investigate whether a 7.5 tonne weight restriction is practical on an area-wide basis. To date, the County Council has undertaken an extensive survey of HGV movements within the area and are satisfied that there will be a noticeable/significant benefit for Hampshire residents in terms of a good reduction in through-routeing HGVs.

4.7 Informal Consultation with local stakeholders has taken place and the comments received fed back in a report to the Executive Member for Environment: North Hampshire and Spatial Strategy on 18 January 2006. Approval has been given to formally advertise the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) in association with Wiltshire County Council. It is envisaged that the TRO will be advertised in June 2006.

The Quomp, Ringwood - Road Closure, £20,000 LTP, £61,000 EF

4.8 The Quomp joins Hightown Road at its southern end and the B3347 at its northern end.

4.9 This road is currently closed with the use of temporary materials. The proposal is to make this closure permanent with physical measures and a Prohibition of Driving Order. This will provide a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists and especially the chidren walking to the local primary and junior schools. This scheme will accord with the Ringwood Walking and Accessibility Project.

Hythe Town Centre, £80,000 LTP, £227,000 EF

4.10 The scheme aims to assist pedestrians and the mobility impaired in St Johns Street/The Marsh area of Hythe town centre where there are currently poor pedestrian facilities.

4.11 Proposals are being developed to improve pedestrian links and discourage vehicular traffic at the northern end of St Johns Street leading to the Marsh. This will be progressed in conjunction with the District Council's major enhancement works to St John's Street car park. A minor cycle contra-flow in Pylewell Road will also benefit the town centre by enabling a safe route for cyclists to the ferry and the Marsh.

Southampton Waterside Quality Bus Partnership, £350,000 LTP

4.12 This scheme is reported in item 11 of the agenda as part of the Passenger Transport Report.

Hardley to Hythe Cycle Route, £145,000 EF

4.13 The cycle route will provide a shared use footway and cycleway from the Hardley roundabout along the Fawley Road, and continue as an advisory on-road route towards Hythe Village centre via Frost Lane. The Hythe Ferry and bus interchange and its cycle storage facilities will provide convenient alternatives to the use of the motor vehicle for onward journeys to Southampton and beyond. The overall scheme cost is approximately £270,000 but the budget available is only £145,000, therefore the scheme will be split into phases. A decision on which phase should be implemented first is being investigated to ensure maximum delivery within the current budget.

Hythe Pier Maintenance (2006/07), £90,000 LTP

4.14 Further works in 2006/07 are planned to continue with the replacement of decking beyond the pier buildings and to re deck the surface area at the pier head. The pier head structure is undergoing a complete refurbishment and is being funded from White Horse Ferries' resources.

4.15 On completion of these works, it is intended to re-deck the area under the pier buildings and eventually the area under the railway track from the pier head back to the land end. All of these works are to be undertaken by White Horse Ferries' maintenance crews.

Marchwood Pedestrian Facilities, £50,000 EF

4.16 This scheme will provide a safe pedestrian route between the development at Admiralty Way/Cracknore Hard and Marchwood village centre/local school. The scheme comprises a new section of footway on the northern side of Normandy Way between Admiralty Way and Cracknore Hard access road together with a central pedestrian refuge on Normandy Way and a short connecting section of footway into Old Magazine Close. The refuge will allow pedestrians especially those that are mobility impaired, or with pushchairs to cross the road in two stages with the refuge being wide enough to allow them to wait safely for a gap in the traffic. Surface treatment to the carriageway on the approaches to the crossing point will be implemented to make motorists aware that pedestrians maybe crossing the road at this point and also to encourage slower vehicle speeds at this location.

4.17 Implementation of this scheme is due to start in April 2006.

Pedestrian Crossing Programme 2006/07

4.18 A report will be considered by the Executive Member for Environment: South Hampshire and Resource Management on 21 March 2006 for the following schemes in the New Forest Area.

A326 Dibden Purlieu Pelican Crossing £120,000 LTP

4.19 Preliminary investigations demonstrate that a formal pedestrian crossing is feasible on the A326 located just to the north of the Beaulieu Heath (Heath Hotel) roundabout. The option of whether the crossing will be a Puffin or Pegasus type of crossing, the latter which also assists equestrians to cross the road, is yet to be determined and is being explored in more detail.

High Street Fordingbridge, Zebra Crossing Refurbishment £5,000 LTP

4.20 The level of lighting for this crossing has recently been questioned. Discussions with the County Council's street lighting team about possible improvements to bring the lighting at the crossing in line with current standards have taken place and the introduction of new lamp columns incorporating the zebra flashing beacons is proposed. As the crossing is located within the middle of the Fordingbridge environmental scheme area, which was implemented a few years ago, consultation with the Town Council to seek their views will take place before any work is undertaken.

5. Impact Assessments

5.1 This report provides a position statement only on the progress of schemes in the Capital Programme, therefore an impact assessment in terms of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act has not been undertaken. Such assessments are carried out for each scheme to ensure the County Council's policies on equalities are not compromised.

Recommendation

That Members note the progress with the schemes in the Transport Capital Programme and support those approved for inclusion in the Capital Programme for 2006/07.

784/BA

APPENDIX

2005/06 CAPITAL PROGRAMME

2006/07 CAPITAL PROGRAMME