Archived decisions

Decision Maker:

Executive Member for Skills and Economic Development and Human Resources

Date of Decision:

20 January 2009

Decision Title:

Project Appraisal: A35 Colbury Pedestrian Crossing

Decision Reference:

493

Report From:

Director of Environment

Contact name:

Barry Armstrong

Tel:

023 8042 7600

Email:

[email protected]

1) Summary

The following decisions were made:

1.1. That the Project Appraisal for the construction of a Toucan pedestrian crossing and associated cycle links to the local junior and secondary schools on the A35 at Colbury, Ashurst, at an estimated cost of £300,000, be approved.

1.2 That, under the powers contained in Sections 65 and 66 of the Highways Act 1980, the existing and proposed footways which comprise this scheme be formally converted to shared use for pedestrians and cyclists.

2) Reasons for the decision

2.1. The proposed controlled pedestrian crossing will make provision for a safer crossing point on this busy section of the A35 at Colbury. Local residents, parents and school children have strongly campaigned for the introduction of this crossing following the cessation of a manned school crossing patrol. The approval of this proposal will contribute towards:

(i) making Hampshire safer and more secure for all; and

(ii) maximising well-being.

3) Other options considered and rejected:

Option 1:

The option to do nothing was considered and rejected as this would deter parents and children from walking and cycling to the local primary and secondary schools and creates community severance between the areas to the north-west and south-east of the A35 at Colbury.

Option 2:

The proposal to construct a subway crossing was considered but rejected as it would cost in the region of £750,000.

Option 3:

The proposal to construct a pedestrian footbridge at the same location would be of a similar cost to option 2 based on 2005 prices. These costs will now have considerably increased and are thought to be in the region of £1.2 million.

Option 4:

The option to utilise and convert to shared use the existing pedestrian links including a subway and undertake minor upgrades to signing to make the route more attractive to pedestrian and cyclist use. Also to upgrade the pedestrian crossing island at the top of Hunters Hill close to Whartons Lane. This was rejected as the routes are perceived to be unacceptable in terms of length and personal security and therefore would be unlikely to be used.

The option selected will promote community confidence to walk and cycle, provide a safe crossing point and help to discourage the need to drive children to and from local schools. The impact on traffic queue lengths at the proposed new crossing site would be minimal.

4) Conflicts of Interest:

4.1. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker:

As Councillor Kendal is the Local Member and has declared a personal interest, the item has been referred to the Executive Member for Skills and Economic Development and Human Resources.

4.2. Conflicts of interest declared by other Executive Members consulted:

None

5) Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee:

None

6) Any reasons for the matter being dealt with if urgent :

None

7) Statement from the Decision Maker:

Approved by:

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Date:

20 January 2009

Executive Member for Skills and Economic Development and Human Resources

Councillor J Glen