Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Executive Decision Record

1. The decision:

a) That the Project Appraisal for the installation and construction of a Puffin pedestrian crossing facility at the A326 junction with Twiggs Lane, Marchwood, and associated street lighting extending to the junction with A326 and Staplewood Lane, Marchwood, at an estimated cost of £529,000, be approved.

2. Reasons for the decision:

2.1. This scheme sets out to improve road safety by the installation of a controlled Puffin pedestrian crossing on the A326 at the junction with Twiggs Lane, Marchwood and additional street lighting between this junction and the Staplewood Lane junction on the A326. Its principal objectives are to improve crossing opportunities to meet the needs of pedestrians and people with mobility impairment and improve driving awareness and conditions for motorists.

2.2. Approval of the scheme will contribute towards:

(i) `Making Hampshire safer and more secure for all' by providing a safe crossing facility on a busy road; and

(ii) `Maximising well-being' by improving the opportunities and ease with which people can access local facilities and services and encouraging active travel.

3. Other options considered and rejected:

3.1. Option 1: The installation of a roundabout.

The installation of this type of traffic management has been rejected on the grounds of practicality and cost. Providing a roundabout junction would involve considerable realignment of Twiggs Lane and the A326 itself. It would require third party land and although this option has not been costed, it is likely to prove extremely expensive and therefore not considered a feasible proposition at this location.

3.2. Option 2: Do nothing.

The option to do nothing would not address the concerns of local residents as there is a history of Personal Injury Accidents that have occurred over the last three years and there is a strong desire line between the south-eastern residential areas and the local amenities situated in the north-western community which is severed by traffic travelling along the A326.

3.3. Option 3: Traffic Signal.

Investigations carried out by the Intelligent Transport Systems Group examined various options for signals at the Twiggs Lane and the A326 junction. Many of the traffic models predict substantial queues and congestion, particularly for the A326 movements.

4. Conflicts of interest:

4.1. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker: None.

4.2. Conflicts of interest declared by other Executive Members consulted: None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee: none.

6. Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent: not applicable.

7. Statement from the Decision Maker: