Hampshire County Council would like to take this opportunity to provide you feedback from the public exhibition held on March 11th 2010 where a range or transport and accessibility improvements for the village were presented.

As a recap, the schemes subject to the consultation were:

1.Rownhams Lane - Traffic calming and informal pedestrian crossing points;

2.Rownhams Road - Traffic calming and enhanced informal pedestrian crossing points;

3Fleming Avenue - Improvements to parking and informal pedestrian crossing points, and,

4.A27 Botley Road - Missing cycle link (between Firgrove Road and Castle Lane) and upgrade of traffic signals to include Toucan (cycle and pedestrian) crossings;

As a reminder, the scheme drawings can be viewed at: http://consultations.hants.gov.uk/consultationdetails.aspx?consultationid=880

The website is now closed and no further comments can be received.

Around 200 people attended the exhibition held in the village hall where a total of 96 comments forms were either completed on the day or via the dedicated website. The comments forms provided a range of views on the 4 proposals identified at the consultation.

This scheme received the most support. Subject to consideration of a few minor issues raised at the consultation, this scheme will move forward for detailed design preparation and subsequent implementation.

The results of the consultation showed considerable opposition to the traffic calming measures proposed for both Rownhams Lane and Rownhams Road and made up the majority of ‘least favoured’ vote. These schemes will not be taken forward.

Residents did say however that they supported the concept of speed reduction, just not in the form presented. Alternative options such as the ‘Speed Limit Reminder’ electronic devices (as used in the Valley Park area) were requested instead. On Rownhams Lane, the proposed pedestrian refuge (island) near Firgrove Road and dropped crossings (to create an informal pedestrian crossing facility) near the Rownhams Road junction were also supported.

Some residents specifically commented that they supported the proposals to enhance the white lining around the pedestrian/cycle refuge south of Hoe Lane to highlights its presence and the approach to the village.

All of the supported options will move forward to detailed design and subsequent implementation. The procurement and management of the ‘Speed Limit Reminder’ devices will be discussed with your Parish Council.

The missing section of cycle route along Botley Road between Castle Lane and Firgrove Road received some public support, although some residents were concerned it would be too narrow and this would present a safety hazard at exiting driveways.

Some further feasibility work will take place on this scheme, particularly the element which involved the upgrade of the traffic signal technology to reduce waiting times for vehicles and traffic.

Hampshire County Council would like to thank you for your attendance at the exhibition and for completing the comments forms. Your feedback was most appreciated and have helped prioritise the schemes for implementation.