2.2 Transport Problems and Opportunities in Hertfordshire4

Hertfordshire’s Local Transport Plan 2006/07 -2010/11 Highways and Transport Panel June 2005

1. Introduction3
2. Traffic, Travel and Transport in Hertfordshire 4

2.1The Last Five Years4

2.2 Transport problems and opportunities in Hertfordshire4

1. The Wider Context 7

3.1National Policy 7

3.2Regional Planning 7

3.3Local Land-Use Planning7

3.4Regional Economic Strategy8

3.5Cross Boundary and Sub-regional Transport Planning.9

3.6Through Traffic and Long Distance Travellers9

3.7Growth Areas and Sustainable Communities10

3.8Multi-Modal Studies10

3.9Airports11

3.10The London Effect11

1. The Way We Work in Hertfordshire13

4.1Local Government Context13

4.2Learning and Sharing Information Networks16

1. Vision and Objectives18

5.1Vision18

5.2The Transport Objectives18

1. Tackling Congestion20

6.1 Tackling Congestion20

6.2 Tackling congestion through Transport Planning20

6.3 Tackling congestion whilst meeting the needs of all users21

6.4 Network Management and Hertfordshire Highways22

6.5 Network Management Duty23

6.6 Tackling congestion by working with other authorities23

7.Delivering Accessibility 25

7.1 Social inclusion through local transport planning25

7.2 Accessibility Strategies25

7.3 Assessment and analysis of issues26

7.4 Tackling accessibility issues26

7.5 Performance measurement27

7.6 Accessibility Through Transport Planning27

7.7 Accessibility through Network Management29

8.Safer Roads30

8.1 Road Safety Strategy31

8.2 Targets and best use of information31

8.3 Road safety policy issues32

8.4 Links to other areas of work34

8.5 Funding and Investment34

8.6 Making the most of investment34

9.Better Air Quality35

9.1Cost effective solutions35

9.2 Working in partnership with district/borough councils35

9.3 Air Quality Management Areas36

9.4 Targets and Action Plans36

10. Quality of Life Issues37

10.1Public space and better streetscapes37

10.2Community safety, personal security and crime37

10.3Healthy communities38

10.4Neighbourhood renewal and regeneration38

10.5Noise38

10.6Climate Change and greenhouse gases39

11.Indicators and Locally Relevant Targets41

11.1Selection of targets and indicators for LTP241

11.2Mandatory Indicators41

11.3Non-mandatory Indicators54

12The Five Year Implementation Programme58

12.1Asset Management59

12.2Value for Money and Hertfordshire Highways59

12.3Efficiency in Highway Maintenance60

12.4Major Schemes60

12.5Longer Term beyond LTP264

Annex A – Rights of Way Improvement Plan Statement65

Annex B – District Council Statements74

Abbreviations88

1. INTRODUCTION

The Hertfordshire Local Transport Plan 2006/07 -2010/11 sets the framework for achieving the vision for a better transport system for all. This plan will build upon the success of the first Local Transport Plan and focus on delivering the shared priorities of tackling congestion, delivering accessibility, providing safer roads, improving air quality and improving the quality of life for residents. Through these themes the plan will continue to tackle the complex transport problems that face Hertfordshire.

Hertfordshire has a population of over 1 million residents and increasing numbers of long distance travellers passing through. There are pressures for substantial growth which could have significant impacts on transport infrastructure in the county.

The transport network has a north-south focus serving London, the Midlands and the North on the A1(M), M1 and East Coast, Midland and West Coast Main Line railway routes. With the exception of the heavily congested M25 in the south of the county, there are very few east-west routes. This is a particular problem for east-west rail passenger journeys, which often require taking the train into central London.

Settlements within the county are no more than five miles apart and consist of small and medium sized towns creating complicated movements to access facilities and services. Congestion within local towns creates local difficulties for all users and impacts on the quality of the environment.

The county is affluent with low unemployment levels and high car ownership, but there are also those who are excluded due to the lack of transport availability. This plan sets the County Council’s framework for tackling these transport issues and is focused on delivering outcomes which will make a demonstrable difference to the transport choices for residents and visitors in Hertfordshire.

This Plan introduces the concept of Accessibility Planning which will help to tackle the problem of getting to key services such as work, education, health and food shopping. The full Accessibility Strategy will be published in March 2006. The Plan also introduces the Rights of Way Improvement Plan which will help accessibility particularly in rural areas.

2. TRAFFIC, TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT IN HERFORDSHIRE

2.1The Last 5 Years

The first Local Transport Plan published in July 2000 has achieved much in the provision of transport choice and this provides a good foundation for future progress during the next five years of transport delivery in Hertfordshire.

• The transport network is safer with a reduction in road injuries, fatalities and serious injuries.
• Less people are speeding in urban areas achieved through the implementation of traffic management schemes developed with local communities.
• Sustainable transport networks have been created and improved for walking, cycling and passenger transport journeys across the county.
• Innovative approaches such as Home Zones and Quiet Lanes have been implemented to improve the local environment and offer transport choices.
• Young people, parents and the local communities have been engaged through the Safer Routes to School programme and by developing School Travel Plans to improve their journeys to school.
• The network has been maintained through the introduction of an asset management approach.
• Local communities have been engaged in identifying problems and developing solutions to transport issues through tools such as the use of maps for local people to pinpoint areas of concern and possible solutions in developing Area and Town Transport Plans and through the Village Travel Plan process.

A full analysis of the improvements brought about by the first Local Transport Plan (which is current until March 2006) will be published in the LTP Annual Progress Report in July 2006.

2.2Transport problems and opportunities in Hertfordshire.

What problems are the public concerned about?

Congestion - A MORI Poll(2004) identified that a key priority and concern of the Hertfordshire residents was the issue of congestion, 64% residents said that it was their main concern.

The continuing growth in road traffic in Hertfordshire poses a serious threat to the quality of life in the county. The significant problems of safety, congestion, access and the environment can all be linked to traffic flows that are 35% higher than the national average. These traffic flows combined with traffic growth (which has reduced over the last three years to less than 1% per year), are the main causes of Hertfordshire’s road congestion on a network at capacity.

Why is there so much traffic in Hertfordshire?

The high level of traffic is a result of many interacting factors:

• over 1 million residents
• spread amongst a dozen medium sized towns (more than 25,000 population) and many more smaller towns;
• villages are generally no more than 5 to 10 miles from a town creating complex journey patterns.
• neighbouring London attracts large commuting flows;
• rail services do not provide for east-west movements;
• the county sits astride three of the most important national routes (M25,
• M1 and A1(M));
• car ownership is the sixth highest in the country.
• 40% of households have 2 or more cars.
• Access to key services, particularly healthcare, is difficult by sustainable transport.

Furthermore, the County Travel Survey (2002) highlighted the importance of the following travel related aspects, in order:

• Reducing road accidents

The number of killed and seriously injured, and children killed and seriously injured have reduced by 25% (2000-2003), and the number of slight casualties by 13%. The Road Safety Strategy will continue to seek improvements in this area through education, engineering and enforcement measures.

• Maintaining existing roads

The County Council introduced the first Highway Asset Management Plan in 2002 and through Hertfordshire Highways is maintaining the highway network. The condition of the network is a continuing concern of the public which this plan will seek to improve.

• Improving bus and rail facilities

The County Council through the Bus, Rail and Intalink Strategies have been making improvements to all aspects of the passenger transport network and service.

• Tackling air pollution

Transport has a particular impact on air quality due to emissions from vehicles. The principal pollutants from road transport are nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and particulates.

Air quality is monitored by the district councils, and where pollutants exceed national threshold levels Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA) are declared. There are several AQMAs in Hertfordshire relating to motorway traffic, but none at present on local roads. However, the current reviews suggest that this may change in the near future and the County Council will seek to tackle the cause and improve air quality.

• Managing Traffic in urban areas

In Hertfordshire, traffic in urban areas is managed through the Area and Town Transport Plans. These plans have introduced innovative solutions such as Home Zones to mange traffic and improve the local environment. This remains an important issue in Hertfordshire due to the transport pressure on the network.

• Safer Routes to School

Tackling the school run is a major issue. The Safer Routes to School schemes have been very successful in Hertfordshire. The County Council introduced the first walking bus scheme and now has School Travel Plan advisors to provide support to schools. The County Council has participated in a study undertaken by University College London to look at the relationship between transport and children’s health. This plan seeks to continue this work due to the new entrants to the education system

3. the Wider Context

3.1National Policy

The Department for Transport has set criteria for the development of Local Transport Plans which reflects the shared priorities of tackling congestion and delivering accessibility, safer roads and better air quality. The DfT has also provided mandatory indicators which local authorities have to deliver.

3.2Regional Planning Context

Hertfordshire is in the East of England region but has close links and geographical borders with London and the South East regions. For example, two thirds of commuter trips out of the county are to London. However, this plan has to give primary reference to the policy framework of the East of England.

The draft regional spatial strategy (RSS) for the East of England region was published for consultation in December 2004 and it will not be finalised before this Local Transport Plan is published in July 2005. However, once finalised, the RSS will provide the statutory framework for local authorities to produce more detailed local development plans and local transport plans for their areas.

The draft RSS sets out a spatial strategy for economic and housing growth in the region. Hertfordshire County Council does not accept this strategy and the levels of growth proposed for the county will have major implications on surface access particularly in the housing growth areas.

The Regional Transport Strategy (RTS) is contained in the RSS. The strategy sets out the objectives, such as the need to reduce travel while improving access for all, together with policies and investment proposals.

While welcoming the objectives, Hertfordshire County Council does have concerns in relation to the draft policies. Many of the policies are not focused on the key issues affecting the region but are merely reiterating government policy. While the policies set out good intentions it is not clear how the objectives will be delivered or schemes implemented. The main concern however is that there is no clear demonstration of how the regional transport strategy relates to the spatial strategy and the growth areas.

Whilst the County Council has many concerns about the overall spatial strategy, it is also considered that the proposed regional strategic transport network and improvements to public transport will not in the county’s view adequately address the existing backlog in transport infrastructure.

As the RSS and RTS are only in draft form at present and so this LTP does not incorporate the regional policies and proposals. The LTP will be revised as necessary when the regional strategies are finalised. Revision is unlikely to affect the main thrust of the LTP but may affect some of the investment priorities for new infrastructure.

3.3LocalLand-Use Planning

The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 requires local planning authorities to prepare a Local Development Framework (LDF) which provides the essential framework for planning in their area. An LDF will comprise a development plan documents, supplementary planning documents, a statement of community involvement, a local development scheme and annual monitoring reports.

The Government has emphasised that the preparation of the local development framework is a participatory process. Planning Policy Statement 12 (PPS12) on Local Development Frameworks states that local planning authorities should seek the advice of county councils. Local planning authorities should also take account of the principles of other relevant strategies. The Local Transport Plan is specifically identified as a key strategy which should be taken into account and which the County Council will actively promote.

3.4 Regional Economic Strategy

The current Regional Economic Strategy for the East of England was published in December 2004. The strategy contains a number of strategic goals and priorities which address the economic development of the region.

Goals / Priorities
Global leadership in developing and realising innovation in science, technology and research / ensuring strong links between regional universities, research institutes, and the private sector – by ensuring that the region’s universities and research centres are among the world’s most accessible to industry
High quality places to live, work and visit / ensuring the provision of social and transport infrastructure
developing and enhancing green spaces and infrastructure to support economic growth
Social Inclusion and broad participation in the regional economy / Supporting disadvantaged communities and groups to access sustainable employment opportunities
Providing improved access to essential services
Making the most from the development of international gateways and national and regional transport corridors / Promoting the delivery of strategic road, rail, and other public transport priorities for the region.
Ensuring that transport solutions serve economic growth in a sustainable manner
Understanding and addressing the importance of transport links with London
A leading information society / Promoting the use of network based technologies among businesses, organisations and individuals

LTP2 assists in delivering a number of these goals and priorities in particular, work on accessibility planning will assist in achieving high quality places to live, work and visit, and the programme of major projects and infrastructure improvements will support the RES goal which aims for sustainable transport solutions to deliver economic growth.

3.5Cross Boundary and Sub-regional Transport Planning.

The County Council is working with its nine neighbouring Highway Authorities to achieve strategic transport improvements cross boundary. The County Council recognises that a joined-up approach is key to the delivery of future strategic transport infrastructure proposals across LTP boundaries. An example of partnership working is the Three Counties Project in the Chilterns Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), where Hertfordshire County Council has worked with Bedfordshire County Council, Buckinghamshire County Council, the Chilterns AONB Conservation Board and the National Trust to investigate and address rural transport problems in this environmentally sensitive area. The outcomes from this study are now being developed into schemes and measures and implemented.

The County Council is involved in regular meetings with Essex, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire to share best practice and plan and implement cross-boundary policies and schemes. Furthermore, the County Council is in partnership with Enfield, Essex, Broxbourne, Epping Forest and the Corporation of London to gain consistency across the area on transport planning issues. The County Council has dialogue and partnerships with Transport for London on the provision of cross boundary bus services.

3.6Through Traffic and Long Distance Travellers

Hertfordshire accommodates a significant amount of through traffic and this LTP will seek to meet the needs of long distance travellers.

Whilst buses may provide the main form of local passenger travel, they also enable local access to a longer journey by train, express coach or air travel. Services should be as direct as possible between main areas of demand avoiding unnecessary or complicated diversions or deviations to the route.

The rail network links Hertfordshire with other parts of the country through long-distance services operating from the main railheads at Watford Junction and Stevenage. It also enables access to international services through links to major airports (Luton and Stansted) and to future Eurostar services from St Pancras.

The County Council has already participated with the SRA in a number of Route Utilisation Studies on routes such as the Midland and West Coast Main Lines. In addition the expansion of Luton and Stansted airports will have significant implications for the rail network, and Hertfordshire will continue to press for capacity improvements.

3.7Growth Areas and Sustainable Communities

Within Hertfordshire, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister’s (ODPM) Sustainable Communities Plan outlines the areas of the M11 corridor and Stevenage for growth. If these areas proceed, then the County Council will consider the transport implications through the Local Transport Plan process.

3.8Multi Modal Studies

The Department for Transport have undertaken a series of ‘multi-modal studies’ to consider future infrastructure needs on the main national transport corridors. The two main studies which affect Hertfordshire are: London Orbital, London and South Midlands. The outcomes of these studies will affect this and future Local Transport Plans.

The London Orbital multi-modal study considered transport movements around the M25 corridor and across the Greater London area. This study recommended the proposals to widen the entire length of the M25 through Hertfordshire to dual-4 lanes within the existing boundaries. This is of concern to the County Council as along some stretches of the M25 it would mean the loss of the hard shoulder or narrower lanes.