Contact: Jim Soutar, ext 6049 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the Project Appraisal for implementation of the Safer Routes to School scheme for Portchester Community School and Castle Primary School, at an estimated cost of £80,000, be approved.

2. Reason

2.1 The proposed works in the vicinity of the schools will help to:

(i) protect the vulnerable;

(ii) maximise the safety built into the environment;

(iii) help communities to feel secure and confident;

(iv) support individual responsibility; and

(v) help young people to lead safe, positive lives.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Not to proceed with a Safer Routes to School scheme for either school would be contrary to the County Council's aim of assisting schools with approved Travel Plans to promote alternatives to the car.

3.2 The School Travel Plans have both requested consideration of a 20 miles per hour (mph) zone. County Council policy is that these should be generally self-enforcing, which would necessitate the introduction of relatively severe road humps. However, these would not be welcomed by the bus operator or its passengers, and could thus be contrary to the County Council's policy of encouraging the use of public transport. Current traffic speeds and the injury accident record do not in themselves justify such measures. Speed cushions, which can be straddled by large vehicles such as buses, would not produce sufficiently low speeds for a 20 mph zone.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or Other Executive Member Consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - None.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - None.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor M J Kendal

Executive Member for Environment

937Decn/JS