Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - ENVIRONMENT

ITEM 9

PROJECT APPRAISAL

PROJECT:

BASINGSTOKE INTELLIGENT TRANSPORT SYSTEMS

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

NOVEMBER 2006

COMPLETION DATE:

APRIL 2007

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

1.

FINANCE (Client Department, Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services [Estates Practice] and County Treasurer)

Current

Capital

Estimate

Programme

(at 2006

(at 2006

prices)

prices)

Capital Expenditure

£'000

£'000

Land to be purchased

Construction

135

135

Fees

15

15

150

150

Less developers/

other contributions

150

150

Financial provision for total scheme

Total Cost

1.

From Committees own resources

(a) Capital programme (as above)

150

(b) Other

150

2.

From other resources

(a)

(b)

(c)

TOTAL

150

Value of land for this project in HCC ownership £

Variations from capital programme

Revenue implications

£'000

% variation

to Committee's

budget

Net current expenditure

5.6

0.006

Capital charges

20.0

0.015

TOTAL net expenditure

25.6

0.021

2.

STATEMENT OF NEED/JUSTIFICATION FOR PROJECT

(Client Department)

2.1

2.2

This scheme will maximise efficiency of the existing road network and enable pro-active incident management.

As part of the County Council's Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Deployment Strategy, Basingstoke demonstrated significant potential for ITS development. A comprehensive programme has been developed showing the scope for network monitoring and information dissemination applications including closed-circuit television (CCTV) and variable message system (VMS) installations. These will mesh with the development of the Basingstoke Transport model, future development in the area and the overall transport strategy for the town and its environs.

2.3

Recent developments in Basingstoke, including the Festival Place retail centre, has placed greater pressure on the road network. Its proximity close to the M3 and other routes on the strategic road network also increases the need to efficiently manage the town's existing highway network.

2.4

Basingstoke already benefits from network monitoring facilities and traffic information and car park information systems. To maximise the benefit of these systems there is a need to improve the geographical coverage of these applications to cover additional key locations, thereby improving the service to motorists and network managers.

2.5

The CCTV and VMS will be compatible with those already deployed successfully elsewhere in the county, including in Basingstoke. They will form part of the central systems which are monitored and operated from the County Council's Traffic and Travel Information Centre (TTIC) in Winchester. As funding permits additional cameras and signs can be readily incorporated into the systems to increase effectiveness.

2.6

The proposals will enable the TTIC operators to monitor the road network and manage incidents and congestion. Information can be provided via the VMS regarding travel conditions for key parts of the network. This will allow drivers to make informed decisions about their choice of route. The VMS will also be employed to promote Park and Ride services to influence driver behaviour and avoid increased congestion in the town centre particularly during busy periods.

2.7

CCTV images and incident information will be displayed on the ROMANSE website (romanse.org.uk) to provide drivers with pre trip information regarding congestion and incidents to assist with journey planning.

Targets and Outcomes

2.8

The proposal aims to improve network monitoring in Basingstoke and enable the provision of accurate information regarding travel conditions. This will improve the management of the existing network and reduce the negative impacts of incidents.

2.9

The proposal allows for the VMS to be used actively to advise motorists to use the Park and Ride bus services at particularly busy times to reduce town centre congestion.

2.10

The scheme is designed to form part of the overall transport strategy for Basingstoke.

3.

IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL (Client Department)

National/County Network and Policies

3.1

The proposals are consistent with the County Council's transportation strategy of using network management tools to utilise the full potential of the existing infrastructure.

Details of Scheme and Design Standards

3.2

3.3

3.4

3.5

To complement and enhance existing network monitoring capabilities, two CCTV cameras will be installed at:

(i) Newbury Road junction; and

(ii) Hackwood Road roundabout.

To complement and enhance existing traffic and travel information capabilities, three VMS will be installed at:

(i) Ringway West/southbound approach to Thorneycroft roundabout;

(ii) Ringway West/northbound approach to Thorneycroft roundabout; and

(iii) Worting Road/approach to West Ham roundabout.

A location plan is attached.

The equipment is deemed to be street furniture and therefore planning consent is not required as this is permitted development. The equipment will be installed to comply with Department for Transport (DfT) criteria.

Environmental Impact

3.6

The proposal has minimal consequences for the environment but it should be noted that the VMS are designed for visual impact and will be typically 2.9 metres wide x 1.4 metres high and mounted at a height of 2.1 metres to the underside of the sign. The displays will be illuminated and light emitting using LEDs which are an energy efficient technology, to minimise power consumption. Signs will be switched off overnight. The CCTV cameras will be located at strategic points on the network on poles a minimum of 6 metres in height.

3.7

The proposal is designed to improve network monitoring capabilities and travel information outputs. This will help maximise the efficiency of the existing road networks, reducing unnecessary congestion and the negative environmental impact of incidents.

Land Requirements

3.8

No land acquisition required. All works to be confined within existing public highway limits.

Statutory Procedures

3.9

All necessary statutory requirements will be satisfied in the development of this proposal including DfT criteria.

Public Consultation

3.10

3.11

There is no statutory requirement for public consultation in developing this project.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council officers have assisted in developing the proposals.

Local Members' View

3.12

The local Members, Councillors Mrs Frankum, Gurden, Heath, Jo Kelly and Reid, have been consulted. Councillors Mrs Frankum, Gurden, Jo Kelly and Reid support the proposal. Councillor Heath's comments are awaited.

Impact Assessments

3.13

The proposal to install VMS is aimed largely at motorists and is not considered to have significant impact on other road users. Research indicates that these information systems are effective in advising drivers and assist those less familiar with a location. In this way, and given that the VMS can be used to actively promote the Park and Ride bus service, the proposal may help to make Basingstoke more accessible. The VMS may provide motorists with special needs and limited mobility the additional confidence that they will be able to access services.

3.14

The provisions of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act have no implications for this proposal.

Maintenance Implications

3.15

ITS equipment is anticipated to operate satisfactorily for 10 to 15 years, after which it will need to be replaced. The equipment will be added to an annual maintenance contract and the revenue implications for the ongoing maintenance and operation will need to be taken into account in the setting of the annual base budget.

3.16

The installation of equipment will result in additional revenue expenditure with respect to maintenance and communications. Typical maintenance charges are £1,000 per annum for a VMS and £500 per annum for a CCTV camera. An agreement is in place with Orange to secure GPRS communications at a competitive rate of £2 per sim card per VMS per month. Overall costs, including data transmission, are estimated at £60-£70 per annum per VMS. The new CCTV cameras will utilise ADSL communications at an estimated cost of £44 per month per camera. Both of these communication methods represent significant savings on traditional and existing British Telecom lines.

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

3.17

The provisions of the Act have no direct impact for this proposal though the presence of CCTV can be a deterrent to anti-social and criminal behaviour. The Police may take the opportunity to view images captured by the cameras if relevant to an investigation.

Sustainability

3.18

The system supports the County Council's policies to make best use of the existing transport network and to provide sustainable transport in Hampshire.

3.19

Improved network monitoring and information outputs will help reduce unnecessary congestion and contribute towards network management and air quality objectives for Basingstoke.

3.20

Although the travel information VMS are aimed at motorists, their use in promoting Park and Ride as well as managing traffic congestion and incidents can indirectly benefit bus passengers and pedestrians, and contribute towards making Basingstoke a more attractive environment for all users.

4.

IMPROVEMENT - ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

(Client Department)

4.1

The County Council has developed an ITS strategy including the scope for ITS development in the Basingstoke area. Several sites were identified as suitable for CCTV and VMS installations. However, given the limited funding available, the sites were prioritised and those proposed are seen as offering the best options in the short term to enhance network monitoring at key locations and provide the most benefit in terms of offering driver information and promoting Park and Ride. Additional sites can readily be added to the system as funding becomes available.

4.2

The deployment of ITS facilities in Basingstoke is in the initial stages and experience has shown that early provision of CCTV cameras and VMS offers the greatest benefit in terms of information collection and dissemination on the network. No other facility offers the instant view of a situation that CCTV cameras can and this contributes significantly to the accuracy and timeliness of the information disseminated from the TTIC which is also key to effective use of the VMS. For this reason, whilst options such as traffic monitoring via UTC system loop detection was considered, provision of CCTV cameras is the preferred option.

LINK(S) TO CORPORATE STRATEGY

Yes

No

Hampshire safer and more secure for all

√

Maximising well-being

√

Enhancing our quality of place

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

Scheme File

Environment Department

ITS Group, Monument House

Winchester