Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - ENVIRONMENT

ITEM 12

PROJECT APPRAISAL

(Externally Funded)

PROJECT:

HOLT LANE, HOOK - CYCLES

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

NOVEMBER 2006

COMPLETION DATE:

FEBRUARY 2007

PLANNED YEAR OF START IN ACCORDANCE WITH CAPITAL PROGRAMME: 2006/07

1.

Scheme

1.1

Introduction

This scheme provides a new cycle track from a local residential development site, through existing residential areas, to Hook village centre. The route provides links to the local shops, schools, play areas, community centre, Hook mainline rail station and other facilities. It is largely off-road, and particularly useful for vulnerable road users.

Details

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.5

The route will be a mix of shared and segregated pedestrian/cycle track, due to the restrictions of the existing land space, and will be signposted appropriately. With regard to the segregated sections, the minimum width will be 3.0 metres, with a maximum width of 4.0 metres. The shared use sections will be a minimum of 2.5 metres, with a maximum width of 3.0 metres.

There will be a short section, approximately 360 metres in length, of on-road cycle track. This is situated on a relatively quiet residential section, and will be highlighted to cycle and other road users, with the introduction of coloured surfacing across junctions and appropriate signage.

Appropriate tactile paving will be provided accordingly at junctions to assist the visually impaired.

A location plan is attached and scheme drawings will be displayed at the meeting.

1.6

Standards

The proposals have been designed to meet current national and county standards for highway improvement schemes, and conform to the recommendations of the Safety Audit.

1.7

1.8

1.9

1.10

Targets and Outcomes

The Local Transport Plan (LTP) target is `to halt the decline in cycling by 2010 from a 2005/06 base'. Investment in cycling in the early part of LTP2 is needed in order to achieve this target.

Hampshire County Council, through census data, has calculated that the average trip rate for cycle journeys across the county is 3.5%. It is estimated that the catchment area of the route, from the existing population of Hook, is in the region of 1,000 residents. If 3.5% of these residents were to make a cycle trip along the route then this would equate to 70 cycle journeys being made per day (existing residents only both way). The Transport Assessment for the new development suggests 3,000 trips would be made from the development in any one day. If 3.5% of these were also made by cycle, this would mean a further 210 cycle journeys being made per day. In total the route could attract 280 cycle journeys per day.

The scheme will also improve walking conditions by installing street lighting to ease safety concerns, and removing the present conflict of cyclists riding on the footways.

The scheme will be monitored for its success in achieving these targets through the use of automated traffic counters.

1.11

1.12

1.13

1.14

Statutory Procedures and Consultation

In order for the conversion to take place the local highway authority needs to show it has exercised its powers through a resolution, as set out in the decision sheet. A Traffic Regulation Order is not required.

Public consultation took place on 18 and 19 November 2005, having been advertised through the local community magazine and a letter drop to localised residents. It was attended by 21 members of the public.

Questionnaires were provided, asking members of the public if they were in favour of the scheme and would lighting proposals encourage them to walk and/or cycle in the area. They were also encouraged to submit any further comments. A small number of these were received, and were generally very supportive.

There was a small percentage of respondents disagreeing with the proposals for lighting, but in the `further comments' section of the questionnaire clarified was found that they were not against the lighting. It was simply that they already walked and cycled regularly and as such would not be encouraged further by the improved lighting, although they expressed support of these proposals.

1.15

Policy Considerations

The proposals are consistent with the transport policies of the Hart District Council Local Plan, the North Hampshire Transport Strategy and the County Council's Local Transport Plan. They also accord with the encouragement of alternative forms of transport to the private car and the improvement of road safety.

Environmental Impacts

1.16

The scheme will contribute to a safer and improved environment for cyclists, pedestrians and other vulnerable users. There are no adverse environmental impacts.

Land Requirement

1.17

No land acquisition required. Hart District and Hook Parish Councils have agreed to dedicate small areas of land for highway use; confirmation is awaited.

1.18

Alternative Arrangements

Alternative route options were investigated but were rejected following consultation.

Local Member's View

1.19

The local Member, Councillor Glen, supports the scheme.

1.20

1.21

Impact Assessments

The scheme will improve the conditions for pedestrians and cycle users in the area by providing a designated pedestrian/cycle track with increased lighting and tactile surfaces at dropped kerbs to assist, in particular, people with visual impairment.

Assessment of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act has been made in the development of this scheme which is not expected to compromise equalities in terms of race or gender.

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

1.22

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

1.23

Sustainability

The scheme will improve the environment for walking and cycling, and may help reduce dependence on the motor car. Where possible, the usage of recycled materials will be requested.

2.

Financial Arrangements

2.1

Expenditure

£'000

Funds Available

£'000

Design Fee

45

Developer Funding

222

Supervision

5

Project Works

172

Land

Nil

____

____

Total

222

Total

222

____

____

2.2

Revenue Implications

£'000

% Variation to Committee's budget

Net increase in

current expenditure

2

0.002

Capital Charge

21

0.016

____

____

Total Expenditure

23

0.018

____

____

2.3

Maintenance Implications

The revenue implications of this proposal will be taken into account in the setting of the annual base budget.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1.

Published works.

2.

Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

TITLE

LOCATION

Holt Lane Cycles

Environment Department

Room 415