I have had a very busy week dealing with Highway issues in my County Council division. Apart from the usual bits and pieces of case-work, I have had meetings with Officers and other Councillors in Totton, Marchwood & Winchester, all looking at various highway issues.

I thought it might be useful to list some of the things discussed, with a bit of comment, starting with Marchwood :

Proposed HGV Ban – Hythe Road

The Portfolio Holder or the Environment, Cllr. Mel Kendal confirmed that this project had stalled. There is a problem, not easy to overcome. My wish matches that of the majority view of Marchwood residents who, when consulted, expressed the wish that Hampshire County Council tries to impose a complete ban on HGV movements in Hythe Road.

However, the operators of Marchwood Industrial Estate, Oceanic Estates, are opposed to this and will lodge a legal objection to any such move. They have apparently obtained something like 600 signatures on a petition, expressing objection to any such plan (mostly from business users of the estate but also some from residents who live nearby).

The District Councillor, Alison Hoare says that she supports a ban on HGV’s travelling southbound along Hythe Road, as opposed to a complete ban. There has been a very recent traffic count along the major roads into Marchwood. The figures are only just available, (and have not yet been shared with me).
Cllr. Kendal says he is uncertain about what to do because if we try and implement a complete ban, it will certainly be legally challenged and our case is considered vulnerable because the alternative route for HGV’s to take (A326 / Jacobs Gutter Lane/ Bury Road) is rather longer than the county policy guidelines stipulate.

I expressed the view that we should press ahead and try and get a complete ban. I’m doubtful that Oceanic Estates will drop their objection is we go for a southbound ban only. For me, the key issues are the support of the majority of villagers for a complete ban and the very real hazards of HGV movements (north or south) in Hythe road, especially near the junction with Twiggs Lane at school opening and closing time. The bypass is the proper route for HGV traffic. I am hoping that the authority will decide to try and impose a complete ban.

I was informed that Officers are looking at some further low cost measures to improve pedestrian safety in Hythe Road. There are no funds available for constructing a proper pavement or cycleway (in fact developers contributions relating to Marchwood only amount to some £3,000). It might be that one side of the road will be designated as a cycle / pedestrian route, with appropriate painted areas. I look forward to seeing detailed plans in due course.

Jacobs Gutter Lane – Junction with Trotts Lane

Tragically, this was the scene of a fatal accident a few weeks ago. A cyclist was killed when trying to cross Jacobs Gutter Lane, from the Eling direction, towards Trotts Lane. He was struck by a container lorry.

Officers have, as they always do, examined the accident scene. It seems very likely that a safer crossing will be installed. They always wait until the Coroner’s inquest has taken place before making a formal recommendation. I did make the point that we would have to also consider lowering the traffic speed along this stretch of road. To put in a crossing without the means of slowing approaching traffic may increase the risk of further accidents.

Normandy Way

Work has been undertaken to consider how best to improve arrangements for pedestrians to cross Normandy Way safely. There is a “safe refuge” for pedestrians to use (mainly for the residents of the Admiralty Quay Estate). However, this is considered unsatisfactory. I am keen for pedestrians to have the ability to stop traffic, especially in view of the high volumes of HGV traffic. Once again, speed is an issue. I reminded one and all that Oceanic Estates have informally indicated support for a reduction to the speed limit, from 40mph to 30mph.

Hopefully, a scheme with detailed drawings will be available to consider in the next few weeks.

Main Road

I understand that the entire length of Main Road is to be re-surfaced shortly.

20 MPH Speed Limits

The Parish Council asked Hampshire County Council to consider introducing a speed limit of 20 mph on some village roads, for safety reasons. I learned that this is something already done in some parts of Portsmouth, apparently quite successfully.

We had quite a long discussion about the merits of this. We seemed to agree that when we are residents, we love the idea of speed limits, but when we get into our cars, we often hate it! The local police have made their position quite clear in that they don’t generally support such schemes because most drivers will not abide to the lower limits and they won’t be practically enforceable.
I argued that there might be some areas that could be suitable. However, it was important to get public support for any such scheme, for me to support it, I would have to see some evidence that lowering the speed limit from 30mph to 20 mph actually made a difference to road safety. Lastly, we need to consider the environmental consequences.

Interestingly, there are proposals being considered, looking at the possibility of a 30mph limit right across the New Forest. I’m not at all sure this is of benefit. On most Forest roads, I would consider it right to travel at 40mph in daylight, when the conditions are good, with no animals about. However, even 30 mph might be too fast at night, with horses grazing close to the road. Sometimes blanket speed limits take away the responsibility of the driver to consider the conditions and drive appropriately. I prefer that each road is looked at on its merits, whether this is in Marchwood or anywhere else.

A326 / Twiggs Lane

Work on the promised pedestrian crossing is due to start later this month with street lighting being installed all around the junction first of all. I have asked about arrangements for dealing with traffic whilst the crossing is constructed, emphasising the importance of trying to avoid any diversions that will re-direct traffic through the village and particularly near the Marchwood Infants School. Officers will brief me on this and seem fully aware of the issue.

Mulberry Road

A one-way traffic, 20 mph scheme has been agreed for Mulberry Road and will now be implemented.

Totton South

Asda Roundabout

There are quite a few issues that are linked relating to highways in Totton. Consultants have been looking at improving the means of pedestrian access around the town centre and giving consideration to air quality issues, especially in the Junction Road area.

County Councillor Alan Weeks (Totton North) and I are to get an Officer briefing on this when the report is ready. I anticipate that some measures may involve getting rid of barriers and railings and introducing the concept of “Shared Space”, the idea being that pedestrians are given much greater freedom to cross where they please and that the users of motor vehicles are effectively forced to slow down, giving way to pedestrians without the need for speed humps or more traditional traffic calming measures.

Water Lane Triangle / Rumbridge Street

It is generally agreed that the improvements to this area of the Town are a great success. There is no word yet on the outcome of a review of the Rumbridge Street Scheme which went very badly over-budget.

High Street

Local police have promised that there will be improved enforcement of the 30mph speed limit in the High Street in the coming weeks and months. I have asked the Environmental Health Officers to monitor the noise nuisance from HGV traffic accessing and leaving the wharf. I understand this work has been completed. I expect to be briefed on it shortly.

Plans to improve the access to the wharf have been agreed. Hopefully, this will prevent HGV’s getting blocked at the entrance and reduce the incidents of them mounting the pavement opposite (a source of noise complaints and safety concerns).

Footway linking Greenfields Avenue to Hamtun Crescent

This proposal was one of a large number of schemes included on a “wish list”, but with only the funds to progress three of them. I explained that the pathway often gets flooded in wet weather, a real nuisance, especially to school children from Testwood Sports College. From discussions, it appeared that this scheme would not be taken forward due to lack of funds. However, I suggested that it stay in the top three on the basis that it probably would not be too costly to concentrate on solving the drainage issue, (accepting that we may not be able to afford a smooth tarmac finish). Officers agreed this proposal made good engineering sense and it was included as the third highest priority.

A326 – Jacobs Gutter Lane to Rushington Roundabout

The entire length of the A326 is to be re-surfaced. I reminded officers of the need to address the noise and vibration nuisance problem on this particular stretch of road. I would very much hope that they will resurface the road with the same sort of material that has been very successfully employed in Normandy Way, Marchwood. I was given assurance that this would indeed be factored in to the scheme.

Zig-Zag Lines

The hazard zig-zag lines outside of school gates in Totton are to be made legally enforceable by next year. I very much welcomed this.

Sylvia Road

New parking restrictions in Sylvia Crescent, at the junction with Salisbury Road have been approved by local Councillors, including myself. I have also asked for a “Keep Clear” or yellow box at the end of the service road in Sylvia Crescent, to prevent vehicles being blocked as they turn into Sylvia from Salisbury Road. This was agreed. It might be necessary to further extend the yellow lines further on down Sylvia than the present proposals but it was agreed to implement what has been advertised and agreed upon currently.

Waterside Passenger Rail Service

Cllr. Kendal announced that he supports the idea of a new waterside passenger rail service and that Hampshire County Council would be working with other organisations to take this initiative forward. My fellow Totton County Councillor, Alan Weeks quite rightly pointed out the need to properly address the Junction Road issue – the fact that the train gates are closed for 20 minutes every hour, contributing to congestion and air quality issues.