Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - ENVIRONMENT

ITEM 4

PROJECT APPRAISAL

PROJECT:

NORTH CAMP, FARNBOROUGH - PHASE II: TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

DECEMBER 2006

COMPLETION DATE:

FEBRUARY 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

Nil

Nil

Construction

110

110

Fees

40

40

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

1.12

0.001

Capital charges

14.00

0.011

TOTAL net expenditure

15.12

0.012

2.

STATEMENT OF NEED/JUSTIFICATION FOR PROJECT

(Client Department)

2.1

2.2

2.3

2.4

This scheme forms the second phase of measures to reduce vehicle speeds and provide a safer environment for pedestrians, especially children and the mobility impaired in a residential area in North Camp, Farnborough.

The roads in the area are very wide and heavily trafficked by local residents and other road users who use these roads to avoid congestion and delays on the more appropriate strategic routes. This has led to severance within the community which the scheme will assist in overcoming.

Accessibility also needs to be improved to ensure the economic viability of the local shops and businesses.

Finally, the measures proposed are needed to support the objectives set out in the adopted travel plans produced by the local schools.

2.5

2.6

2.7

Targets and Outcomes

The Local Transport Plan sets targets to improve accessibility and safety especially towards the town centres of Aldershot and Farnborough and the local schools.

Specific to this scheme, which will assist the local schools in fulfilling their school travel plans, the following targets have been set:

(i) reduce existing average speed of vehicles on Reading Road from 36 miles per hour (mph) to 30 mph (current speed limit);

(ii) reduce existing average vehicle speed of vehicles on Alexandra Road from 35 mph to 30 mph;

(iii) reduce existing average speed of vehicles on Queens Road from 33 mph to 30 mph; and

(iv) increase walking to school by 2%.

These targets will be measured by traffic surveys and `hands up' surveys at the local schools.

3.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL (Client Department)

National/County Network and Policies

3.1

These proposals are consistent with the County Council's North East Hampshire Transport Strategy and Local Transport Plan. The measures proposed will provide improved facilities for pedestrians and safer routes to the local schools in this part of Rushmoor.

Details of Scheme and Design Standards

3.2

3.3

3.4

3.5

This scheme forms the second phase of improvements in the North Camp area of Farnborough and builds on the success of phase 1 which was implemented in 2005.

Works comprise:

(i) providing improved pedestrian crossing refuges with a minimum refuge width increased to 1.5 metres;

(ii) installing build-outs to formalise existing on-street parking areas;

(iii) upgrading an existing controlled crossing on Alexandra Road to a PUFFIN crossing.

The scheme has been designed in accordance with national highway design standards and Hampshire County Council standard details.

A location plan is attached and a detailed drawing of the proposals will be displayed at the meeting.

Environmental Impact

3.6

There is no significant environmental impact from this proposal.

Land Requirements

3.7

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

Statutory Procedures

3.8

Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) requirements for this scheme will be undertaken by Rushmoor Borough Council under the Agency agreement. A TRO is required to extend a section of double yellow lines by approximately five metres to give protection to one of the new islands being provided on Alexandra Road. This was included in the public consultation to which no objection was raised.

Public Consultation

3.9

3.10

3.11

An exhibition of the proposed improvements in Queens Road and Alexandra Road was held in a local hall on 5 October 2006. Residents and businesses with a frontage onto the affected roads were notified of the exhibition by a letter drop. In total over 1,500 letters were distributed.

Of those who attended the exhibition only 75 people completed the questionnaires. Analysis of the responses showed almost total support for the measures to be implemented.

Residents in Reading Road were sent a letter and plan of the pedestrian refuges proposed for this road asking for their views. In total 294 letters with accompanying plans were distributed. A total of 69 residents responded to the questionnaire. However, it should be noted that the letter stated that if a resident did not respond to the questionnaire it would be assumed that they had no objections and supported the implementation of the measures. Analysis of the completed questionnaires showed nearly total support for the scheme proposed.

Local Member's View

3.12

The local Member, Councillor Mrs Devereux, supports the proposals.

Impact Assessments

3.13

Assessment of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act has been considered in the development of this scheme. No adverse impact has been identified in terms of race, creed or gender. The proposals incorporate tactile paving and flush dropped kerbs at the crossing points to assist the visually and mobility impaired people, as well as pedestrians with pushchairs.

Maintenance Implications

3.14

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

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

3.15

The provision of the Act have no impact on these proposals.

Sustainability

3.16

The improvements to pedestrian facilities will encourage walking which is a sustainable form of transport.

4.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT - ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

(Client Department)

4.1

4.2

4.3

The option to do nothing was rejected as the risk to pedestrians crossing the road at sub standard width refuges was considered too high in view of vehicle speeds and traffic volume.

A controlled crossing along Reading Road was investigated but a suitable location could not be achieved; furthermore it would not have met the criteria for justifying a controlled crossing.

A full signalised improvement at the Queens Road/Alexandra Road/Netley Street was considered but rejected as it would not have been operationally successful. It would also have caused delays to Bus Route 1 as well as being financial prohibitive.

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

North Camp Phase II

Traffic Management Scheme, Farnborough - Working File

Environment Department

Room 415