Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE MEMBER - ENVIRONMENT

ITEM 6

PROJECT APPRAISAL

PROJECT:

SPRINGLES LANE, NEAR WHITELEY - ACCESSIBILITY

COMMENCEMENT DATE:

MAY 2007

COMPLETION DATE:

JULY 2007

PLANNED YEAR OF START IN ACCORDANCE WITH CAPITAL PROGRAMME: 2007/08

1.

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

Current

Capital

Estimate

Programme

(at 2007

(at 2007

prices)

prices)

Capital Expenditure

£'000

£'000

Land to be purchased

Construction

Fees

Land/fees

Supervision

50

50

50

50

Less developers/

other contributions

Total

50

50

Financial provision for total scheme

Total Cost

1.

From Committees own resources

(a) Capital programme (as above)

50

(b) Other

50

2.

From other resources

(a)

(b)

(c)

Total

Total

50

Value of land for this project in HCC ownership £

Variations from capital programme

Revenue implications

£'000

% variation

To Committee's

Budget

Net current expenditure

0.4

0.001

Capital charges

4.0

0.003

TOTAL net expenditure

4.4

0.004

2.

Summary

2.1

The proposed scheme will stop through traffic illegally using a narrow and inadequate lane which is already subject to a Prohibition of Driving (except for access) Traffic Regulation Order, and address concerns regarding the safety of the residents, pedestrians and cyclists that use the route. A signed statement and petition requesting the road closure was submitted by the Springles Lane Residents' Association following complaints that traffic is using the route illegally and driving in an unsafe manner, reversing along the lane and using private driveways to manoeuvre.

3.

Recommendations

3.1

3.2

That an order be made under Sections 1, 2 and 3 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, the effect of which will be:

(i) to prohibit all vehicles, except pedal cycles, from proceeding in that length of Springles Lane, Whiteley between a point 286 metres north-west of its junction with Fontley Road and a point 2 metres north-west of that point; and

(ii) to revoke the Hampshire (Springles Lane/Lee Ground, Whiteley) (Prohibition of Driving) Order 1997 and re-enact its provisions without any change of substance, other than the omission of the length of the road specified in (i) above.

That this Project Appraisal for the installation of traffic management measures, taking the form of turning heads and associated works in Springles Lane, near Whiteley, at an estimated cost of £50,000, be approved, subject to an amendment being made to the 2006/07 Environmental Capital Programme to reflect the revised start date within the 2007/08 financial year.

4.

STATEMENT OF NEED/JUSTIFICATION FOR PROJECT

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.6

4.7

4.8

4.9

The proposed scheme will prevent through traffic illegally using a narrow and inadequate lane which is already subject to a Prohibition of Driving (except for access) Traffic Regulation Order and address concerns about the safety of local residents, pedestrians and other road users who use the route.

Lee Ground/Springles Lane is a rural single track, unclassified road with few passing places and is unsuitable to accommodate the volume of vehicles currently using it. This has resulted in damage to the road, verges
and hedgerows where a number of informal passing places have been created. Residents' driveways are used as passing places on a regular basis.

Traffic surveys taken in December 2003 using fixed monitoring equipment recorded high volumes of traffic for this narrow lane. An average of 463 vehicles a day were counted in the lane where there are only 27 dwellings. Of the 463 vehicles recorded, 196 travelled in a north-west direction towards Whiteley and 267 travelled in a south-east direction towards Fontley Road. As traffic volumes increase around the Whiteley area and drivers try to avoid delays on the M27 junction 9 and Segensworth area, alternative routes are being used, particularly during peak periods; Springles Lane is one of those routes.

Two slight injury accidents have been recorded near the junction of Springles Lane on Fontley Road during the three year period to the end of June 2006.

The local community has been requesting a physical road closure for some time as the current Prohibition of Driving Order, which was implemented in 1997, is difficult to enforce and the Police have limited resources. To provide for the physical closure, turning heads are required to accommodate vehicles which need to use the lane to access residential properties. Private land became available which is to be dedicated for highway use to accommodate the turning heads as there is insufficient highway along the lane.

Although no injury accidents have been recorded in the lane during the last three year period, the residents are aware of a number of damage only incidents and are concerned about road safety, particularly for pedestrians who feel very vulnerable due to drivers reversing along the lane in a dangerous manner as there is insufficient room for two-way traffic. Some of the drivers also have an aggressive attitude and the public feel vulnerable and intimidated. Springles Lane is close to Whiteley Business Park and shopping village. As this area of Whiteley expands and traffic volumes increase the amount of traffic illegally using Springles Lane is expected to increase, further adding to the problems

The Springles Lane Residents' Association submitted a signed statement and petition dated 30 January 2006 which strongly reaffirmed support for a permanent physical closure mid-way along the lane. The petition included 28 signatures which accounted for 25 of the households and two from people who rent the fields either side of the lane for horses to graze.

The physical closure of Springles Lane will stop traffic illegally using the lane; the reduction in traffic volumes will improve access for pedestrians, cyclists and local residents and also contribute towards safety in the lane.

On 26 February 2007 a 40 miles per hour speed restriction was introduced on Fontley Road which will reduce speeds. The closure of Springles Lane will also contribute towards safety at the Springles Lane/Fontley Road junction.

4.10

4.11

Targets and Outcomes

The principal objective of this proposal is to stop traffic illegally using Springles Lane as a through route. Construction of physical measures will provide access for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.

The targets for this scheme are to contribute towards safety and improve access for pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders as well as the more vulnerable users. The measures will also contribute to improving road conditions along this route and will promote a safer environment and a feeling of well-being to the local community. In particular, for the local residents who have requested the closure and the wider public who use the lane to access fields for recreational purposes.

5.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL (Client Department)

National/County Network and Policies

5.1

The proposals are consistent with the County Council's policies and Local Transport Plan 2006-2011 by contributing to providing a safe environment for all road users and improving accessibility. By minimising impact of traffic in residential areas this scheme will also contribute to the new Corporate Strategy and Business Plan. The scheme will also contribute to the County Council's road safety and casualty reduction policies.

Details of Scheme and Design Standards

5.2

5.3

5.4

5.5

5.6

A Traffic Regulation Order to prohibit all vehicles, except pedal cycles, from proceeding along the route is required. The road closure will be constructed 286 metres from the Fontley Road junction and 263 metres from the top end of Springles Lane.

The closure point, located mid point on the south side of Springles Lane, will consist of a kerbed build-out constructed using countryside kerbs with reflective bollards to restrict vehicles. To accommodate pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders a gap of 2.1 metres will be provided.

Two turning heads are to be constructed on the south side of the closure on approximately 0.10 acres of land which is to be dedicated for highway use. A three metre wide galvanized steel gate will be provided to maintain access into the field for equestrian use together with appropriate fencing, drainage and signing along the route.

The proposals have been designed to meet current National and County Council standards for highway improvement schemes, and will be subject to safety audit during the design stages.

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

Environmental Impact

5.7

The scheme will reduce the amount of traffic using Springles Lane. This will have a positive impact on the lane which will improve the accessibility for pedestrians and other vulnerable users, and contribute to road safety. The reduction of traffic using this lane as a through route will probably also benefit the residents of Leafy Lane nearby where traffic volumes are high during the peak periods.

Land Requirements

5.8

A parcel of land located mid point on the south side of Springles Lane will be dedicated as highway to make provision for the turning heads, all other works will be confined to existing public highway.

Statutory Procedures

5.9

5.10

5.11

A Traffic Regulation Order was formally advertised for public comment between 14 December 2006 and 11 January 2007. Eight representations were received, seven in support and one objection - see Appendices 1 and 2.

The County Council may use its discretionary power to hold a public inquiry. The Chief Executive's Department has been consulted and as all of the Traffic Regulation Orders procedures have been adhered to and relevant facts were already available to the objector nothing can be gained from having a public inquiry. The objector has been informed of the right to make a deputation at the Executive Member for Environment decision day.

A Deed of Dedication Agreement between the landowner and the Council is required. The landowner has agreed, in principle, to dedicate the land for Highway use.

Public Consultation

5.12

5.13

5.14

5.15

5.16

5.17

Springles Lane Residents' Association has been consulted and support the proposals, a signed statement/petition by the majority of Springles Lane residents requesting the closure was submitted on 30 January 2006. One resident has recorded objections to the closure.

Mark Oaten MP has consulted with residents of Springles Lane and has also attended the site. He commented that residents were experiencing problems due to the amount of traffic using the lane.

The Police have been consulted and attended site and support the proposals.

Wickham Parish Council has been consulted and supports the closure.

The British Horse Society is pleased that the design for the road closure will accommodate horse riders.

Winchester City Council, Fareham Borough Council and Wickham Parish Council support the scheme.

Local Member's View

5.18

The local Member, Councillor Allgood, supports the proposal and also attended a meeting of the residents of Leafy Lane who expressed their support for Springles Lane closure. Adjacent local Member, Councillor Felicity Hindson, also supports the proposals.

Impact Assessments

5.19

Assessment of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act has been considered in the development of this proposal which is not expected to compromise equalities in terms of race and gender, but to improve access for all. The reduction in traffic volumes will improve conditions for all road users.

Maintenance Implications

5.20

The revenue implications of this proposal will be taken into account in the setting of the annual base budget. There will be a minimal increase in maintenance liability from the introduction of the turning heads but this would be offset in the long term as maintenance for Springles Lane would be expected to reduce due to less usage.

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

5.21

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

Sustainability

5.22

5.23

The scheme will reduce the volume of vehicles using Springles Lane which will improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable users. It should result in a positive improvement to the environment and improve the quality of life for the residents in the area as well as reducing the level of vehicle noise and road maintenance.

The scale of the scheme precludes the significant use of recycled materials, however these will be incorporated into the scheme where practical.

6.

ROAD IMPROVEMENT - ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED

6.1

6.2

6.3

To provide a gate or barrier only across Springles Lane - this would not provide any room for vehicles turning or provide access through the lane for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.

A combination of various turning heads was considered, the option chosen was the most suitable for the location. To locate the turning heads using land on the north side of Springles Lane was considered and rejected as the private land is not available.

To do nothing was considered but traffic is illegally using Springles Lane as a through route as there is no effective enforcement.

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

Sheridan House - Winchester

Bar End - Winchester