Halton Borough Council Final Local Transport Plan 2006/07 to 2010/11

Halton Borough Council Environment Directorate Rutland House • Halton Lea • Runcorn • Cheshire WA7 2GW www.halton.gov.ukwww.halton.gov.uk CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY X

1.0 HALTON’S APPROACH X

2.0 INTRODUCTION X

3.0 SHARED PRIORITIES X

3.1 TACKLING CONGESTION – SHARED PRIORITY 1 X

3.2 DELIVERING ACCESSIBILITY – SHARED PRIORITY 2 X

3.3 SAFER ROADS – SHARED PRIORITY 3 X

3.4 BETTER AIR QUALITY – SHARED PRIORITY 4 X

4.0 WIDER ISSUES X

5.0 IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMME X

6.0 PERFORMANCE INDICATORS X

7.0 MAJOR SCHEMES AND TRANSPORT INNOVATION FUND BID X

8.0 COMPLIANCE WITH LTP CRITERIA X

9.0 GLOSSARY OF TERMS X

ANNEX 1 FINANCIAL FORMS X

APPENDICES APPENDIX 1 - TOOLBOX OF PRIMARY TRANSPORT STRATEGIES (SEPARATE DOCUMENTS) APPENDIX 2 - ACCESS PLAN

APPENDIX 3 - STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT

APPENDIX 4 - CONSULTATION

APPENDIX 5 - SILVER JUBILEE BRIDGE COMPLEX MAINTENANCE STRATEGY REPORT

1 DIAGRAM AND TABLE CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

DIAGRAMS The Second Local Transport Plan (LTP2) will take throughout the five-year has been necessary to develop an sets out Halton Borough Council’s period of the plan and beyond. interim strategy which both: Diagram 1 – Diagram of the structure of Local Transport Plan 2006/7 – 2010/11 x objectives, strategies and policies for i) addresses cross Mersey congestion, transport for the period April 2006 to The shared priorities are underpinned as far as practical, until the Mersey Diagram 2 – Diagram showing Local Transport Plan Strategy Linkages. x March 2011 and beyond. It also details by a ‘Toolbox’ of Primary Transport Gateway becomes available; and the schemes and initiatives that will be Strategies that target specific Diagram 3 – Local Transport Plan Time Lines x delivered, together with the transport areas and these are contained ii) addresses the more general issues of performance indicators and targets within Appendix 1. congestion within the Borough. which will be used to monitor our TABLES progress. To address the issues identified THE SHARED TRANSPORT measures are proposed which include Table 1 – Interim Action Plan for ‘Tackling Congestion’ 2006/7 – 2010/11 x This Final LTP2 has been developed PRIORITIES the following:- from the Provisional LTP2, which was • Continue to maintain the Silver Jubilee Table 2 – Action Plan for ‘Delivering Accessibility’ 2006/7 – 2010/11 x submitted to the Department for The following examples illustrate the Bridge and the Borough’s roads to high Transport in July 2005. The changes actions we intend to take in tackling standards; Table 3 – Casualty Statistics for Halton x made reflect subsequent progress on issues around the Shared Transport policies and issues, the completion of Priorities:- • Manage demand on the Silver Jubilee Table 4 – Casualty Targets x our Access Plan, revised funding Bridge to minimise congestion and allocations and targets and comments unnecessary growth and ensure that Table 5 – Impact of Deprivation on Road Casualties x received on the provisional plan. TACKLING CONGESTION smarter travel choices can be made The biggest congestion problems in the through better traffic management Table 6 – Action Plan for ‘Safer Roads’ 2006/7 – 2010/11 x LTP2 continues and develops the work Borough are on the approaches to the using Intelligent Transport Systems undertaken in the First Local Transport such as variable message signs; Table 7 – Action Plan for ‘Better Air Quality’ 2006/7 – 2010/11 x Silver Jubilee Bridge with flows that can Plan (LTP1) which covered the period exceed 90,000 vehicles per day. This • Continue to manage the highway 2001/02 to 2005/06. Table 8 – Local Transport Plan Indicative Implementation Programme 2006/7 – 2010/11 x bottleneck in the strategic highway network to minimise disruption and network stands in the way of economic delay; The overarching objective is: Table 9 – Expressway Network – Programme of Identified Schemes x development in the Borough and across the wider Merseyside area. The • Improve the A56 / A558 Junction and The delivery of a smart duelling eastern end of A558; Table 10 – Other Roads – Programme of Schemes for 2006/07 x sustainable, inclusive and resulting congestion and lack of accessible transport system and facilities makes it very difficult to • Improve the A557 approach to M56 Table 11 – Summary of ‘Fit for purpose assessment on Transport Schemes and Interventions x infrastructure that seeks to develop an integrated transport system Junction 12; that meets the travel needs of the improve the quality of life for • Promote and provide improved bus and Table 12 – Summary of Benefits of HBC Funded Transport Schemes x Borough’s residents, businesses and people living in Halton by highway infrastructure improvements visitors. encouraging economic growth and rail station access and walking and Table 13 – Key Outcome Performance Indicators x and regeneration, and the cycling facilities to reduce the demand Congestion, however, is not limited to protection and enhancement of for car based travel; Table 14 – Intermediate Outcome Performance Indicators x the historic, natural and human the Silver Jubilee Bridge. Peak time environment”. congestion also occurs at key junctions • Maximise the potential offered by travel Table 15 – Contributory Output Performance Indicators x including the A56 Chester Road / A558 planning and bespoke travel advice The plan is structured around the four Eastern Expressway roundabout, the and information; Table 16 – Actions to Achieve Targets and Risks x Widnes Eastern Relief Road/Fiddlers Ferry shared priorities for transport agreed • Consider the appropriateness of Road junction, and the A557 approach between Local Authorities and the introducing congestion charging on the Table 17 – Impact of Primary Transport Strategies on Performance Indicators x to M56 J12, and is growing on the Government: Silver Jubilee Bridge; and wider highway network particularly Table 18 – Summary of Mersey Gateway Benefits x • Tackling Congestion; within town centres. Congestion not • Develop a Parking Partnership with all only constrains the economy but also private car park operators that will Table 19 – Summary of Impact of Not Implementing the Silver Jubilee Bridge Major Scheme x • Delivering Accessibility; impacts on air quality. review and monitor the emerging • Safer Roads; and regeneration of the Town Centres on the Table 20 – Summary of Ditton Strategic Freight Park Major Scheme Benefits x The Mersey Gateway will lead to demand for and the provision of parking. • Better Air Quality. significant journey time savings for Table 21 – Summary of Halton Curve Major Scheme Benefits x cross river traffic and will enable the Silver Jubilee Bridge to cater for local Table 22 – Evidence of Compliance x These transport priorities are key to the quality of people’s lives and the plan sustainable travel. However, whilst the sets out the issues and opportunities for decision on the project is expected each shared priority, details the Shared from the Government in the near Transport Priority Strategies for dealing future, the crossing cannot be with these issues and the actions we completed before 2012. Therefore it

2 3 DELIVERING ACCESSIBILITY In addition will: • Remain as an active member of the • Quality of Public Spaces and Better Streetscapes; IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMME Cheshire Area Safety Camera The ability of people to access places of • Continual review of the supported bus • Landscape and Biodiversity; The Government have provided us with an indicative Partnership; and network to ensure value for money and work, learning, health care, shopping, • Community Safety, Personal Security and Crime; allocation of Local Transport Plan funding of £8,334,000 for leisure and exercise, and other enable the introduction of new • Continue to Safety Audit Highway integrated transport and £11,458,000 for highway opportunities significantly impacts on initiatives; Schemes and undertake formal Child • Healthy Communities; maintenance over the five-year period of the plan. Safety Audits. their quality of life and life chances. • Support Halton Community Transport • Sustainable and Prosperous Communities; Schemes and initiatives to improve in the development and delivery of The schemes included in the programme have been assessed • Noise; and accessibility can encourage accessible transport services; and prioritised against the achievement of National, Regional participation and retention in BETTER AIR QUALITY • Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases. and Local objectives and the funding has been distributed education, reduce inequalities in health, • Provide personalised journey plans, across scheme types and initiatives, over the five-years of the There are known linkages between high and help people move from welfare advice and publicity on travel options, plan, as follows: levels of air pollution and people’s The strategies associated with each of the Shared Transport into work. through the Neighbourhood Travel health. A study of all sources of Priorities have been developed to enhance the achievement Team; and pollution in the borough has been of our 30 year Transport Strategy for Halton and are In order to increase accessibility of the • Develop, improve and promote the undertaken, together with an supportive of the Council’s own priorities for action. INTEGRATED TRANSPORT transport network the Council, with its footway, Public Rights of Way, Cycling assessment of all monitoring data. partners, has undertaken a and Greenway networks to meet Extensive modelling of pollution in the Local Safety Schemes: £1,051,000 comprehensive Accessibility Study to identified needs. Borough has shown that pollution TOOLBOX OF PRIMARY TRANSPORT STRATEGIES identify the gaps and weakest links in Walking and Cycling: £2,580,000 levels are currently within acceptable air the network. The resulting Access Plan The Access Plan is appended to this The Toolbox (Appendix 1) contains 18 Primary Transport quality standard. However, to maintain Integrated Transport Initiatives: £503,000 has strongly influenced how and where document (See Appendix 2). Strategies (PTS’s) targeted towards specific areas of transport. and improve upon the level of air Traffic Signal Upgrades: £171,000 our LTP2 funding is targeted. Some of All of the strategies contribute in some way or form to the quality we propose to: the actions and initiatives proposed achievement of the shared priorities for transport and are Bus Infrastructure Improvements: £1,646,000 include: SAFER ROADS • Monitor the quality of air with specific cross-referenced throughout the document. Accessible Buses: £435,000 reference to Breathable Particulate • In partnership with bus operators seek During the period of LTP1 we have made Matter (PM10), Sulphur Dioxide and Station Improvements: £550,000 to further improve and enhance the significant progress in reducing casualties Nitrogen Dioxide; WIDER ISSUES quality of bus services across the on our roads. However, due to difficulties Silver Jubilee Bridge Variable Message Signing: £450,000 Borough in line with the objectives of in identifying significant casualty • Manage the demand on the Silver The Local Transport Plan also sets out how our plans and A56/Eastern Expressway Improvements £650,000 the Halton Bus Strategy. Following the hotspots, it has been necessary to slightly Jubilee Bridge to limit unnecessary strategies integrate with other wider issues incorporating: recent £4.5 million investment by refocus our casualty reduction strategy to traffic growth and ensure that smart Upton Lane Distributor Road £82,000 • European policy - including the delivery of a Trans-European Arriva (North West and Wales), give greater emphasis to the role of Road travel choices can be made. This will Transport network; Contributions to Regeneration Schemes £216,000 virtually all-local bus services in the Safety, Education, Training and Publicity be done through better traffic Borough are operated by a fleet of low and area wide initiatives to maintain a management and using Intelligent • National policy - including the White Papers on “The Future of Total for Integrated Transport: £8,334,000 floor easy access buses. The second LTP momentum in reducing casualties. In Transport Systems such as variable Transport” and “The Future of Air Transport; seeks to build upon this solid our strategy we propose to: message signs; • Regional strategies, including Transport, Economic, Planning foundation by developing a range of • Continue to monitor and analyse • Promote and implement measures to and Housing Stratergies; service network and infrastructure casualties within the Borough, and improve walking, cycling and public HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE improvements designed to plug existing • Local priorities and policies; and develop and implement a rolling transport; and gaps in the network and improve the programme of local safety schemes to • Cross boundary linkages. • Manage and maintain the highway Roads and Footpaths: £5,018,000 range of destinations that can be reduce the number and severity of network to minimise congestion and readily accessed by public transport. casualties; Lighting: £844,000 Through a mixture of: - disruption to traffic. • Continue to develop the Borough’s Bridge Assessment and Strengthening: £807,000 i) Improved interchanges programme of Road Safety Education, Silver Jubilee Bridge and Associated Bridges: £4,366,000 ii) New innovative supported bus Training and Publicity; OTHER QUALITY OF LIFE ISSUES services; Other Bridges: £423,000 • Continue to target resources and iii) New “Kickstart” and similar In planning and delivering local physical measures towards areas with a Total for Highway Maintenance: £11,458,000 challenge schemes designed to meet transport measures, the opportunity proven higher than average ‘all’ and the priorities identified in the Access exists to improve other aspects of ‘child’ casualty rates, taking into Plan; quality of life within the Borough. account links to deprivation; Quality of life is made up of a range of In addition to this expenditure the Local Transport Plan iv) Continued support for innovative different issues and includes all four of includes bids for: community orientated passenger • Continue to assess and review speed the Shared Transport Priorities. transport services; limits on new and existing roads; • A Major Maintenance Scheme on the Silver Jubilee Bridge (£19,000,000); v) “Pump prime” new services to major • Undertake and action Child Safety The other quality of life issues employment areas and key Audits in areas and on accident types considered alongside the shared hospitals. identified as having problems particular priorities include the following: to children;

4 5 1.0 HALTON’S APPROACH

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Partnership. The comments received LONG TERM VISION AND 1.1 TRANSPORT PHILOSOPHY 1.2 OBJECTIVES management of travel demand and AND TARGETS have been used to help us prepare this STRATEGY the provision and encouragement Final LTP2 which has been the subject “Transport is not an end in itself, To provide a focus, Halton Borough of environmentally sustainable In order to monitor our progress on of another Consultation exercise prior This LTP is entirely consistent with but is a means to an end”. Council has agreed the following travel choices. delivering improvements to the shared to finalising. However, consultation will Halton’s long term transport strategy overarching objective for its second transport priorities we have developed of course continue throughout the life and is seen as the next stage in This quote provides an insight into the Local Transport Plan: These objectives in turn complement a set of challenging performance of the Plan to help us to develop new delivering a transport system which is fundamental and widely accepted and support the achievement of the indicators and targets. schemes and initiatives and review fit for purpose. principle that transport generally has LTP2 Overarching Objective: Council’s and Halton’s Local Strategic progress. the specific purpose of providing access The delivery of a smart sustainable, Partnership’s five strategic priorities These include a series of mandatory The Long Term Vision on which the to the facilities and services that are inclusive and accessible transport associated with: indicators that are required by Strategic Environmental long term transport strategy has been required to make society function. system and infrastructure that seeks • Health; government to be monitored and a set Assessment developed is “To achieve sustainable, to improve the quality of life for of local indicators to monitor issues inclusive, accessible and fuel efficient The development of our final Local Transport has a major impact on all our people living in Halton by • Safety; specific to Halton. transport systems that improve the Transport Plan has been informed and lives and can mean the difference encouraging economic growth and quality of life for people living in Halton • Children and Young People enhanced by a Strategic Environment between: regeneration, and the protection and by sustaining economic growth and Assessments (SEA) based on the enhancement of the historic, natural • Employment, Training and Education; regeneration, whilst minimising their • A growing and vibrant community and CONSULTATION strategies and actions proposed within and human environment”. and impact on the historic, natural and one that is subject to social and the plan. A SEA Scoping report was Local Transport Plan 2 human environment.” economic decline; • Urban Renewal produced in January 2005 and This overarching objective is To assist in the development of LTP2 consulted upon. This identified the • A self-supporting and fulfilling lifestyle underpinned by objectives found on the we held four themed stakeholder extent of work required and informed and one that is restricted by limited four shared transport priorities: conferences, sent a questionnaire to 1.3 LONG TERM TRANSPORT the production of a provisional SEA, in opportunities; and 7,000 households in the Borough and Tackling Congestion: TRATEGY ISION July 2005 based on the Provisional S & V consulted with stakeholders on both • A safe, healthy and pleasant living • To address and manage both local LTP2. The final SEA has subsequently It is recognised that the changes the draft Provisional LTP2 and the environment and one that offers and strategic travel demand to been produced in conjunction with the required to the transport system and Provisional LTP2. In addition, extensive danger, poor health and seclusion. ensure that the area’s regeneration final LTP2. indeed the way in which the system is consultation has been undertaken with needs are met. GONW, DfT, NWDA and all It is clear that a successful transport used, cannot all be achieved in the life • To develop a sustainable and Departments within Halton Borough system cannot be developed in isolation time of this LTP. Limitations on integrated transport system that Council and its Local Strategic from those who provide and use the availability of funding, staff resources, key services, products and facilities that meets the social, economic and planning considerations and indeed the are required in all aspects of life on a environmental needs of Halton’s challenges involved in winning the daily basis. residents. ‘hearts and minds’ of the public, require the development of a much longer term • To manage and maintain the transport strategy, which although by In Halton, we believe that it is essential highway network to minimise its nature has to be less detailed than a that there is complete and congestion and delay comprehensive integration of European, five year plan, still provides the national and regional policies and Delivering Accessibility: necessary direction. priorities with those that have been • To resolve problems experienced by determined in Halton, covering such This Local Transport Plan has been socially excluded communities, matters as: education, social services; carefully developed to ensure that it is when accessing key services, and economics; the environment; entirely consistent with; and supportive enhance life chances and regeneration; health; planning; safety; of our Long Term Transport Strategy’s employment opportunities. and leisure. aims and objectives and is seen as the next essential stage in the achievement Safer Roads: This is achieved in our second Local of a transport system that is fit for Transport Plan by setting out the • To minimise the incidence of purpose. This purpose is expressed in context of these wider issues and personal injury road crashes within terms of a Long Term Vision, which is: ensuring that the resultant demands the Borough, through a and needs are addressed in the combination of targeted physical “To achieve sustainable, inclusive, development of our transport strategies. measures and preventative road accessible and fuel efficient transport safety education and training systems that improve the quality of initiatives. life for people living in Halton by sustaining economic growth and Better Air Quality: regeneration, whilst minimising their • To address air quality issues which impact on the historic, natural and have an impact on health and the human environments.” environment, through the

6 7 2.0 INTRODUCTION

2.1 BACKGROUND other highway authorities within access. The role of these measures has relevant Policy and Performance Board England and to determine the following been gradually enhanced throughout with two further Members drawn from In July 2000, Halton submitted to the year’s funding allocations. the period of LTP1 as their benefits in that Board together with the Ward Government its first full Local Transport terms of obtaining value for money and Councillors for the scheme under Plan (LTP1). The plan covered the Halton has been able to consistently maximising the use of existing and new consideration. Decision making is period 2001/02 to 2005/06 and demonstrate good progress towards infrastructure were realised. Of delegated to the Operational Director, presented Halton, as a new Unitary the achievement of its transport aims particular note is the establishment of Highways and Transportation in Authority, with a much-welcomed and objectives by retaining an ‘above the Neighbourhood Travel Team in consultation with the Executive Board opportunity to address and give priority average’ classification for the first three 2002/03, which provides bespoke Member for Planning, Transportation to local transport issues. of its APR’s. travel advice and planning. The and Development. importance of this work has been LTP1 set out in detail the transport However, the most important criterion widely recognised as best practice and The role of the CRP includes problems, which were regularly being by which success should be judged is has been instrumental in Halton consideration of the proposed scheme, experienced by residents, businesses through the achievement of locally and achieving Beacon Status for ‘Better the need for and extent of consultation and visitors to Halton, which were nationally set transport targets. The Local Transport’ and being recognised required, to review comments received obtained through extensive lastest APR submitted in July 2005, as a Centre of Excellence in ‘Local during consultation and to agree the consultations. Strategies were then covering the period 2004/05, reported Transport Delivery’ final scheme to be implemented. developed and incorporated into the that 97.5% of Halton’s targets were • Public Transport Accessibility plan to address the identified problems. either already achieved or on track, and The CRP is used extensively for Quality Review: in 2003/04 the Council LTP1 also contained an extensive helped us to secure an ‘Excellent’ Corridor and traffic calming schemes. undertook a study to identify proposed programme of works and classification from the DfT. The The new policy has proven successful, accessibility problems at the thirty-most interventions, based on the strategies, assessment placed Halton in the top particularly in demonstrating clarity and busiest transport interchanges in the and a challenging set of targets to ten of best performing authorities in equity in the consideration of Borough. This work was undertaken in enable progress to be monitored on the England. consultation comments and will recognition of the need to ensure that achievement of our transport aims and continue to be implemented during the transport facilities provided are objectives. LTP2. convenient and accessible by all WHAT WE HAVE LEARNT FROM sections of the community. To assist in All of these approaches will be OUR EXPERIENCE OF LTP1 AND identifying the problems, people with a continued and developed throughout HOW IT HAS INFLUENCED LTP2 range of mobility difficulties were asked the period of LTP2, with the work on to provide comments on access issues Throughout the period of LTP1 we have accessibility being updated and at each location. These comments were learnt from our experiences and informed by accessibility reviews (see then used to develop a prioritised adapted the delivery of the plan Section 3.2) and our Access Plan (see action plan, which is currently being accordingly. Below are three specific Appendix 2). examples of initiatives undertaken implemented from LTP resources. during LTP1, which have influenced the Great progress has been made development of LTP2:- throughout LTP1 on reducing Killed PUBLIC CONSULTATION and Serious injuries on the roads in LTP1 was well received by the • The Quality Corridor Approach: Early in LTP1, as the Quality Corridor Halton. This has been achieved Government Office, which stated that This was introduced in 2000/01, in approach was being developed, it through adopting a broad base of ‘the plan was good overall and order to maximise the benefits derived became apparent that physical casualty reduction interventions. particularly strong in its objectives and from the limited transport resources measures to support walking, cycling However, experience, during LTP1 has strategy with clear linkages drawn with available to the authority. The and public transport could in some shown that the potential for large-scale other strategies in the Borough’. The approach involves comprehensively instances attract hostility from local reductions in casualties through document’s success was confirmed with addressing all transport issues, residents. Although the measures in physical improvements is diminishing, a £2.227m increase in funding in associated with road safety, public themselves rarely had a requirement for due to difficulties in identifying new 2001/02, over that awarded for the transport, walking and cycling, in either a statutory consultation procedure, it hotspot clusters. It will therefore been financial year 2000/01. a corridor or an area. Benefits include, was clear that local residents wanted to necessary during LTP2 to slightly minimising disruption, greater be consulted on schemes that impacted refocus our activity to give greater Each year our progress has been efficiencies in design and delivery and on their street scene. emphasis to road safety, education, reported through a series of Annual the greater visual impact of the training and publicity and area wide Progress Reports (APR’s), which provide package of schemes on street. In order to address this issue the initiatives to make further progress. updates on schemes and initiatives • Softer Initiatives: These measures Council approved a consultation policy Further information on this can be undertaken, expenditure and progress include a wide range of supporting for highway schemes. Central to this found in Section 3.3. towards achieving key targets. The mechanisms, which help to raise policy was the establishment of the APR’s are assessed by the Department awareness of the available transport Consultation Review Panel (CRP). The for Transport (DfT) and categorised to facilities and enable greater use and CRP is chaired by the Chair of the enable comparisons to be made with

8 9 2.2 THE DEVELOPMENT • Delivering Accessibility; and ’Prosperity and Equality’: and experience of both service providers • LTP2 Conference – September 200 stakeholders for comments, and users. Our Access Plan is provided and October 2004 together with an eight sided brochure OF THE SECOND • Safer Roads; and • Halton’s Urban Renewal- previously in Appendix 2. This document has and questionnaire titled “Have Your Say LOCAL TRANSPORT covered by ‘Promoting Urban Renewal’. • Better Air Quality heavily influenced the development of The conferences were aimed at on Transport in Halton”. A further PLAN our LTP2, and will continue to inform consulting with stakeholders, members 1,750 questionnaires were handed out These themes have been adopted by The detailed issues for Halton, how and where we should be and officers on the key developing to the public from a number of Since the development of our first Local Halton’s Local Strategic Partnership associated with each of these priorities delivering transport improvements and strategies within the Local Transport exhibitions/locations held across the Transport Plan (LTP1), significant Board and at the time of writing are are described in Section 3. initiatives across the Borough. Plan 2 and were split into four themes Borough over a five day period. changes in both national and local being developed to agree specific covering the shared priorities. The policies and advice have demanded a objectives. new approach to the development and In addition to these Shared Transport We believe that our approach to the conferences were held on four half days The Consultation Draft was also made Priorities the LTP2 tackles many other development of LTP2 will provide as follows: available at libraries, other public delivery of transport strategies and The themes provide a strong focus and initiatives. However, the work and quality of life issues that transport can targeted and much needed buildings and on the Council’s website. platform for tackling those issues which • Conference 1: Safety - analysis undertaken on LTP1 provides a have an impact on, including: improvements to our local and sub are of importance to the people and Wednesday 22nd September 2004 regional transport systems and help us sound basis and enables us to take an • Quality of Public Spaces and Better businesses of Halton. See Section 4 for to provide a catalyst for economic, • Conference 2: Quality of Life - informed view of these new challenges Streetscapes; further information on Halton’s local social and environmental regeneration Wednesday, 29th September 2004 which reflect the dynamic and complex priorities. • Landscape and Biodiversity; of the sub region. environment within which transport • Conference 3: Congestion - authorities have to operate, whilst • Community Safety, Personal Security Our LTP demonstrates that the Shared Wednesday, 6th October 2004 seeking to manage, address and satisfy and Crime; Transport Priorities complement • Conference 4: Accessibility - increasing demands for travel. Travel is Halton’s local priorities and together CONSULTATION generally not an end in itself, but a • Healthy Communities; Wednesday, 13th October 2004 provide a sound basis on which to A comprehensive series of consultation means to connect people with key • Sustainable and Prosperous develop a local transport system that events have been undertaken to inform services and facilities that are required The conferences took the form of Communities; meets both local and national needs. stakeholders and the public of the draft to enable society to function. Central seminars and presentations on draft key • Noise; and proposals for our second Local to the success of any transport strategy strategies covered under the four The complex issues identified in Transport Plan and to allow them to has to be ensuring that transport needs Shared Transport Priorities during which • Climate Change and Greenhouse tackling both the local and national comment. The form of consultation and pressures are met, whilst delegates were able to ask questions on Gases. priorities, are not simply the remit of together with the comments and, protecting the country’s social and the topics. Delegates then split up into transport planners, but cover a wide where applicable, how they have economic well-being and its discussion groups to express their views Great care has been taken to integrate range of Council and other public influenced the plan, are contained in environment. on transport problems within the the national Shared Transport Priorities services, which were either dependant Appendix 4. Borough and provided ideas for and other quality of life issues with or impacted on transport. Solutions to The Government in its White Paper resolving them. The ‘workshop’ style The brochure included a Halton’s corporate objectives. These these problems often require new ways The following is a summary of the work entitled ‘The Future of Transport’, groups then fed back the points raised summary of the Consultation Draft of local objectives are currently in the of delivering services, involving undertaken: by the delegates and a question and the Provisional LTP and a series of published in July 2004 reviewed the process of being refined to reflect innovative and jointly funded projects; • Household Survey – April 2004 answer session followed. questions on the four shared transport successes to date of the 10 Year Plan changes in corporate responsibilities all of which were dependent upon an priorities and the implementation for Transport and set out how it and local needs. However, the broad extensive network of key partnerships, The LTP Household Survey was mailed programme. intended to meet the new challenges coverage of these new themes is similar to ensure the delivery of the step to a random sample of 6,935 now facing transport. The to those previously agreed and as such changes necessary to secure a transport households in the Borough. The In total 53 questionnaires were Government’s strategy is based on provides a consistency in approach for system that meets the transport needs general objectives of the survey were to: returned along with 21 written three main themes. These being: the development of our transport of Halton. responses. Details of the consultations policies. The following shows a • Establish daily transport routines; • Sustained investment over the long- can be found in Appendix 4. comparison of the old and new themes: Local Transport Plans are required to set term; • Determine factors which would out a clear and costed transport • ‘Healthy Halton’ – previously covered encourage residents to use public • Consultation on the completed • Improvements in transport programme over a 5-year period within by ‘Improving Health’; transport, walk and cycle; Provisional LTP2 management; and the context of a clear overall strategy • ‘Safer Halton’- incorporating significant • Planning ahead. for the development of the region. The • Establish the perception of safety on In total 165 organisations, bodies and The completed Provisional LTP2 was parts of the previous ‘Safe and second LTP for Halton provides the transport; Attractive Neighbourhoods’ theme; forums were invited to the conferences sent to stakeholders and made available Halton’s LTP2 fully embraces these framework through which the Council • Determine car ownership and factors and 31 were represented. to the public at Council offices, libraries themes through a structured approach will be able to deliver real • ‘Children and Young People’- that would reduce car use; and and on the Council’s website. improvements to its transport system. based on addressing the ‘Shared incorporating appropriate elements of • Consultation on Provisional LTP2 Transport Priorities’, which have been • Establish how residents rate the the previous themes on ‘Enhancing Life Consultation Draft and Have The Consultation period commenced in agreed between Central Government Details of the work we have undertaken transport strategy priorities. Chances’ and ’Prosperity and Equality’ Your Say on Transport in Halton September 2005 and was open for and the Local Government Association. on accessibility are provided in Section • Employment, Life-Long Learning & Questionnaire – May 2005 responses for a three-month period. These ‘Shared Transport Priorities’ are: 3.2, which identifies the gaps and In total 1,312 completed questionnaires Skills in Halton- - incorporating weaknesses in the local transport were returned. • Tackling Congestion; In May 2005 the Consultation Draft of The consultation exercises have helped appropriate elements of the previous network and draws heavily on the themes on ‘Enhancing Life Chances’ the Provisional LTP was sent to around us identify key areas that could have

10 11 caused people concern in the past and A series of focused formal and informal In order to assess the impact of our BEST PRACTICE AND LEARNING FROM OTHERS helped us focus on the needs of the consultations provided the basis of an proposals on the environment, the The Council during the period of LTP1 has been involved in and led in a number of areas of best practice. Examples of these residents of the Borough. Accessibility iterative process involving both input Council commissioned independent measures are shown in the table below for public transport together with how the measures have been integral in the to key health, learning and shopping and feedback from across Halton experts to carry out a Strategic development of our strategies, actions plans and scheme development. facilities as well as employment areas Borough Council and its partners to Environmental Assessment (SEA). are just some examples of issues raised help evolve the robust strategies and during the public consultation process. action programmes contained within The assessment was undertaken in four Best Practice Measure Impact on Halton Impact on other authorities Other examples, included the Plan. distinct phases: encouragement of ‘in school’ cycle • SEA – Scoping Report; Beacon Status for Public Transport The knowledge and shared To date, the Council has training, safe and secure cycle parking, The key groups involved in this work 2004/05: Halton is the lead authority experiences gained from this group disseminated the knowledge and central reserve safety barriers on the are shown below: • SEA – Interim Summary Report (based on the national working group for have informed us in the experience gained through running Expressways and suggestions on on LTP2 consultation draft); and Council Officers from across the Post 16 education transport. development of our strategy for three seminars attended by over 100 improving the bus service to help authority were involved in the detailed • SEA – On the Provisional LTP2. dealing with education transport for local authorities. Furthermore, a discourage the reliance on car based development of the plan, writing sub- 16 to 19 year old students (see web site is being developed ready to travel. • SEA – On the final LTP2. sections and advising on the Appendix 1 Primary Transport go on line early in 2006. development of strategies. In addition, Strategy No. 2). It has also help Stakeholder consultation not only The SEA on this final LTP2 is shown in more formal consultation was inform the strategies of many other helped us in terms of general comments Appendix 3. undertaken with all four Directorates local authorities. on our strategies and actions plans but within the Council (Environment, on updating information, such as The SEA work has considerably helped Corporate and policy, Children and National Pathfinder Authority: This study will culminate in the Guidance, including a checklist is passenger and employee numbers at with the development of our LTP2 and Young People, and Health and Halton is undertaking a study on introduction of Accessible Buses being produced for other local the regions two International Airports, has led to the following changes being Community), on both the Consultation how best to purchase, maintain, within the borough that will help authorities to learn from out passenger travel through the Boroughs made: draft and the Provisional draft of the operate and renew public transport address the accessibility problems experience. four rail stations and suggested LTP, and through attendance at themed • Objectives – overarching objective has vehicles whilst making them identified in the Access Plan. See amendments to the general text in the conferences. been amended to take into available to third party community Section 3.2 & 5.0 and Appendix 1 document. The form of consultation consideration environmental transport organisations. Primary Transport Strategy 2. The Council Members were invited to together with the comments and, considerations; results of the study and the checklist where applicable, how they have attend the LTP conferences and many will be made available to all local influenced the plan, are contained in gave their input at this point. In • Demand Management authorities. Appendix 4. addition, member workshops were i) a major review of parking in Halton arranged for the appropriate Policy and is to be undertaken to address Association of Transport In Halton, the association has helped As an active member of ATCO the Performance Boards (PPB’s) to scrutinise identified potential parking problems Coordination Officers (ATCO): develop the following: Council has contributed to a limited STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL and comment on the development of and will be directed through the Halton Borough Council Staff • a comprehensive passenger amount to the development of these ASSESSMENT (SEA) the Plan. Workshops were held on the establishment of a Parking regularly played an active role in assistance training course for bus initiatives and events. Provisional LTP2 and the Final LTP2 on • Internal Consultation Partnership; and developing ATCO initiatives and drivers; the 24 May 2005 and the 9 February events. • improved public transport ii) should congestion charging be In Halton, transport is widely 2006 respectively, and members of infrastructure (including shelters and introduced the Council will ensure recognised as an important cross both the Urban Renewal and Prosperity information); that local communities on low cutting theme in the delivery of the & Equality PPB’s were in attendance at • better provision of passenger income will not be disproportionately Council’s services and as such is central the events. Both the Consultation Draft transport services; affected. to the achievement of the majority of and Provisional LTP2 were approved by • research into a new centralised its corporate priorities and those of its the Council’s Executive Board and this • Implementation – work on Halton’s passenger transport booking system; Local Strategic Partnership. Final LTP2 was approved on 2 March transport system will be undertaken to and 2006. ensure that: • research into travel training, which The consideration of transport is Halton Strategic Partnership: (the i) disturbance on buried artefacts will has culminated in a full time travel therefore, as a matter of course, local strategic partnership for the be minimal; trainer for vulnerable young people considered in the early development of borough of Halton) representatives of ii) new infrastructure will be designed and adults being appointed. strategies and proven processes exist to the five sub-groups of Halton Strategic to be in sympathy with the local ensure the integration of transport Partnership (one for each of the five built environment; and All these initiatives have helped to considerations. shape our approach to the shared priorities of the Council) have been iii) maintenance works on bridge intrinsically involved in the development priority for Accessibility and habve In the development of LTP2, we have structures will be designed to of the Access Plan through a series of been incorporated into our Bus been able to extensively draw upon minimise their impacts on protected workshops and meetings. In addition, Strategy. (See Appendix 1 Primary and develop the processes and contacts species, particularly bats. the Partnership has been consulted on Transport Strategies No. 2 and No’s established to ensure that our transport the Consultation draft and the 10 & 17) strategies meet the needs of Halton’s Provisional Draft of the LTP. residents, businesses and visitors.

12 13 DIAGRAM 1: DIAGRAM OF THE STRUCTURE OF THE LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN Best Practice Measure Impact on Halton Impact on other authorities

Public Transport Consortium: Best practice has recently been shared in the following areas: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Council officers regularly attend • accessibility planning; meeting of the Public Transport • concessionary travel arrangements; Consortium. • Kickstart / Urban Bus Challenge; and • Regional rail development issues. OVERARCHINGOBJECTIVES ANDOBJECTIVES FOR THESHAREDTRANSPORTPRIORITIES (See Appendix 1 Primary Transport Strategy No. 2 and Appendix 2)

Transport and Accessibility This will help inform the A conference is planned for 2006 to Transport Review: The Council has development of the borough’s public disseminate good practice. INTRODUCTION organised a Bench Marking survey transport network and has influenced on how transport services are our procurement of transport organised. services. ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES, Best Value in Ticketing: The Council This has resulted in the development N/A BASED ON THE SHARED TRANSPORT PRIORITIES has carried out a major research of the Halton Hopper Ticket which is exercise into Best Value ticketing planned to be launched in 2006. initiative.

Bus Interchanger Renewals: Halton This will inform the design for Halton N/A WIDER ISSUES/POLICY SECTION has undertaken a major study into Lea North and South bus European practice in bus interchange improvement. infrastructure design. IMPLEMENTATION SECTION

2.3 THE STRUCTURE OF Transport Priorities and are referred to THE SECOND LOCAL as Primary Transport Strategies PERFORMANCE INDICATORS AND TARGETS TRANSPORT PLAN (PTS). The Toolbox Strategies are detailed in Appendix 1. In order to ensure consistency of approach between local and national The Wider Issues section of the plan priorities our LTP has been themed sets out how we address european BIDS FOR FUNDING around the four Shared Transport community, national, regional and local Priorities and extensively cross transport issues and objectives. It also referenced to local objectives. demonstrates Halton’s support and integrated approach to the delivery of Each shared priority is set in the our partners transport related initiatives. ANNEX context of national, regional and local guidance and objectives. The relevant The Implementation section sets out issues facing the borough and our what we will deliver throughout the partners are highlighted together with five-years of the plan, together with the APPENDIX DOCUMENTS the opportunities that have been indicative levels of expenditure. This is identified. In each case, a Shared followed by a section on Performance Transport Priority Strategy (STPS) Indicators and Targets which will be is provided, that sets out our approach used to measure our progress in The ways in which the various strategies of the Local Transport Plan interlink are shown in the diagram on the following page. to tackling the issues, and is supported delivering improvements, and the by a detailed Action Plan. achievement of our objectives.

The STPS’s are underpinned and cross- referenced to 18 ‘Toolbox’ Strategies. Each Toolbox Strategy targets a particular area of transport that will help achieve the Shared

14 15 DIAGRAM 3: LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN TIME LINES IDER

SSUES LTP2 PREPARATION I W SEA Consultation Household Survey Scoping on the Draft Access Plan of 7000 Residents Consultation Draft LTP2 Completed LAN P PPS UALITY UALITY UALITY Feb 2005 June 2005 & O CTION Q Q Q

BJECTIVE April 2004 July 2005 IR IR IR O

& A Sept/Oct 2004 May 2005 A A A SSUES

I Provisional Intelligent Transport Systems + Signing + Public Rights of Way Greenways Silver Jubilee Bridge Maintenance

TPS LTP2 S Published LTP2 Traffic SEA Interim Conferences Manager Consultation Appointed LAN P PPS & O CTION Street Lighting Freight Distribution Walking Cycle TRATEGIES Accessibility S BJECTIVES ONGESTION ONGESTION ONGESTION & A O Planning Completed C C C SSUES I MPLEMENTATION I TPS BJECTIVE S O

RANSPORT January 2006 T August 2005 March 2006 Sept 2005

LAN Final LTP2 RIMARY P VERARCHING Airport Surface Access Parking Plans Travel Road Improvement P PPS Published O AFETY AFETY AFETY S S S

& O LTP2 and SEA CTION

BJECTIVE Public Consultation O OAD OAD OAD & A SSUES R R R I OOLBOX OF T TPS S

Transport Asset Traffic Manager’s Public Rights of Way Management Plan Team Established Improvement Plan Passenger Rail Taxis Private Hire Vehicles Quality Transport Corridors Quality Transport Development Control START OF LTP2 LAN

P IMPLEMENTATION

PPS PERIOD DIAGRAM 2: DIAGRAM SHOWING LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN STRATEGY LINKAGES PLAN STRATEGY LOCAL TRANSPORT SHOWING 2: DIAGRAM DIAGRAM 2006/072007 2007/08 EVIEW 2010/11 R & O April 2006 CTION and beyond BJECTIVES CCESSIBILITY CCESSIBILITY CCESSIBILITY & A O End of LTP2 SSUES A A A I

{ Implementation TPS S

Bus Highway Maintenance Provision for people with Disabilities Period Annual Progress Reports ONITORING AND M

16 17 18 19 3.0 SHARED PRIORITIES

INTRODUCTION the local priorities of Halton and its regeneration, a number of key Other Quality of Life Issues and local authorities to develop and the increasing use of noise reducing In our first Local Transport Plan (LTP1), Local Strategic Partnership Board. junctions, as well as parts of the town There are a number of quality of life implement a strategy to tackle such road surfacing, where conditions allow. centres, are experiencing increasing problems. Implementing measures, extensive work was undertaken to issues beyond those covered in the • Climate Change and Greenhouse As previously demonstrated, strong levels of congestion at peak periods. such as the Travelsafe Initiative (to identify and assess a wide range of shared priorities, which are vital to the Gases:- Climate change is one of the synergies exist between the Shared target crime and antisocial behaviour transport related problems. These well being of communities. Transport greatest environmental threats facing Transport Priorities and the corporate Shared Transport Priority 2 on public transport) and the careful where recorded in detail in the plan and travel can have a significant effect the world today. Locally, we could see priorities of Halton and its Local (STP2): Delivering Accessibility design of highway improvements, can and were accompanied by a catalogue on these issues and therefore they are greater climatic extremes such as more Strategic Partnership (LSP). It is for this help to ensure people travel in a safe of over 30 transport strategies. Reflecting the Government’s Shared no less important than the four Shared frequent severe winter gales, increased reason that the four Shared Transport environment. Priorities for Transport, accessibility Transport Priorities. These ‘other’ autumn and winter flooding, as well as Priorities have been adopted as the four These strategies dealt with issues remains the most important cross quality of life issues include: • Healthy Communities:- The 2004 greater coastal erosion and flooding associated with specific modes of transport policy priorities in Halton’s cutting theme of Halton’s second Local • Quality of Public Spaces and Better Index of Multiple Deprivation ranks due to sea level rises. Worldwide, the transport, as well as problems with second LTP. It is widely recognised that Transport Plan. The Authority earned a Streetscapes:- A significant proportion Halton 21st out of 354 local authorities consequences could be far greater. The particular aspects of the transport the provision of transport should not be good track record during the first LTP of public space within the Borough is in England and poor health is one of transport sector is a significant system such as the highway, bus and treated as an end in itself, but must be period 2001/02 to 2005/06 for made up of highway land and amenity the main reasons for the high rating. contributor the Greenhouse Gas rail networks, bridges and car parking. developed to manage and reflect the implementing a wide and innovative space, used by the public for recreation Transport and travel can have a emissions. Through reducing the needs of people, the economy and the range of measures, all designed to and leisure. The quality of life for significant effect on the health of the dependence on the car and promoting The strategies and their complementary environment, in a sustainable way. improve accessibility for key people living in and using these areas communities within the Borough in walking, cycling and public transport, work programmes and initiatives have communities within the Borough. can be improved by the wide range of terms of air pollution and road safety. greenhouse gas emissions can be had a substantial impact on the The remaining part of this section transport measures utilised to address The promotion and provision of reduced. problems identified, as evidenced by identifies the work that has been Shared Transport Priority 3 (STP3) accessibility, road safety, congestion and walking and cycling can also help to the fact that by the end of 2004/05 undertaken to identify issues and – Safer Roads air quality issues. The careful design of facilitate healthy lifestyles. In addition, These issues have therefore played a 97.5% of all our challenging targets, opportunities, which are relevant to The Government’s Road Safety Strategy highway improvements and features transport provides important links to key role in shaping the way we tackle which had been set to measure addressing problems in Halton. To ‘Tomorrows roads – safer for everyone’ together with their maintenance can health facilities helping to ensure that the four Shared Transport Priorities progress, had been achieved. ensure that the focus is maintained, set out a framework for delivering road improve the visual appearance and the these vital services are accessible to all. (STP’s). they have been grouped under each of safety and established long term character of roads and amenity areas. Finally, reductions in road casualties, This of course does not mean that all the four Shared Transport Priorities. A casualty reduction targets to be This can result in neighbourhoods, town not only maintain people’s health, but the transport problems have been further grouping has also been achieved by 2010. Halton Borough centres and roads, in which people can also lowers the demand for hospital addressed, but it does provide a good included, which identifies wider issues Council’s Road Safety Education, feel free to go about their daily business beds; providing opportunities for indication that real progress has been not covered by the shared priorities, Training and Publicity programme has in an attractive, safe and welcoming resources to be re-directed to other made on those issues, which were of but are still considered to be of local, continued to develop in line with the environment. areas of healthcare. concern at the time when LTP1 was regional and national importance. strategy and has contributed to the prepared. overall downward trend in casualties • Landscape and Biodiversity:- The local • Sustainable and Prosperous These groupings are featured alongside engineering and enforcement landscape has a high value in terms of Communities:- In order to achieve Halton, like many other boroughs, has throughout the remaining sections of strategies. the opportunity for outdoor recreation sustainable and prosperous changed significantly since the the Plan to provide clear links between and its visual amenity. Care therefore communities, it is necessary to ensure the actions proposed and the delivery needs to be taken when implementing easy access for communities to key production of LTP1. The transport Shared Transport Priority 4 (STP4) The resolution of the problems and and measurement of meaningful policies and designing and constructing everyday services such as, employment, needs of its residents, businesses and – Better Air Quality considerations described under each of solutions. transport schemes to ensure that any education, training, healthcare, retail visitors have also matured to reflect A draft Air Quality Management the STP’s is dependent on blending a adverse effects are mitigated and where shopping and leisure. It is also changes in lifestyles, geography and Strategy for Halton was published in wide range of inter-related Primary Shared Transport Priority 1 (STP1) possible the quality of landscape is necessary to ensure that businesses are the economy, and the need to protect 1998 and indicated Halton Borough Transport Strategies (PTS’s). These –Tackling Congestion improved. Furthermore, our landscape, given the right environment to prosper the environment from the adverse Council’s approach in dealing with local strategies are the tools necessary to including highway verges, is home to an by providing transport links, which impact of traffic. The major and overriding congestion and cross boundary air quality address the complex social, economic abundance of plant and animal life and enable goods to be delivered and problem within the Borough is largely problems. The report was widely and environmental problems and as the biodiversity of these areas needs to people to access to job opportunities. In A number of reports and guidance restricted to the approaches to the circulated to interested parties and a such are presented in the form of a be preserved and developed by careful addition, effective road maintenance notes issued by the Government have Silver Jubilee Bridge, which performs summary of the responses made was Toolbox. The ‘Toolbox Strategies’ are implementation of improvement and and reduced congestion can impact helped to focus thoughts on the key both a local function, linking Widnes submitted to the Council’s extensively referred to and cross- maintenance schemes. positively on economic vitality of an transport issues that need to be and Runcorn, and a strategic role for Environmental Health and Consumer referenced throughout this document addressed nationally to help bring the region. Flows on the bridge can area. Protection Committee in November • Community Safety, Personal Security and can be found in Appendix 1 - about sustainable economic growth, exceed 90,000 vehicles per day, 1998. The work undertaken will ensure and Crime:- The actual and perceived • Noise:- The adverse effects of noise can Toolbox of Primary Transport Strategies. social inclusion and a general exceeding its theoretical capacity by a that we meet our obligations, detailed levels of safety have a significant affect human health and well-being in It should be noted that all of the improvement in the quality of life. half. Analysis of the flows has revealed under the Air Quality Objectives, laid impact on peoples lifestyles. This can a number of ways. Traffic can be a Shared Transport Priorities indicate that only 20% of trips involve purely down in the Air Quality Regulations Act have a major effect on people’s significant contributor to noise in our those performance indicators Of particular importance to the way in local journeys, 41% involve trips which 1997. willingness to travel on foot, cycle, by communities and can disturb people (referenced in Section 6) to which they which we develop our transport either start or finish in the Borough and taxi and in particular on public and cause a nuisance. Our strategies are expected to assist in achieving. objectives and strategies are the four the remaining 39% are purely through transport. The Crime and Disorder Act to encourage greater use of sustainable They can be found where the following national Shared Transport Priorities and trips. However, as Halton progresses its 1998 places a statutory duty on police travel will help to reduce the impact of symbol is used. noise in sensitive areas, together with

20 21 3.1 TACKLING theoretical capacity by a half. Maintaining the availability of the SJB is CONGESTION – SHARED Congestion, particularly in the peaks, is a critical issue. Over £9m has been severe and results routinely in long spent on essential structural TRANSPORT PRIORITY 1 queues. maintenance over the first LTP period, Targets Addressed: much involving innovative and BVPI 100, 102, 103, 104, 178, The SJB is an important alternative groundbreaking engineering. The 223, 224a & 224b; LTP2, 3, 4a, crossing for the M6 Thelwall Viaduct. parapets have been brought up to 4b & 5 and L1, 5, 6, 7 & 12 The long running maintenance modern standards, the concrete deck problems on Thelwall resulted in has been completely repaired and 3.1.1 Issues increased traffic flows over the SJB. waterproofed, the expansion joints Since the full re-opening of the viaduct have been replaced and a completely It is recognised that in many English in December 2004 there has been a new running surface installed. 1 towns and cities, congestion can have discernable 2 /2% decrease in flows but negative impact on economic these remain at the level of 85,000 With such high traffic flows and lack of performance and quality of life. Halton vehicles per week day, well in excess of an alternative route, the effects on is a relatively small and compact urban design capacity. traffic of full closures would be severe area with a population of just over and wide spread. Closures are therefore 118,000. With one significant The SJB provides strategic links between restricted to only two lanes at any one exception, congestion has not been a M56 and M62 and between time and to overnight and/or key issue for the Borough through the Merseyside, Cheshire and Greater weekends. Inevitably this results in first LTP period. Manchester. It also serves as an increased delays to motorists. important gateway to Liverpool John There is however evidence that the Lennon Airport from the south and A further £25m to £35m of structural emerging regeneration of Halton’s east, and lies on the most direct road works have been identified to bring the town centres is leading to growing link between Manchester and Liverpool SJB to a steady state of maintenance. levels of local congestion. Car airports. In addition the SJB provides These are described in detail in ownership levels have historically been access from south and east Merseyside Appendix 5, and the current position is low but are now rapidly increasing and to Runcorn Rail Station, a core station summerised in Section 7.2. pressure is building on car parking in for Virgin’s West Coast Main Line the town centre car parks. It is Liverpool–London service. Primary Transport Strategy No. 14 therefore recognised that measures to provides further information on the deal with congestion will need to be The strategic function of the Silver issues and maintenance strategy for the pursued through the second LTP Jubilee Bridge is underlined by the fact SJB. period, in order to deliver freer flowing that most traffic using the bridge is local roads and associated economic making trips through or out of the addition, the Paper also recognised the REGIONAL • Policy T10 Regional Priorities for and quality of life benefits. Borough. With only 20% of trips 3.1.2 Context importance of ensuring that where Transport Investment and The North West Regional Assembly’s crossing the bridge being made locally, additional capacity was required, that Management, states that “investment The major and overriding congestion The importance of tackling problems of Transport Strategy is being reviewed as local measures can have no more than the resulting benefits should be ‘locked in major transport infrastructure issue for Halton is the crossing of the congestion is a theme that is consistent part of the Regional Spatial Strategy. a limited impact on the bridge related in’ through the use of measures such as schemes of regional significance should River Mersey. The Borough comprises throughout national, regional, sub- The regional context remains as congestion. The proposed prime tolling. be focussed on high quality public the two towns of Runcorn and Widnes regional and local transport policies and published in RPG 13 Regional Planning intervention is the well-documented transport, key transport corridors and which face each other across the River objectives. Guidance for the North West (March Mersey Gateway scheme. An underlying objective of the gateways and interchanges.” Mersey. The only direct road link 2003): Government’s transport strategy is between the two towns crosses the This issue has been a top priority for RPG13 lists the Mersey Crossing Study sustainability. To achieve this the • Policy T1 Integrating Transport Silver Jubilee Bridge (SJB) which is the Borough throughout the first LTP NATIONAL as a “Regionally Significant Transport Government recognises the importance Networks in the North West states: “It required to carry flows that can exceed period. A full Major Scheme Appraisal Study” and the potential for a second In 2004, the Government published a of seeking solutions that: is critical to the economic 90,000 vehicles per day, exceeding its was submitted to DfT in July 2003 and Mersey Crossing in Halton is identified review of its 10 year Transport Plan in competitiveness of the region that received “Super” Work in Progress • balance the need to travel with the as a “Transport Proposal of Regional the form of a White Paper entitled ‘The transport systems should be modern, status. Subsequently a revised and need to improve quality of life; and Significance.” Future of Transport’. One of the three efficient and very well integrated.” expanded appraisal was resubmitted in key themes of the paper was • meet long-term economic, social and December 2004. Intensive discussions • Policy T3 The Regional Highway ‘Improvements in Transport environmental goals. with DfT are continuing. The Network states: “The Highways Agency REGIONAL ECONOMIC Management’. This theme focused on objectives of Mersey Gateway have and local authorities should give a high STRATEGY making the best use of current resources These principles and objectives wholly been updated in the context of the priority to investment in the and amongst other issues highlighted reflect our approach to tackling The Regional Economic Strategy (RES) Shared Transport Priorities and these maintenance, management and the benefits of improvements in traffic congestion and have been fully provides the economic development are presented together with a latest selective improvement of regionally management in easing congestion. In embraced in the development of our framework for the North West, based position statement in Section 7.1. significant routes.” strategy. on sustainable economic development.

22 23 Four of its five priorities have direct LOCAL Congestion also occurs at peak times on space is managed through traffic a cross-river integrated transport performance measured against the key links to transport. These being: the approaches to the M56 Clifton regulation orders for short stay but no strategy that increases the connectivity BVPIs. More detailed information on Tackling congestion is supportive of the Interchange, the Widnes Eastern Relief charges are made. The parking strategy of the local area. However, as highway maintenance can be found in • Business Development; UDP’s priorities to stimulate economic Road/Fiddlers Ferry junction, the has now been reviewed, based on previously indicated, it is essential to Toolbox Strategy Nos: 7 &15 • Regeneration; growth and increase accessibility. junction of the A56 Chester Road and surveys and information gained since recognise that the Mersey Gateway • Infrastructure; and the Daresbury Eastern Expressway, the LTP1 and has been revised (see Primary scheme will not be available during the A Transport Asset Management Plan is The Council’s local transport objectives, • Image. junction of Kingsway/Milton Road and Transport Strategy No. 8). life time of LTP2. Whilst complete being developed using the CSS/TAG priorities and strategies are embedded the A557 approach to M56 Junction 12. resolution of the congestion issues on framework and is expected to be in Halton Borough Council’s Corporate Congested road networks can impact the SJB cannot be achieved without the completed within two years. Plan. The Corporate Plan, which has significantly on the ability to attract and Gateway scheme, there is still much recently been revised, identifies 5 key retain businesses in an area. Difficulties that can be done to maximise the The Council’s consultants have priorities, (See section 4.2.4), to meet in making and receiving deliveries and efficiency of the existing highway undertaken a full review of the Silver Halton’s most pressing needs. in staff gaining access to employment network by minimising congestion Jubilee Maintenance Strategy and have areas complicate business processes problems within the Borough, in the identified a 10-year programme of Congestion can of course have an and can add to costs. interim period. A comprehensive structural maintenance with a total impact on many services delivered by strategy has therefore been developed value of £25m to £35m that will bring the Council. It also impacts on It is therefore important to the delivery that focuses on interventions that can the bridge to a steady state condition. businesses and the quality of life of the RES to minimise congestion and be programmed during the next five (See Toolbox Strategy No:14). A major experienced by residents, by affecting to provide a network where the time to years and beyond. Within the confines scheme appraisal is being prepared. their social, economic and health make a journey can be predicted. Also short-term congestion at of these parameters the strategy Intelligent Transport Systems are opportunities. However, the key It is clear that the new crossing will not arrival/departure times is an issue carefully balances the need to increase proposed to be employed to make the Council priority most affected by be available to traffic within the period outside most schools in the Borough. sustainable local accessibility, with that most effective use of the Silver Jubilee congestion is Urban Renewal. SUB-REGIONAL of this LTP and as such has been to deliver a strategic transport system Bridge. To provide real time Congestion on the Silver Jubilee Bridge necessary to develop a comprehensive Halton has not been included in the to meet the regeneration needs of the information to drivers to warn of The Merseyside contribution to the is seen as a major hurdle to the strategy that aims to address first tranche of authorities being given region. delays/closures on the Silver Jubilee Northern Way, The Liverpool City regeneration of both Halton and many congestion in the interim period as well access to DfT’s congestion data Bridge, a system of variable message Region (January 2005), lists five key parts of Merseyside and as such is as the longer term. supplied through ITIS. Halton does not signs (VMS) is being developed. This actions that will “improve connectivity afforded a high priority in LTP 2. meet the population threshold and this will be compatible with the systems to of the city region whilst being of also relieves Halton from the obligation be installed by Liverpool City and Wirral significant benefit to the wider Further information on these matters to set a congestion target. However the Borough Councils, with whom economy of the North.” These are: can be found in the Section 4 - Wider extended traffic model developed for discussions are taking place. Liaison is Issues. • expanding the city region’s ports and the Mersey Gateway scheme has been also taking place with the National related industries and improving largely populated with GPS data Traffic Control Centre (NTCC) with surface access and infrastructure; supplied by ITIS, that will be used to which we have a Local Operating 3.1.3 Analysis help identify congestion hotspots. Agreement. • expanding Liverpool John Lennon Airport and improving surface access Congestion within the Borough is most The strategy is developed from the Monitoring systems will also be and infrastructure; intensive on the approaches to the consideration of the following developed to enable information to be Silver Jubilee Bridge. In Widnes queues 3.1.4 Opportunities • construction of the Mersey Gateway opportunities that range from large relayed to the variable message system extend back onto the A562 Speke Road road crossing to bring significant There is now growing evidence that the To assist in identifying the opportunities scale infrastructure improvements to to warn motorists of the approaching and the A557 Eastern Widnes Relief economic and connectivity benefits to emerging regeneration of Halton is available, an extensive public softer measures. hazards or diversions. Road. In Runcorn there are long queues the wider city region, improving bringing with it local congestion issues consultation exercise was undertaken on the Weston Point Expressway and linkages to North Wales, Cheshire and in the town centres. In Widnes the involving amongst other things a Web cam links will enable people with the Bridgewater Expressway. Greater Manchester; ASDA and JJB developments are putting questionnaire sent to 7,000 households NETWORK MANAGEMENT access to the internet to view the traffic pressure on both the overall car parking and the holding of a seminar situation before embarking on their • improving inter regional connections: Efficient management of the highway provision and the main traffic signal specifically on congestion to which journey. improving rail linkages between network is essential to ensure the safe junction of Watkinson Way, Widnes stakeholders were invited (see Liverpool/Merseyside and other city and convenient movement of all road Eastern By-Pass. The developing Appendix 4). It is clear from this work Ramp metering systems to control regions; and users. The indicative spending evening economy in the Victoria Square and that undertaken on the Mersey access onto the SJB from slip roads will allocations for the second LTP period, • improving inter regional connections: area is also raising car parking issues. In Gateway that the biggest single also be investigated. supported by funding from the improving the efficiency and quality of Runcorn town centre the major retail opportunity to relieve congestion in the Council’s revenue budgets, will provide the transport infrastructure within the operator is actively considering parking Borough will come with the It should be noted that should the the opportunity to plan targeted city region itself, to support accessibility charges and at Halton Lea there are construction of the Mersey Gateway. major scheme bid for the SJB fail, it will maintenance of roads and footways and sustainable development. proposals for major retail developments This will bring with it huge not be possible to achieve a steady through the use of MAYRISE computer lodged with the planning authority. The opportunities to improve facilities for state of maintenance on the SJB software. Priorities will be set by road parking strategy for the LTP1 period buses, walking, cycling and to promote complex. Therefore without planned condition survey assessments and has been one of free to user. On-street

24 25 maintenance, it is inevitable that determining policies and objectives for Authority. It will also require the and its implementation. This has that promoters are aware of their PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT greater levels of congestion will take differing roads in the network, and collection of new inventory data where formed the nucleus of a traffic obligations to comply with legislation. Best Value Performance Indicator (BVPI) place as emergency works, including monitoring effectiveness of their this does not exist at present. To managers group to cover operations The Traffic Manager attends these results for highway condition lie within extensive lane closures, take place. arrangements and actions in meeting achieve these aims it is proposed to across Merseyside and monthly meetings and provides input and the top quartile for most categories. the duty. appoint a specialist consultant to meetings are now being held. advice as necessary. The intent of the Council is to equal or oversee and supervise the creation of better previous results in all areas and The Council have appointed an officer the TAMP. A first stage will be the A meeting has been convened for Halton has within its area several major detailed analysis of current condition within the current establishment to act collection of data for the Highways January 2006 that will bring together chemical and manufacturing using the United Kingdom Pavement as Traffic Manager pro tem pending the Asset Management Plan (HAMP). Much not only the Merseyside Authorities but organisations. The potential for Management System ensures that creation of a new, dedicated Network of this work has already been done but also representatives of Warrington accidents and emergency situations is maintenance priorities are targeted into Management Section within a revised exists in various locations and in Borough and Cheshire County Council significant and the Council have in key areas in line with achieving the 10 establishment. differing formats. and Cheshire Constabulary. The place emergency plans to deal with year steady state of maintenance. meeting is proposed to jointly explore such eventualities. Updates and reviews The Traffic Manager is also the Section The Council are members of the common areas of responsibility and to of the Emergency Plans are carried out The effectiveness of the Traffic Leader (Network), responsible for the County Surveyors Society / TAG Asset establish clear lines of communication. in conjunction with Risk Management. Management function relies upon the routine management of the highway Management Group and will use their A register not only of primary traffic A Bus Operators Forum meets quarterly measurement and analysis of local network including the control of Street expertise to further progress this Managers has been compiled but also a to review public transport operations. conditions by the use of local TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT ACT Works, highway inspection and project. The project is already in its first supplementary list of operational The Traffic Manager attends to receive indicators. These take the form of BVPI’s temporary traffic orders. It has been stages and Consultants are being contacts for each authority. It is hoped and comment upon current highway 2004 or more subjective information recognised that in certain appointed at present. Data collection is that additional links can eventually be issues. collected through local representation. The Traffic Management Act 2004 (Part circumstances the maintenance duty expected to take between six and eight created with Lancashire and Greater It is proposed to combine the existing 2) imposes a duty on Local Traffic and the role of the Traffic Manager months. It is intended to produce a Manchester with a view to establishing data with that collected for the asset Authorities to ensure expeditious could come into conflict. Halton completed HAMP initially and to a Traffic Management Network for the The methods by which information is management plan to supplement the movement of traffic on their own and Borough Council has recognised this expand this to a full TAMP within North West. passed to the highway user are management function of the traffic neighbouring road networks. It requires opportunity to thoroughly revise and eighteen months. constantly changing. Most are Manager and thus enhance the the appointment of a Traffic Manager review its role as Local Traffic Authority Locally the Environment Directorate dependant upon the circumstances. effectiveness of the role. to manage Permit Schemes for the to meet the challenge of the new Act. provide support and representation on Links exist through the Council’s control of specific works, Utility Street It has been agreed to appoint a fully INVOLVEMENT Area Panels and a number of residents Communications and Marketing The Traffic Manager will monitor all Works and the administration of independent Traffic Manager together groups within the Borough allowing organisation to distribute details of To further progress the preparation of a current data to establish clear permits for skips, scaffolds and with the necessary support staff in direct assessment of local needs to be current and forthcoming highway relevant and contemporary TAMP, use management tools based where temporary excavations within the 2006 to address this issue. balanced against available resources works to the media. has been made of various consultees possible on BVPI’s but expanded to highway. The Act also allows the civil and priorities. A recent survey of and contacts. Feedback from these will include other relevant data such traffic enforcement of certain parking and ‘Halton 2000’ into the effectiveness of The Council’s Website contains a assist in the document preparation. flow and traffic counter sites. traffic regulation matters. MAX VALUE FOR MONEY Highway and Street Lighting surveys section that is devoted to road closures Regular meetings are already taking has been completed and gives useful and diversions both by the Council’s As the network management duty is place with North West Unitary The role of the Traffic Manager is comparison with a previous survey into own operations and those carried out not to be undertaken at the expense of authorities as members of the North directed specifically at the management the use and accessibility of the on behalf of other bodies. A trial web PRIORITIES and control of delay and disruption. It other duties and objectives it is clearly West Highway Authorities and Utilities Highways Service. Further surveys are cam site is already in place specifically The Council recognises the benefits requires not only continuous important to continue to obtain Best Committee who are closely involved planned to create a database from targeting the SJB complex and that accrue from effective management communication and discussion with the Value for expenditure. Nothing in the with the implementation of changes to which trends may be extrapolated consideration is being given to rolling of transport assets. The active organisations involved but also effective Act allows disregard of value for money the New Roads and Streetworks Act. allowing improved decision making. out similar facilities to the general management of assets involving measures to disseminate information to and the proportionality of any public. coherent and clear policies for stakeholders. response. The creation of a A close working relationship exists with Halton Council hold bi-monthly maintenance contained in the TAMP comprehensive and effective Traffic Cheshire Police who assist with traffic meetings of the Event Safety Advisory Details of major works are also are essential to ensure the delivery of Asset Management Plan (TAMP) is a accident data and analysis and in the Group composed of members of the circulated to elected members and better transport outcomes. They stated aim of the Council that will conduct of safety audits for highway ANALYSIS Highways, Environment, Risk Council Departments by e-mail and the contribute directly to meeting the directly compliment and assist the work adoption. Highway staff also contribute Management, Event Promotions and Direct Link front office provides Council’s four key priorities to tackle The 10-year Transport Plan emphasises of the Traffic Manager in providing a to accident investigations where also the Police, Fire and Ambulance information to personal callers. More congestion, improve accessibility, the importance of active and tool to accurately assess the highway issues are involved and meet services together with other co-opted obvious methods such as roadside contribute to safer roads and improve coordinated management of the road effectiveness of polices and to consult with the Police Traffic members. The group scrutinise all information systems are also used and air quality. network. Network management is one programmes of traffic management Division in the planning of major major events planned or promoted in the implementation of VMS technology element of transport activities and and control. closures and diversions. complements other policies and the area that can impact upon the is well advanced. The role will also be public. They provide advice and expanded to include the proposed actions. As such, LTAs need to embed The creation of a TAMP will involve the The Council have representation on the guidance on the planning and provision and operation of the Council’s desired outcomes and appropriate collection and organisation of Merseyside District Engineers Group organisation of events and also ensure Intelligent Transport System. policies and plans within Local significant quantities of data from a who provide valuable insight into the Transport Plans in order to achieve a number of diverse departments of the preparation of the joint Merseyside LTP coherent approach. This includes

26 27 KEY ACTIONS DEMAND MANAGEMENT relevant private sector and agencies. TOLLING OBJECTIVES The parking strategy is described in The approach to Network Management Demand management provides a 1)To manage demand to ensure the detail in Primary Transport Strategy proposed for the future will involve four means to control demand for travel and delivery of transport and environment No.8. specific areas. thereby reduce congestion. In addition, benefits, by maintaining free flow traffic 1.The preparation of a TAMP that will the control of demand for travel has the conditions on the MG and SJB and clearly identify the resources required to benefits of reducing air pollution and ROAD USER CHARGING delivering initiatives to encourage keep the network in an efficient and the production of greenhouse gases greater levels of public transport use, serviceable condition. resulting from a reduction in Road user charging is central to the walking and cycling on the SJB; unnecessary trips. Council’s strategy for tackling 2)To allow successful delivery of the 2.The creation of a Traffic Management congestion. The Mersey Gateway Mersey Gateway (MG) scheme within Plan to clearly identify, measure and Maximum limits are set on parking that intervention to tackle congestion is set funding limits agreed with Ministers monitor key congestion data and set is to be provided in new developments. in the context of a complementary and Councillors; performance targets. The standards are based on those road-user charging regime ensuring 3.The continuation of development of established in Regional Planning that the maximum benefits are fully 3)To operate a concession scheme, within links with adjacent authorities and Guidance for the North West RPG 13 realised. DfT originally requested that the limits of affordability, so as to organisations that influence or are and in the Council’s Unitary tolling be explored as a means of mitigate the impact of tolls on local affected by the changes in the pattern Development Plan. All new housing supporting the delivery of the Mersey users who are currently able to use the of traffic flow. layouts have to be designed to a Gateway project. Silver Jubilee Bridge (SJB) free of charge, 20mph speed limit with traffic calming many of whom are frequently crossing 4.The dissemination of traffic measures as necessary. In addition, The proposed charging regime has the river and some fall within social management data to the Public will be contributions are sought from been developed through the modelling inclusion target groups; developed and expanded. The use of developers towards public transport of trips using the extended SATURN 4)To transfer demand risk to the Variable Message Signing will be added improvements to minimise traffic computer model. In addition to concessionaire for the duration of the to and enhanced in conjunction with growth. Further information on these generating the investment required to concession, by allowing the operator to the National and Regional Traffic matters are available in Section 4 – deliver the new bridge, the tolling manage that demand through the toll Control Centres. ‘Wider Issues’ and in Primary Transport regime will provide a lever to manage charged, within the constraints of the Strategy No:4. demand, so that free flow traffic legal powers and consistent with the conditions are maintained on the new objective of protecting local users. link, thereby locking in the delivery of the projected service reliability and The current proposal is to seek charging standards throughout the concession. powers for both bridges through the Special Roads provision of the New The level of charges modelled has been Roads and Street Works Act, however it based on the current Mersey Tunnel may be more effective to toll SJB tolls with a local residents discount. through the road-user charging legislation. The removal of through traffic from Silver Jubilee Bridge (SJB) will provide Demand management objectives Through the first LTP period the Council an opportunity to re-establish the coupled with affordability has pursued a free to user car parking existing bridge for local transport use. considerations, dictate that most or all strategy. Parking studies had shown Complementary measures include private car and commercial cross-river there were no significant capacity issues priority schemes for public transport, traffic between Widnes and Runcorn in the town centre car parks other than cyclist and pedestrians, reducing the must be subject to tolls. This includes in Runcorn Town Centre where there road space available to general-purpose traffic across the previously free-to-use was a case for better management of traffic and down grading linkages to the SJB. Its proximity to the new MG means short stay/long stay provision once the strategic highway network. Extending that if left un-tolled it would be impact of the town centre regeneration the tolling charge to SJB protects these impossible to maintain free flow traffic scheme was known. The effects of rebalanced local transport priorities conditions and prevent substantial regeneration in all three town centres against future congestion on the local revenue leakage, thereby jeopardising are now starting to impact on parking road network connecting to SJB. the demand management objectives and congestion. There is therefore an and the funding projections explained opportunity to review this strategy. Buses, taxis and disabled drivers (blue above. The alternative, albeit much less However, as the majority of the off badge holders) would have free access effective than tolling the SJB, is to street car parking is not in the Council’s to both MG and SJB and in addition, impose significant traffic restrictions on ownership, any changes to the way in pedestrians and cyclist will have free the SJB, to protect the delivery of free which car parks operate will have to be access to the SJB. flow traffic conditions and prevent developed in partnership with the

28 29 revenue leakage; effectively forcing most In the event that the Mersey Gateway is enable them to develop and implement Bus Route Network, ticket will be marketed as part of the cross-river traffic to use the tolled MG. delayed or does not proceed, a successful travel plans for their sites. The further investment Liverpool 2008 European Capital of congestion charge on the SJB will be LTP contains challenging Travel Plan in new low floor Culture celebrations; and As identified in objective 2 above, HBC further considered, in consultation with targets to reflect the extra resources the vehicles, passenger • Replacement of current conventional is firm in its commitment to reduce the our neighbouring local authorities and Council is putting into the Travel Plan infrastructure paper tickets with electronic SMART burden of tolls on local residents. Many the Highways Agency, to assess the process. improvements, card technology. of these residents are on low incomes potential to reduce traffic movements marketing and and need to cross the river on a across the Mersey. However, there is Targeted staff resources have publicity initiatives frequent basis for work, health or family concern with the impact of charges on significantly advanced the adoption of as well as measures to ensure the RAIL SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS reasons. They are currently able to use the local and sub-regional economies. School Travel Plans in the Borough. This efficient flow of bus services. On Monday 9th January 2006, Arriva launched their new “STRIDER” bus the SJB free of charge, and the With 80% of the trips crossing the SJB work encourages healthy travel and • Section 106 and 278 funding will be There is a major opportunity to network in Halton. imposition of tolls may be a significant extending beyond the Borough reduces the use of private cars for the sought to “pump prime” bus services significantly improve the availability of additional financial burden for many. boundary, significant amounts of journey to school and will be continued in developing areas. A roof tax local rail services through the upgrading This included;- through traffic could be expected to through the second LTP period. The agreement in the developing east of the Halton Curve Rail Link. This Any discounted or concession scheme divert via Warrington and M6 Thelwall encouragement of healthy modes of Runcorn area will provide • The introduction of 39 new low floor proposal is included in the Merseyside for toll charging will need to be Viaduct. There is a risk that such a travel for children and the subsequent opportunities for improving access fully accessible buses, all installed with LTP2 and has the full support of Halton, constructed so as to be acceptable measure would exacerbate congestion reduction in the use of private cars are with new bus services. CCTV cameras for customer safety and Cheshire County Council and the North within the terms of UK and EU law in problems in the adjacent areas and on considered a priority in helping to security at a cost of £4.5 million; Wales authorities and would lead to • An in depth review of the Council’s respect of discriminatory pricing and the motorway network. In addition, the achieve the Council’s priorities on new local services on the North Wales, supported bus network is underway • More frequent daytime services between State Aid. emerging regenerated economy of health. Chester, Runcorn, South Liverpool, using criteria that have been Runcorn and Widnes and Liverpool John Halton remains fragile and therefore is Liverpool Lime Street route. It would developed to better target support to Lennon Airport (service 82A); Discussions on the impact of tolling on very susceptible to increases in journey also create further opportunities for a the areas of high priority. adjacent highway authorities, will of costs. • New improved evening services on new local station at Beechwood, course continue, to ensure that the • Infrastructure improvements e.g. certain key routes such as the service Runcorn and add to the case for re- demand for travel is addressed and Recent advice from an eminent QC boarder kerbs, crossing facilities etc. 79C which links Halton Hospital, Halton opening Ditton Station in Widnes. managed at all road crossings of the has indicated that there are legal and will be rolled out through the quality Lea, Widnes and Hough Green to Furthermore, the proposal would Mersey, in the sub region. procedural obstacles to tolling SJB in corridor approach. A programme of Liverpool City Centre and the service complement the Mersey Gateway advance of the Mersey Gateway. up-grading bus stations and termini 82A which links Runcorn and Widnes to scheme and provide real alternatives to In the proposed concession scheme the across the Borough building on the Liverpool John Lennon Airport; using the Silver Jubilee Bridge in quality provided for the Victoria toll levels assumed by bidders, and their • Improved express service X1 between advance of the construction of the resulting forecasts of toll revenue, TRAVEL PLANNING AND Square scheme in Widnes, will Mersey Gateway. enhance the quality of bus journeys. Runcorn and Liverpool. This will operate combined with the available unitary SMARTER CHOICES Further information on health and travel every 10 minutes during the Monday to charge (funded by the PFI credit planning can be found in Section 4 and • The opportunities for enhancing the The availability of Section106 funding There is an opportunity to build on the Friday peak periods and every 20 requirement) will determine the overall in Primary Transport Strategy No: 17, network through funding the has brought an opportunity to improve success of the Neighbourhood Travel minutes during the day; and project revenue required to support a respectively. provision of accessible vehicles is car parking and access arrangements at Team (NTT) and to expand its range of bid. In addition to presenting the proposed. (See Section 5) • An improved daytime service linking Widnes Station. Similar improvements services promoting travel awareness and overall project revenue required to • The trial real time information Runcorn and Chester. can be made at Hough Green station smarter travel choices. finance their bid, bidders will also have BUS SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS scheme in operation at selected stops i) Further roll out of real time bus where a scheme has been prepared. to take into account the extent of the will be reviewed and the opportunity Staff resources are being directed to As set out in the Halton Bus Strategy - passenger information on key economic interest in the forecast toll to roll the scheme out across the Merseytram, the light rail scheme encourage all local businesses and there is a good high frequency core bus corridors within the Borough to build revenue they are prepared to offer to network will be explored. promoted by Merseytravel, has the organisations to implement Travel Plans. network in the Borough. In Runcorn this on the first scheme introduced as HBC. HBC will use their share of toll potential to be extended into Halton. The Council has adopted its own Travel is built around the unique 22km • The introduction of a new pilot multi- part of the first LTP and the current revenue to fund any discounts on tolls Either Line 2 or Line 3 could readily Plan which will be pursued. In addition, Runcorn Busway. The Bus Strategy, operator pre–paid bus ticket covering “Kickstart” funded scheme in north for local residents or frequent users extend into Widnes and utilising the new businesses in the Borough will be (Primary Transport Strategy No: 2), all operators’ services within the Widnes.” through a separate concession scheme Mersey Gateway could extend it further required to develop a Travel Plan outlines how the Council, bus Borough. ii) Further develop the new multi run by the authority. into Runcorn. through the planning process, when companies and their partners intend to operator ‘ Halton Hopper’ bus ticket continue to improve the quality and which was introduced in April 2006. It is accepted by HBC that the there is likely to be a significant impact attractiveness of bus travel in the Likely further future enhancements to protection of local users must not on traffic. Borough to reduce congestion and the ticket include: - undermine the overall successful improve accessibility. Key opportunities delivery of objective 1 above. In other A new Mobility Management Officer • The introduction of a student / learner include:- words, should funding and affordability has been appointed to oversee the roll version of the ticket in September 2006; out and development of Travel Plans by issues arise due to unforeseen cost • The two dominant bus operators • Investigate potential introduction of a major employers (public, private and increases, HBC recognise that any have agreed in principle to join a one day / visitor ticket version which voluntary sector) within the Borough. discount or concession scheme may Quality Partnership with the Council. would also be valid at key tourist / The aim of this new post is to offer local have to be pared back to ensure the This will result in further frequency visitor attractions in the Borough. This businesses more finely tuned advice to delivery of the Mersey Gateway project enhancements to services on the Core

30 31 Additional information on these issues HEALTHY COMMUNITIES 3.1.6 Performance In addition, the Council will regularly with the delivery of a strategic can be found in Primary Transport review the bus network and ensure that transport system that supports both The measures to promote walking and Management Strategy No: 9 travel advice is given to maximise its local and sub-regional economic cycling (Primary Transport Strategy It is accepted that resolution of the use and reduce dependency on car regeneration. Nos: 3, 11, 12, & 18) as sustainable main congestion problem in the based journeys. alternatives to the use of cars can all WALKING AND CYCLING Borough cannot be fully addressed It should be noted that the interim lead to healthier lifestyles through without the construction of the Mersey Congestion Strategy will continue to be Continuation of the Quality Corridor increased levels of exercise. Healthy Gateway, however it is clearly implemented, irrespective of the approach will deliver improvements for Halton is identified as a priority in 3.1.8 Tackling Congestion important to undertake measures that success in securing funds necessary to cycling and walking. The Greenways Halton’s Corporate Plan (see Section 4). Objectives will control congestion in the interim build the Mersey Gateway Crossing. Network will continue to expand and and yet still be appropriate, once the • To address and manage both local and This will help to ensure that every effort targeted improvements to the Public SUSTAINABLE AND Mersey Gateway has been constructed. strategic travel demand to ensure that is made to manage traffic growth and Rights of Way Network will be pursued. LANDSCAPE AND BIODIVERSITY PROSPEROUS COMMUNITIES the area’s regeneration needs are met. encourage sustainable travel. The development of Halton’s Public Halton’s highways, particularly the Promoting Halton’s Urban Renewal is Our progress on this work will be Rights of Way Improvement Plan will Expressway network in Runcorn, are • To develop a sustainable and one of the five key priorities, (see monitored through outcome and establish priorities for specific extensively landscaped. Maintenance of integrated transport system that meets Section 4.3.5), adopted by the Council. output performance indicators, which INTERIM CONGESTION interventions (see section 3.2.4). the highway verges is undertaken by the social, economic and environmental It is central to the core objectives of this will directly and indirectly measure the STRATEGY (DELIVERABLE the Landscape Division of the Council needs of Halton’s residents. Local Transport Plan and to the affect on congestion. DURING CURRENCY OF LTP2) using a sympathetic approach to Council’s UDP. Effective control of • To manage and maintain the highway protect flora and fauna. Walking and • The Mersey Gateway scheme for a new development and careful transport network to minimise congestion and cycling are promoted through the crossing over the Mersey will be planning play a vital role in ensuring 3.1.7 Maximising Value from delay. Greenways network, which is designed pursued through public inquiry and sustainable issues are addressed. In the to complement the local landscape. Resources procurement stages with construction longer term, the Mersey Gateway These issues are described and targeted to commence in 2009 (see scheme has been shown to generate The proposal to construct the Mersey 3.1.9 Interim Strategy for addressed, in greater detail, in Primary Section 7.1). significant economic benefits both Gateway has been subject to rigorous Transport Strategy Nos: 3, 7, 11 & 18. Tackling Congestion within the Borough and across a wider external examination to assess the costs • In the event that the Mersey Gateway area and as such is seen as a catalyst to and the benefits, and the results are It is evident that the over-riding Scheme is delayed or does not proceed, the Borough’s prosperity and included in its major scheme business congestion issue for Halton is the Silver a review will be undertaken of the COMMUNITY SAFETY, case. Jubilee Bridge (SJB). The single and These issues are discussed in greater sustainability. appropriateness of introducing road PERSONAL SECURITY AND most effective measure in tackling this detail in Primary Transport Strategy user charging on the SJB alone to CRIME To maximise the value of our work on problem has been proven to be the Nos: 3, 11, 12 &18. manage demand. The Council operates a Travel Safe NOISE network management, we will: construction of the Mersey Gateway. However, this intervention will not be • The highway network will be scheme in partnership with the Police • Continue to develop the role of our Through promoting walking and available until at least 2012 and maintained to ensure that roads and and the bus operators. A Travel Safe Traffic Manager to ensure that 3.1.5 Other Quality cycling and managing car based therefore it is essential that an interim footpaths provide safe and effective warden and a dedicated police officer maintenance works on the highway are of Life Issues demand, as described above, there is package of measures is developed to means of mobility and access. Cost patrol the Borough’s bus routes to managed and co-ordinated to minimise the potential for a reduction in the rate address congestion on the SJB in the effectiveness of road maintenance will The opportunities discussed under the provide security and safety for bus disruption and to prioritise, assess and in traffic growth and therefore a benefit short term, until the new crossing be maximised through the development Tackling Congestion shared priority passengers. They will respond to implement new technology based in terms of noise pollution. becomes available. This is seen to be of a Transport Asset Management Plan. impact positively on other quality of life incidents as they are reported, drawing schemes; particularly important as there is See Primary Transport Strategy No: 7 issues: in additional resources from the Police for further details. • Continue to use software packages to growing evidence that the emerging as necessary. They also visit schools to CLIMATE CHANGE provide information to children. Further assess and prioritise maintenance regeneration of Halton is leading to • The Council will comply with its schemes; increased pockets of congestion. The responsibilities under the Traffic QUALITY OF PUBLIC SPACES information can be found on this in The measures proposed have the development of the interim strategy Management Act 2004 by establishing Primary Transport Strategy No:2 potential to reduce the use of the • Continue to develop the Council’s AND BETTER STREETSCAPES has been undertaken in the context of a dedicated Network Management private car and therefore to reduce Transport Asset Management Plan; The Quality Corridor approach, to vehicle use and fuel consumption having to ensure a balance in the Section headed by a newly established infrastructure improvements adopted in resulting in a positive impact on • Continue to utilise our five year increase of sustainable local accessibility post of Traffic Manager. Highway Term Maintenance Contract LTP1 is being continued in LTP2, (see greenhouse gas emissions. These issues • A 10-year programme of structural for the procurement of work; Primary Transport Strategy No:12). are further discussed in Section 3.4 – maintenance of the Silver Jubilee Bridge Under this approach measures to aid Better Air Quality (STP 4) • Implement the maintenance strategy and its associated structures will be pedestrians, cyclists and bus passengers for the Silver Jubilee Bridge; and pursued through a major scheme bid. are delivered on integrated corridors. • Continue to utilise joint purchasing The major scheme will bring this vitally High quality design standards are important transport infrastructure to a followed and the integrated measures programmes, similar to the one in place with Cheshire County Council for salt. steady state condition and ensure its contribute strongly to the quality of the continued availability. (See Primary street scene.

32 33 Transport Strategy No: 14 for detailed issues and strategy. travel. (See also Primary Transport 3.1.10 Interim Action Plan for Tackling Congestion (2006/07 – 2010/11) (Table 1) strategy and Section 7.2 for the major Strategy No: 2). • New developments and regeneration scheme). initiatives will be required through the • The role of rail services in the Borough Actions to be taken in Local Transport Plan 2 period Target Date • A package of Intelligent Transport planning process to both minimise the will be supported through targeted Progress Mersey Gateway through procedural and procurement processes to construction Systems will be developed to manage need to travel and support sustainable infrastructure improvements at local commencement date May 2009 the congestion on the Silver Jubilee transport measures. (See Primary stations working in partnership with Traffic Manager to produce Transport Asset Management Plan April 2007 Bridge pending the construction of Transport Strategy No:4.) the rail industry and Merseytravel. Mersey Gateway. Measures to be Cross-river use of rail services will be Continue maintenance of highway network On-going • A quality bus network will continue to developed include variable message promoted through improved signing to Commence structural maintenance major scheme on Silver Jubilee Bridge 2006 be developed in conjunction with bus advance signing, web cam links and Runcorn Station and enhanced operators that is innovative and Commence installation of Variable Message Signs for Silver Jubilee Bridge October 2006 ramp metering. marketing of Runcorn - Liverpool responsive to the travel needs of Publish Public Rights of Way Improvement Plan Nov 2007 services. Halton will support • A Parking Partnership will be residents and as such provide a Continue Quality Corridor initiative to improve facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and bus passengers On-going Merseyside’s major scheme bid for the established to review and respond to convenient, acceptable and affordable reinstatement of the Halton Curve. (See Up-grade bus stations at Halton Lea March 2007 parking issues arising from the alternative to travel by car. Primary Transport Strategy No: 9). Up-grade Runcorn High Street bus station March 2010 emerging regeneration of Halton’s town • The Council will provide revenue centres. Primary Transport Strategy • Walking will be encouraged as a safe Up-grade Widnes Green Oaks bus station March 2011 funding to support essential services. No:8 provides further insight into this and healthy alternative to car travel, Commence purchase of accessible mini-buses April 2006 The supported network is under important area of work. for short journeys through the continual review to ensure its Extend Real Time bus information scheme April 2006 development and implementation of • Travel awareness and smarter travel effectiveness in meeting the needs of Promote travel awareness and smarter travel choices On-going quality improvements to the Greenway, choices will be promoted by developing residents and achieving value for Public Rights of Way and other Extend role of Neighbourhood Travel Team April 2006 the role of the successful money. Pump priming funding for new pedestrian networks. The Public Rights Start work on North-South Quality Bus Corridor April 2006 Neighbourhood Travel Team into a services will be sought from developers. of Way Improvement Plan will be mobility management organisation. A scheme to enhance service provision Support Merseyside’s proposal to re-open Halton Curve March 2008 developed and measures taken to The Team will provide bespoke travel with LTP funded accessible vehicles will Establish a Parking Partnership April 2007 implement it. (See Primary Transport planning for employment, education be pursued. (See Primary Transport Strategy Nos: 11, 12 & 18). Undertake a review of the appropriateness of introducing road user charging on the SJB alone and leisure trips, travel information and Strategy No: 2) should the development of the Mersey Gateway be delayed or not proceed Dec 2007 a car share database targeted at • Cycling will be supported as a safe and • All bus stops will be provided with Ensure new developments support sustainable travel initiatives Continuous improved accessibility and reduced car- healthy alternative to car based travel for quality corridor features and bus Provide support for proposals to extend Merseytram into Halton Continuous based travel. See Section 3.2 – short journeys through the development stations will be upgraded. The function Delivering Accessibility (STP 2) and PTS and implementation of quality Seek support from European and national funding programmes to assist in the delivery of and operation of the Busway in the schemes and initiatives that address problems of congestion Continuous 2 for further information. improvements to the Greenway and cycle longer term will be reviewed. Primary route networks and the provision of • The principles of the Council’s Staff Transport Strategy Nos: 2 &12 detail training. (See also Primary Transport Travel Plan will be developed and rolled specific issues and strategies on these 3.1.11 Long Term Strategy for • Should the Mersey Gateway be delayed 3.1.12 Longer Term Action Strategy Nos: 3, 11 & 12) out to all businesses within Halton. matters. Tackling Congestion (30 or not proceed and dependent on the Plan Schools will be encouraged to adopt • Indicators will be monitored to assess outcome of a review, the council will • High quality public transport Years) School Travel Plans and funding progress against tackling congestion consider the appropriateness of information will be made available to Actions to Target support will be provided for specific within the Borough, and remedial The LTP2 Congestion Strategy is introducing road user charging on the the public, to enable informed decisions be Taken Date school based measures. See Primary action taken to address shortfalls in supportive of and complementary to SJB alone; to be made on how and when to Construction of Transport Strategy No: 17 for details of performance. Halton’s Long Term Congestion • Seek to deliver a highway network that Mersey Gateway Strategy, the key elements of which are: can offer reliability and uncongested scheme 2012 • Pursue the construction of the Mersey road travel for residents, businesses and visitors to Halton; Gateway bridge to fully address Continue to congestion and maintenance problems • Seek to ensure that the highway implement measures on the Silver Jubilee Bridge and network reaches a steady state of to manage traffic enhance the potential for regeneration maintenance; demand and in Halton and the sub-region; encourage 2012 • Enable travellers to make informed sustainable travel and beyond • Introduce a complementary road-user choices of when and how to travel, to charging scheme for both SJB and minimise the impact of traffic on Mersey Gateway to ensure that the communities and the environment; and benefits of free flow traffic conditions are locked in and that future demand is • Continue to use the latest effectively managed. developments in new technology to manage traffic on the highway network.

34 35 3.2 DELIVERING 3.2.2 Context Halton has been identified as the 21st services and on major schemes such as Strategic Partnership, to enable local • Off Peak weekdays (09.30am to 4pm); most deprived Borough in England in the Mersey Gateway and Merseytram. priorities to be identified for action; ACCESSIBILITY – • Evenings (after 18.30) weekdays. Accessibility is a key cross cutting the Indices of Multiple Deprivation. These interventions and schemes can SHARED TRANSPORT • Stage 2: Local Accessibility theme of Halton’s second local The problems of deprivation are widely have a major impact on new housing Assessments - to guide development PRIORITY 2 (STP 2) transport plan. In line with the recognised by the Council, which along areas by providing good access to and delivery of appropriate, cost Government priorities, the Authority with the Local Strategic Partnership employment, education, social Targets Addressed: effective and sustainable initiatives to and its partners, as part of the LTP, will Board, have agreed a list of strategic activities, etc and as such help to BVPI 100, 102, 103, 104, 165, address local issues; 178, 187, 223, 224a & 224b; ensure that everyone living, working priorities, which address such issues as ensure these areas are sustainable. LTP1, 3, 4a, 4b & 5 and L1, 2, 5, and visiting the Borough enjoys health, employment, education and • Stage 3: Option Appraisal and 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12 convenient, affordable, safe access to a social exclusion. Removing the The HSS also focuses on meeting the Identification of Resources - to wide range of everyday facilities, transport barriers to key facilities is seen housing needs of vulnerable groups. ensure that the options provide: the 3.2.1 Issues including: - as a local priority and therefore This priority involves improving the greatest benefits, are practical and can be delivered within available funding • Health Care Facilities across the proposals to improve accessibility are provision of supported housing for the levels; This analysis identified the following The ability of people to access places of spectrum of services provided within considered complementary and single homeless, mental health clients, supportive of the Council’s corporate those with physical or sensory disability key issues:- work, learning, health care, shopping, the local health care economy • Stage 4: Accessibility Plan aims and objectives. and older people. Transport has a key leisure and exercise, and other (especially those facilities and services Preparation - to refine potential role to play in this, as it is particularly Access to Commercial Centres opportunities can significantly impact which address the key health issues for actions into tightly defined and focused Access is also a key consideration in the important that vulnerable groups have on their quality of life, and on their life the Borough as identified in the new actions, time scales, resources, targets The majority of residents living within Regional Economic Strategy (RES), good access to every day facilities and chances. Schemes and initiatives to Local Health Plan); and lead delivery partners. Runcorn can access either Halton Lea or improve accessibility can encourage which provides the economic services. It is also important that travel Runcorn town centre by public participation and retention in • Employment, Training and Work Based framework in the North West, based on training is made available to these • Stage 5: Performance Monitoring - transport within 20 minutes travelling education, reduce inequalities in health, Learning, especially for the key 14-21 sustainable economic development. people to ensure that they can take to ensure that progress on accessibility time from their home. The only and help people move from welfare year age group (especially those Four of its five priorities have direct advantage of the transport services that objectives can be tracked, utilising significant exception to this is the into work. Helping to ensure that priorities as identified in the Greater impact on transport. These being: exist. These matters are dealt with in indicators, targets and monitoring rapidly expanding residential area at Merseyside Learning and Skills Council our Accessibility Strategy (Section frameworks. Sandymoor to the eastern edge of people can access the services that they • Business Development; need and want is not just a matter of StAR Review); 3.2.9) and in our Access Plan Runcorn which has only limited access improving local transport, but also • Education provision for pre-school and • Regeneration; (Appendix 2). to either commercial centre during the STAGE 1 - STRATEGIC involves improving the provision of school children at all stages of their • Infrastructure; and off peak periods. Average journey times other services and developments in development (including changes in (MAPPING EXERCISE) increase from 20 minutes to 40 minutes more accessible places and ways, and • Image. from most communities within Runcorn patterns and delivery of curriculum and As part of the initial scoping exercise to at more accessible times. It has to their nearest commercial centre extra curriculum activity as outlined in prepare the ground for the therefore been necessary to engage Section 4 provides further information during the early morning and evenings. the Donaldson report); development of the Access Plan, Halton extensively with people providing the on the RES. Borough Council commissioned services and those using the services. • Access to fresh food and affordable On average, journey times by public Merseyside Information Services to quality retailing facilities; Good access is a fundamental transport to Widnes town centre for undertake an initial access mapping The Halton Local Strategic Partnership consideration when businesses are Widnes residents are longer, with an • Good access to leisure facilities across exercise of the following key facilities (known as the Halton Strategic considering relocating or establishing average journey time during the off peak the Borough; and within Halton:- Partnership Board HSPB) has played a themselves in an area and therefore period of between 20 and 40 minutes. leading role in preparing our Access • Access to the Countryside. access issues can heavily impact on the • Main commercial centres (Widnes town Even during the off peak period it takes Plan. The key issues identified in the achievement of the aims and objectives centre, Runcorn town centre and residents living in Farnworth and Plan reflect the HSPB’s key priority Access to key facilities was specifically of the RES. 3.2.3 Analysis Halton Lea); Halebank between 40 minutes and 1 identified as being central to addressing hour to access Public Transport Widnes themes which have recently been • Key employment sites (West Bank and problems of social exclusion and In addition, access can play key roles in Halton BC and its partners have town centre. There are also significant agreed as the following:- Astmoor); deprivation in the Social Exclusion the delivery of both the Regional developed a comprehensive Access Plan numbers of residents in the Upton Rocks • Healthy Halton; Unit’s report entitled ‘Making the Housing Strategy (RHS) and Halton’s for the Borough. This section details the • Halton Hospital; and area of Widnes who do not have access Connections’. The report recognised Housing Strategy (HHS). approach adopted in preparing the • Halton’s Urban Renewal • Colleges and Six Form Centres. to Widnes. During evenings and early the need for accessibility planning as a Access Plan which is shown in mornings access to Widnes by public • Halton’s Children and Young People; means of ensuring that there is a The RHS identifies that ‘Tackling failing Appendix 2. This initial key sites accessibility transport declines considerably. Large • Employment, Life long learning and clearer and more systematic approach housing markets’ is a priority. Halton is mapping exercise utilised a similar parts of the town are totally unserved by skills in Halton; and to tackling transport barriers for not one of the major housing clearance In line with DfT Guidance the Access software package to Accession and has direct public transport links to Widnes disadvantaged groups when accessing and renewal areas, known as Housing Plan has been developed utilising the town centre, especially Hough Green, • Safer Halton. allowed us to identify some immediate key services. Further information on this Market Pathfinder Areas; however, following 5 stages:- key access ‘gaps’ to these facilities Ditton and Farnworth areas. important report can be found in Merseyside has such a designation. In from key communities within the Section 4. Halton, we work closely with • Stage 1: A strategic accessibility Borough by public transport during Access to Colleges Merseytravel on cross-boundary assessment - to identify accessibility three different time periods:- During the weekday off peak periods, initiatives, which include the issues for key services, utilising themed the majority of communities in Runcorn management and provision of bus partnerships, such as Halton Local • Early mornings (Up to 09.30am); can reach Halton College’s Runcorn

36 37 Campus within 20 – 40 minutes by Access to Halton Hospital During the early morning periods the There are a number of transport and two rural wards: • Access to the nearest commercial centre public transport, although it takes on majority of residents living in Runcorn problems that are particular to or made for residents living in deprived wards is The vast majority of Halton residents • Daresbury; and average 40 minutes to one hour by would usually be referred to either live within 20-40 minutes journey time worse through the relative isolation and also generally good with journey times public transport, to reach the campus Whiston or Warrington General by public transport of the Astmoor character of the countryside: • Hale Village of between 20-30 minutes by local bus from the Windmill Hill, Murdishaw and Industrial Estate, except the Higher service, but again rural wards currently Hospitals as Halton Hospital is mostly • Whilst there is relatively good access to Runcorn East areas. This reflects the fact Runcorn and Weston Point areas, which This was followed up by a have poorer public transport links to only used for certain specialist bus transport not all bus stops have that most students have to change are within 40mins to one hour of comprehensive series of household their nearest centres (with poor services procedures. Therefore the fundamental bus boarder kerbs or are serviced by buses at Runcorn town centre in order Astmoor by public transport. There is travel / access interview surveys carried evenings and Sundays). issue to be addressed is that most low floor buses and many are without to access the dedicated Bridgewater very limited direct links from Widnes. out by Halton’s Neighbourhood Travel Halton residents do not have easy a paved surface. This means that the • Runcorn wards generally have very Campus Shuttle Bus Service. There are The majority of Widnes residents are Team during May 2005. This enabled access to Whiston or Warrington mobility impaired can find it difficult to high levels of public transport no direct Public Transport links from over one hours journey time by public an assessment to be made whether Hospitals through public transport. board buses at many of the bus stops accessibility to a wide range of facilities. Sandymoor during the off peak periods. transport from Astmoor during the current travel patterns and perceptions within rural areas. The majority of residents living in early mornings. of accessibility match levels of For Widnes residents accessing Halton • Many elderly people and people with accessibility provided by the existing Widnes have no direct bus service links 3.2.4 Opportunities College’s Widnes Campus on Kingsway, to Halton Hospital during weekday During off peak periods the majority of disabilities are unable to use bus public transport network within the services even where raised boarder Borough. journey times by public transport are evenings, and are over one hours travel residents in Runcorn live within 20 to In order to assist in identifying the kerbs are in place and low floor bus lower, typically under 20 minutes for time away from the hospital. Within 40 minutes by public transport of opportunities available to improve services are in operation. Those who Consequently Halton now has very large areas of Widnes during the off Runcorn itself the majority of Astmoor. Also, significantly, a large accessibility, an extensive public do not have access to a car can detailed knowledge of accessibility to a peak periods. communities are within 20 to 40 proportion of Widnes residents living consultation exercise has been become isolated and excluded from wide range of everyday facilities by minutes travelling time by public along the Liverpool Road and undertaken involving a household facilities and society. public transport for a number of key Direct access by public transport to transport to the hospital, which is Warrington Road corridors also live survey being sent to 7,000 residents Widnes Sixth Form College at Cronton within 20 minutes journey time to wards within the Borough, including:- located adjacent to the busway. The • Access to employment, education, and a specific seminar on Accessibility to is more limited during all time periods, Astmoor by public transport. However, only significant residential area not health, leisure and shopping facilities is • Access to secondary schools; which community groups, businesses, with the College having to rely on large areas of north Widnes are still served is Sandymoor. restricted due to the relatively long service providers and other stakeholders dedicated student bus services; over one hour’s journey time by public • Two campus sites for Halton College travel times involved. were invited (see Appendix 4). In and Widnes / Runcorn Sixth Form During early mornings the majority of transport from Astmoor. addition, five service provider groups • Links within communities can be poor Centre; During evenings direct access to the residents living in Runcorn live within were set up through Halton’s LSP due to inadequate foot and cycle links. two main Halton College campuses in 20 to 40 minutes journey time by • Key employment sites closest to the covering health, urban renewal, life Runcorn and Widnes is dramatically public transport to Halton Hospital. • The economic vitality of rural areas can ward in question; chances, safety and environment and reduced and journey times increase. For Residents living in Weston Point and be fragile and needs supporting with wealth and equity. The results of this • Halton Hospital; example large areas of Runcorn are Higher Runcorn are less well served good transport links to help local work confirmed that accessibility over 1 hours journey time by bus away with journey times typically of 40 business and provide easy access for • GP and primary health care Facilities; remains the most important cross from the Runcorn Campus at minutes to one hour to the Hospital. tourism. cutting theme of our second Local • Local dentists; Bridgewater. These areas include Again Sandymoor is unserved. Transport Plan. The authority earned a Higher Runcorn / Weston, Beechwood, • Leisure centres; good track record during the LTP1 Windmill Hill, Murdishaw and Runcorn During the main daytime periods the STAGE 2 - NEIGHBOURHOOD period for implementing a wide and East. Those remaining wards, which do • Commercial Centres; and majority of residents within Runcorn MAPPING innovative range of measures; all have a link, are within 40 minutes to live within 20 minutes journey time of • Recreational / open spaces. designed to improve accessibility for key Access to Rural Areas and the one hour travel time by public the hospital by public transport. This stage involved very detailed communities within the Borough. The Countryside transport to the campus. Evening Significant areas within Widnes do not mapping work using the Government’s The key results of the neighbourhood range of initiatives includes:- public transport links to the Halton have a direct link during early mornings Halton is predominantly an urban Accession software package, which has mapping reveal the following in terms • Establishing the Council’s innovative College’s Widnes campus is again very and evenings but are linked during the borough; however, there are some rural allowed us to map access to a wide of access to key facilities:- much reduced, with large areas of the off peak. However for those based communities in Daresbury, Hale, range of key facilities at a local Neighbourhood Travel Team, which has • The most deprived wards within Halton town being over 1 hours journey time communities served by a direct link Moore and Preston Brook. Access to neighbourhood level for five of the developed an enviable track record in enjoy generally excellent access (under by public transport away from the journey times are between 40 minutes public transport services is very good most deprived Wards within the developing and implementing 20 minutes travel time on average) to college. Ditton, Hough Green and to one hour. compared to many rural communities Borough: accessibility improvement schemes at a Farnworth areas are again particularly with around 97% of rural households their nearest secondary schools, primary community level with key targeted • Halton Lea; health care and dentist facilities. poorly served. Access to Employment being within 800m walk of an hourly or individuals. The role of the team which was originally funded out of Single There are no direct public transport better bus service. There is however a • Windmill Hill; • The two rural wards have average need to improve accessibility and Regeneration Budget (SRB), and then links to the West Bank area during any • Castlefields; levels of public transport accessibility to from Neighbourhood Renewal Funding time periods. mobility for these communities to primary health care, dentist and ensure the rural communities are not • Hough Green; and secondary school facilities within the (NRF) is now being extended as part of the Council’s involvement as a Shared Both industrial estates have very poor excluded from the wider society, • Kingsway; Borough (with average journey times of Priority Pathfinder Authority, to provide public transport access in the evening. facilities and services. 30-45 minutes during the day). Access a wider range of functions including a The only links to Astmoor are from to these facilities during evenings complete mobility management service Runcorn town centre. remains problematical for these communities. for businesses and community groups within the Borough.

38 39 • Targeted improvements to the local It is proposed that these initiatives will health care provision, education and The Health Development Agency have IMPROVING ACCESS TO the future provision of post 16 learning public transport network in continue to be developed during LTP2. employers’ shift patterns. recently published “Promoting healthier EDUCATION / TRAINING AND within Halton. consultation with bus operators. These communities and narrowing health • Improving and maintaining routes and WORK BASED LEARNING utilise new funding made available inequalities: a self – assessment tool for The review recommended that the two facilities and making them more through the likes of the Government’s local authorities”. This builds upon the The Education Act 2002 places a key post 16 learning providers in the usable. This will help to ensure that Urban and Rural Bus Challenge public health white paper “Choosing requirement on Local Education Borough – Halton College and the people can access jobs and services by schemes and Kick Start initiatives. The Health”, which was published in Authorities to develop a ‘16-19’ Widnes / Runcorn Sixth Form Centre walking and cycling, through improving funding has been used to introduce a November 2004 and highlights the key transport policy following consultation should merge with greater collaboration rights of way and Greenways in both range of innovative new services such role local authorities play in ensuring with key partners, including Passenger in terms of the courses they offer. Urban and Rural areas, and thereby as: the Access 200 employment shuttle health improvements and narrowing Transport Authorities where making routes safer, more secure, and service in east Runcorn, the Route 66 health inequalities. appropriate. A successful and highly The timetable of these changes is more attractive. rural demand responsive transport effective partnerships has been up and unclear at the time of preparing the final scheme serving the Borough’s Rural • Disabled people are particularly at risk of The self assessment tool provides a running within the Borough now for second Halton LTP, however when Communities, and the “Job Link” social exclusion. Increasingly our new systematic process to explore:- over three years. It continues to deliver implemented this proposal will have demand responsive bus service, which The Access Plan, (see Appendix 2) transport vehicles are meeting the new a whole range of initiatives designed to significant transport / access implications • The Council’s understanding of health is operated in partnership with which accompanies our Local Transport technical requirements of the Disability improve accessibility and details of for post 16 learners within Halton. inequalities and the role of local Merseytravel (Merseyside Passenger Plan identifies a wide range of short, discrimination Act 2004 (DDA) to Halton’s policies and initiatives can be government in tackling them; Transport Authority and Executive). medium and longer term accessibility address this problem. found on www.halton.gov.uk Key proposals contained within the improvements for key communities • What is the local pattern of health review include:- • Providing Core Funding to Halton • The pedestrian environment, public within the Borough. The Halton Local inequalities; Community Transport (HCT), one of transport and highway infrastructure • One College would relocate out of Strategic Partnership has played a Area Inspection Framework the leading voluntary and community are important for the mobility of • What the Council is doing to address Widnes and the remaining College leading role in preparing the Access OFSTED (HMI 1779):- transport providers in the UK. This core disabled people. Also for some disabled these priorities; and would deliver a range of both academic Plan (Scoping Paper). The key issues Following the recent OFSTED Inspection funding enables HCT to provide a wide people, particularly those with mental and vocational provision within that identified in the Plan reflect the • Whether it has the capacity to address of the Borough in 2002, an Area Action range of targeted transport services to health conditions, travel training is a planning area; partnership’s key priority themes the key issues for the Borough. Plan has been developed – of which local communities including: the key factor in enabling them to make namely: - Action Point 2.2.5 relates to the need to • Vocational provision would remain popular “Dial – a – Ride” service for use of public transport. Opportunities There are four main themes in tackling improve accessibility and travel available through both college sites disabled and elderly residents; the long • Healthy Halton; will be taken to work closely with our health inequalities: a programme for opportunities for learners within the through Work Based Learning Providers; running “Women’s Safe Transport” travel operating partners to ensure • Halton’s Urban Renewal action:- Borough. service; and a new innovative Patient infrastructure improvements, travel The two 11 –18 schools (St. Chad’s in Visitor Transport service in partnership • Halton’s Children and Young People; training and access policies • Supporting families, mothers and Runcorn and St. Peter and Paul in with Halton Primary Care Trust and the complement the introduction of more children; • Employment, Life long learning and Greater Merseyside Learning Widnes) would continue to offer a sixth Council. accessible vehicles, to maximise the skills in Halton; and • Engaging communities and individuals; and Skills Council (LSC) form provision. benefits for all people with disabilities. • The Council continues to provide over • Safer Halton. • Preventing illness and providing Strategic Area Review:- £0.6m in revenue support during each • The Council recognises that for some Post 16 learning provision within Halton effective treatment and care; and Halton Learners Requirements calendar year to facilitate a range of disabled people cars remain the only has been the subject of much review • Addressing the underlying determinates Study 2005:- socially necessary bus service links, viable way of getting around. Therefore over recent years. The most significant TACKLING ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES of health which are not provided by the well designed and appropriately located was the Area Wide Inspection in Greater Merseyside Learning and Skills commercial bus companies operating Work on our Access Plan has enabled parking will be provided at key November 2002. A key outcome of this Council conducted a major on line The self-assessment tool makes a series within the Borough. Halton has the following new opportunities to be locations. was the establishment of the Area Wide survey of the requirements of learners of key recommendations for local ambitious plans to develop many of identified to improve accessibility: Inspection Steering Group (LSCGM). In across Greater Merseyside, this revealed these socially necessary links by authorities in terms of transport / access the importance of good affordable • Improve the availability of public 2005 the Greater Merseyside Learning developing what the new Halton Bus to health care facilities, as shown below. transport choices for young people transport through flexible transport and Skills Council working with the Strategy describes as Local Community aged 14-19 years of age. services and improve the bus network LSCGM undertook a major review of Links and Key Employment Links within through bus priority measures. the Borough. Initiatives to improve safety, quality, • Targeted improvements to the transport reliability and punctuality, ultimately network to ensure improved access to leading to greater use of local bus Themes Recommendations continuing education / training and services, and more services that are Engaging communities and individuals Improve access to local services by improving transport work based learning opportunities for sustainable and available, to provide and the location of services. 16-19 year olds in the Borough. This is better access to jobs and essential Preventing illness and providing effective treatment and care Reduce illness and death from accidental injury – provided with the help of DfES funding services. children in low income families and vulnerable older people and officers from Halton’s Education • Co-ordination of the timing of public IMPROVING ACCESS TO HEALTH Department, a highly effective local Addressing the underlying determinants of health Reform patient transport services and hospital travel transport services. This involves Education Pathfinder Partnership. The following identifies specific costs scheme. exploring, with our partners, the scope opportunities relating to key services in for co-ordinating the timing of Halton. The role of transport in dealing with health issues is further described in Section 4. transport services to run in line with

40 41 TOMLINSON REPORT access to training and education development of Public Footpaths and Cheshire County Council and the may be improved are through physical Cheshire CC and Warrington BC. facilities, details of which can be found Bridleways and Greenways (See Merseyside authorities through the improvements, network improvements These partnerships will be extended Government expects to react to the in Section 4 – Wider Issues. Appendix 1 Primary Transport Strategy Merseyside District Engineers Right of and information and promotion during the second LTP period. report in the New Year with a White No: 11); thereby assisting the rural Way Officers Group has been and will improvements. Paper which will include an Action Plan economy by increasing passing trade. continue to take place throughout the Key cross boundary opportunities in the for implementation. This will have an IMPROVING ACCESS TO RURAL ROWIP process. Physical Improvements may include short to medium term include:- impact on our Access Plan. The Council is currently in the process improving surfaces, widening, street AREAS AND THE COUNTRYSIDE • The further improvement of services on of assisting all of the Halton Rural Set out on page 42 is a timetable of lighting and removal or adjustment of key core cross boundary bus corridors, • Bus stop paving and access can be Parishes in developing new Parish Plans works to be undertaken on the rights of barriers. These works can improve especially those linking key commercial IMPROVING ACCESS TO improved and low floor buses which incorporate Parish Transport way improvement plan: accessibility for those with disabilities as centres, employment areas and health EMPLOYMENT introduced to make existing bus services Plans. These will all closely integrate well as encouraging wider use generally. facilities. In particular Halton is keen to more accessibility to the mobility with the Halton Local Transport Plan The local rights of way network is In January 2005, Halton published improve the frequency and hours of impaired, (See Appendix 1, Primary and Access Strategy. undoubtedly a major element of access Network Improvements may take the “Halton: Gateway to Prosperity – a new operation of the bus service links Transport Strategy Nos: 2 & 12) to the countryside and to services. The form of the creation of new rights of economic and tourism development between:- strategy for Halton”. The strategy has • Public transport links to rural areas can public rights of way network as well as way, or the upgrading of existing rights the following four main aims:- be improved through measures such as RIGHTS OF WAY IMPROVEMENT assisting in the reaching of the of way, eg the upgrading of a footpath • Widnes and Whiston Hospital demand responsive transport, which PLAN transport related targets within the LTP, to bridleway to facilitate horse riding (Evenings and Sundays); • Enterprise and performance; can reduce walking distances for the i.e. reducing congestion, safer roads, and in some instances cycling, or the • Widnes / Runcorn and Warrington The Council has a statutory duty under • Employment and Skills; elderly or the mobility impaired and are improved accessibility also has the conversion of a footpath to cycle track. General Hospital (Evenings and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act easier to access than standard low floor potential to assist with other strategy Sundays); • Property and Infrastructure; and 2000 to produce a Rights of Way aims by improving health (through Information and Promotion buses. (See Appendix 1, Primary • New direct bus service links between Improvement Plan. promoting healthy walking and Improvements to assist the public in • Environment and Image. Transport Strategy Nos: 2 &10) Runcorn and Liverpool John Lennon cycling), employment opportunities, enjoying the benefit the rights of way • Walking and cycling facilities can be We have given careful consideration to Airport; Key aims of the Government are tackling the environment (reducing congestion network has to offer. It may be improved to bring communities closer the requirements of the process, and • Improved frequencies of services to poverty, reducing worklessness, and by encouraging walking and cycling), necessary to invest in improved together, reduce social exclusion, and the work and resources involved. Staff Warrington from Runcorn during the promoting growth and opportunity. social inclusion, tourism and education. information or promotion of their provide routes that can be used for have attended training events and main Monday to Friday daytime Many jobseekers experience difficulties availability and use. This could include commuting purposes. Primary workshops organised by the periods. accessing interviews and travelling to As a minimum the Council as highway publishing leaflets, their inclusion on a Transport Strategy Nos: 2, 3, 12 & 18 Countryside Agency to learn from the their jobs for various reasons, including authority will carry out their statutory website or even improved signage on in Appendix 1 provide further Agency and other authorities about the the availability and affordability of duties in respect of local rights of way: the ground informing users where the • Further development of the Real Time information on these issues. work done in exemplar projects. transport. In some cases problems with routes go and who is entitled to use Passenger Information System within Discussion and close liaison with i) to maintain those rights of way that staff recruitment and retention can result • Recreational, leisure and tourism routes them. the Borough (the initial first stage of colleagues in our neighbouring are highways maintainable at public from a lack of transport to employment can be improved for pedestrians, which has been implemented in authority Warrington Borough Council, expense; cyclists and horse riders through the In terms of the Greenways network, partnership with Merseytravel and sites. ii) to ensure that as far as practicable, specialists have assisted in the aided by the award of a DfT grant in all rights of way are free from Similarly, lack of access to transport can preparation of a comprehensive 2002/3). We would like to consolidate 1 Assessment work to be completed by August 2006 obstruction, misleading notices and Greenways network plan, which is used this successful partnership through the be the barrier that prevents individuals other hindrance and impediment to 2 Draft statement of action prepared and September-November to prioritise the implementation of new installation of Real Time Passenger from returning to work. use; consultation with the Merseyside and the 2006 schemes to maximise usage. Information on other key cross iii) to ensure that all rights of way are Cheshire and Warrington Local Access Forums boundary corridors from the Borough The objective of Jobcentre Plus, the correctly signed and that they are on the draft statement of action and the Upon publication of the Rights of Way into Merseyside. In addition we also delivery arm of the Department for adequately way marked at relevant assessment report Improvements Plan in November 2007, intend to develop and integrate the Work and Pensions, is “to promote locations to assist the users; the plan will be incorporated into the Halton Real Time Passenger opportunity and independence for all 3 Executive Board approval to wider public November 2006 iv) to record on definitive maps and Local Transport Plan and progress Information System with systems and help deliver the welfare to work consultation on draft plan statements those rights of way agenda”. It does this by helping people reported through LTP Annual Progress installed in Warrington and Cheshire to 4 12 week consultation on the draft plan as December 2006- required to be shown on them; to find work and obtain any benefits Reports. ease cross boundary travel. In required by the Act (DEFRA guidance advises February 2007 v) to assert and protect the rights of they are entitled to. In addition, they particular, the Council is keen to 12 week period) the public. offer a dedicated service to employers explore the possibility of providing real 5 Consideration by officers of comments received March-June 2007 time information in other formats such to help fill their vacancies quickly and The Council is committed to CROSS BOUNDARY ISSUES effectively. Jobcentre Plus has also on the draft plan and changes to be made as a as SMS, WAP and telephone from the developing and improving the rights of In delivering the key priorities in the signed an accord with the Local consequence. Consult with the Merseyside existing platform. way network and will be guided by the Access Plan, we will need to work Government Association to promote and the Cheshire and Warrington Local Access outcome of the assessments undertaken closely in partnership with our • Working in partnership with the importance of partnership working Forums regarding changes as part of the rights of way neighbouring authorities. Halton Merseytravel further develop the between Jobcentre Plus offices and local 6 Executive Board approval of final version of July-September 2007 improvement plan process and the already provides a number of important innovative “Job Link” demand authorities. Halton’s Community plan priorities and other policies within the cross boundary public transport services responsive service which was introduced Strategy highlights the importance of 7 Publication of Approved Plan November 2007 LTP. Ways in which the rights of way in partnership with Merseytravel, in partnership with Merseytravel in

42 43 2002/3 with the assistance of UBC and working to develop a multi agency CLIMATE CHANGE The Council and Halton Local Strategic • Implement a 5-year prioritised • Continually review and develop ERDF funding; and approach to deal with the issues whilst Partnership Board (HLSPB) have programme of schemes and initiatives opportunities to improve our work on The increased use of sustainable working with representatives of the demonstrated their commitment to to increase the accessibility of accessibility planning to incorporate • Ensuring the new proposed Integrated transport measures will result in the community. One of the ways in which addressing problems of social exclusion communities in need, to services best practice. Mobility Management Unit for the reduced use of the private car and Halton has tackled problems on its and deprivation by jointly agreeing their associated with health, employment, Borough is closely integrated with therefore have a positive effect on • Continue to encourage new public transport network is through the key priorities which deal with issues education, food shopping, social and similar initiatives being developed by developments and regeneration greenhouse gas emissions. These issues leisure to improve their quality of life. It Travelsafe initiative, (See Appendix 1 associated with education, employment, initiatives to provide sustainable and Merseytravel, Cheshire CC and are described in detail in Section 3.4. should be noted that the detailed Primary Transport Strategy No: 2), the environment, regeneration, safety, integrated transport facilities to enable Warrington BC. programmes of work and initiatives can which involves local and community health and equality as described in access by vulnerable communities, be found in Section 5.0. police travelling on buses and transport Section 4. through conditions placed on planning corridors, thereby reducing crime and 3.2.6 Performance 3.2.5 Other Quality of Life • Continue to identify improvements to approvals. (See Appendix 1 Primary the fear of crime on public transport Management Both the Council and HLSPB recognise the highway network to address Transport Strategy No: 4) Issues and in particular on the Runcorn the importance that transport plays in problems experienced by people who Our performance in increasing • Develop major schemes to address Busway. This initiative, which is a breaking down the barriers to accessing are mobility impaired and to The opportunities discussed under the accessibility will be measured directly accessibility issues and thereby meet partnership between the police, bus these services and, as such, give priority incorporate such improvements into Delivering Accessibility shared transport and indirectly using both outcome and Halton’s social, economic and operators and the Council is proposed to supporting accessibility planning in programmes of work. (See Appendix 1 priority impact positively on other output indicators. environmental objectives, and as such to be continued throughout the period the development of schemes and Primary Transport Strategy Nos: 3, 10 quality of life issues: help to improve the quality of life of this LTP. In addition the careful initiatives. &13) within the Borough. (See Section 7) design of new highway schemes using • Provide personalised journey plans and lighting, open plan areas with natural 3.2.7 Maximising Value from Accessibility planning has emerged as • Continue to review the Councils’ QUALITY OF PUBLIC SPACES advice and publicity on travel options, surveillance and where necessary close Resources the cornerstone of Halton’s second policies and strategies, (which have an (See Appendix 1 Primary Transport AND BETTER STREETSCAPES circuit television can help to reassure Local Transport Plan, as it is seen as a impact on transport), utilising In order to ensure that we achieve Strategy No:17) All of the measures proposed within our transport users and reduce anti social catalyst to the achievement of the accessibility modelling, to ensure that value for money in implementing Local Transport Plan can have a positive behaviour. Borough’s social, economic and • Continue to provide a carshare accessibility is mainstreamed into their schemes and interventions to increase impact on the public spaces and environmental objectives. database to increase accessibility development. accessibility, we will continue to use the opportunities. streetscapes of the Borough. • Develop a set of both local and Government’s software package called In particular, the grouping of HEALTHY COMMUNITIES The Council agreed an initial • Support the work of Halton Community national indicators to enable progress Accession to identify areas of greatest improvements within Quality Corridors, Accessibility Planning Strategy in 2004. Transport in the development and to be assessed in increasing the The measures to promote and need. This information will then be (See Appendix 1 Primary Transport This has now been reviewed following delivery of accessible transport services, accessibility of Halton’s services. (See encourage walking and cycling as used to target resources towards Strategy No: 12), will result in the extensive work undertaken on this to enable problems of social exclusion Section 6) sustainable alternatives to the use of schemes, bus services and travel advice. significant benefits to streetscapes. important area of work. to be addressed. (See Appendix 1 cars all can lead to healthier lifestyles • Monitor progress towards the In addition, the measures to improve Primary Transport Strategy No: 2) through increases levels of exercise. In The Council will continue to provide achievement of national and local accessibility will also enable improved particular, the promotion of travel plans travel information and support to • Review non-commercial bus services to accessibility targets and take action to opportunities to access public spaces at schools and workplaces can when maximise use of the bus network. It will ensure that the Council subsidised ensure that targets are met. (See and the countryside. successful, result in walking and also also manage its car share database to services, maximise the opportunities to Section 6) cycling becoming part of a daily cater for the access needs of ensure that maximum use is made of the • Improve the availability of public routine. Improving health is identified communities, within the funds spare capacity currently available in cars. transport through the flexible transport LANDSCAPE AND BIODIVERSITY in Halton’s Corporate Plan and is in available. (See Appendix 1 Primary services and improve the bus network Transport Strategy No: 2) Improvements to the Public Rights of Halton’s Community Strategy (see through bus priority and quality Way network and Greenways, (See Section 4). 3.2.8 Accessibility Planning • Ensure that both existing (i.e. Rural Bus corridor measures. (See Appendix 1 Appendix 1 Primary Transport Strategy Objective Subsidy Grant) and future externally Primary Transport Strategy No: 2) No: 11), will complement the local funded opportunities are utilised to • Co-ordinate the timing of transport landscape. Highway verges are SUSTAINABLE AND To resolve problems experienced by meet the prioritised needs of socially In order to achieve these objectives, the services. Exploring, with our partners, maintained with consideration to the PROSPEROUS COMMUNITIES socially excluded communities, when excluded and deprived communities, by Council and its partners, as appropriate, the scope for co-ordinating the timing protection of landscape and accessing key services, and enhance life the use of accessibility planning tools. Increasing access to key services will will: - of transport services to run in line with biodiversity, (See Appendix 1 Primary chances and employment help to address problems of social • Develop, improve and promote the health care provision, education and Transport Strategy No:7). opportunities. • Continue to review the accessibility exclusion and deprivation. needs of vulnerable communities in Public Rights of Way, in conjunction employers’ shift patterns. (See both rural and urban areas to ensure with the Rights of Way Improvement Appendix 1 Primary Transport Strategy the availability of travel options, to key Plan. Cycling and Greenway networks, Nos: 2, 6, 16 & 17) COMMUNITY SAFETY, PERSONAL to provide safe and healthy transport NOISE 3.2.9 Strategy for Delivering services, which are appropriate, • Improve and maintain bus routes and SECURITY AND CRIME choices to key services within the Accessibility affordable, timely and safe. This will be facilities to increase accessibility, The measures proposed include Borough. (See Appendix 1 Primary The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 achieved by utilising the accessibility ensuring that people can access jobs sustainable alternatives to the private The problems evidenced in Section 3.0, Transport Strategy Nos: 3, 11 & 18) places a statutory duty on police and planning software and the experience and services by walking and cycling, by car and therefore have the potential to demonstrate the extent and degree of local authorities to develop and and knowledge of the Halton Local improving rights of way, greenways and reduce noise from road traffic. social exclusion and deprivation implement a strategy to tackle such Strategic Partnership Board’s sub- cycling facilities and making routes suffered by many residents in Halton. problems. It promotes partnership groups. safer, more secure, and more attractive.

44 45 (See Appendix 1 Primary Transport • Ensure that infrastructure 3.2.11 Long Term Strategy for Strategy Nos: 2 , 3, 7, 11 & 18) improvements and access policies Accessibility (30 Years) complement the introduction of more • Recognise that for some disabled accessible vehicles to maximise the people cars remain the only viable way The above strategy for Accessibility is benefits for disabled people. of getting around. Therefore well- supportive of and consistent with the designed and appropriately located • Develop and expand the provision of long term strategy for Accessibility, key parking will be provided. (See Appendix measures such as demand responsive elements of which are to: 1 Primary Transport Strategy Nos: 8 & transport in rural areas. (See Appendix • Provide interactive travel information 10) 1 Primary Transport Strategy No: 2) using the latest technology to maximise • Ensure that new transport vehicles meet • Work with employers and schools to accessibility; the new technical requirements of the promote travel plans and schemes such • Pursue the delivery of the Mersey Disability Discrimination Act 2004 as lift sharing to improve education Gateway; (DDA). and job opportunities, and reduce • Continue to identify and address access • Ensure that the pedestrian congestion and parking problems. (See needs through developing Halton’s environment, public transport and Appendix 1 Primary Transport Strategy Access Plan; highways infrastructure meet the No: 17) mobility needs of disabled people. • Deliver a bus network that is convenient, affordable, flexible, safe • Provide travel training for disabled and attractive to use for all sections of people to ensure that they can take full the community; advantage of the services available. • Ensure that the supported bus network continues to offer value for money; • Continue to upgrade the Runcorn busway system and to integrate it into new developments to maximise its use; 3.2.10 Action Plan for Delivering Accessibility 2006/07 – 2010/11 (Table 2) • Continue to develop the Public Rights of Way and Greenway networks to ensure accessibility opportunities are Actions to be taken in Local Transport Plan period. Target Date maximised; Progress Mersey Gateway through procedural and procurement processes • Continue to develop the cycleway to construction commencement date. May 2009 network to ensure accessibility Continue maintenance of highway network. On-going opportunities are maximised; Commence structural maintenance major scheme on Silver Jubilee Bridge. 2006 • Continue to improve cross-boundary public transport services in partnership Continue to develop and implement the Public Rights of Way and Greenway networks On-going with neighbouring authorities and key Publish Public Rights of Way Improvement Plan Nov 2007 stakeholders; Continue Quality Corridor initiative to improve facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and bus passengers. On-going • Provide a comprehensive demand responsive services to fully meet the Up-grade bus stations at Halton Lea March 2007 needs of vulnerable groups; and Up-grade Runcorn High Street bus station March 2010 • Ensure new developments fully address Up-grade Widnes Green Oaks bus station March 2011 their accessibility needs and fund the provision of necessary interventions. Commence purchase of accessible mini-buses April 2007 Extend Real Time bus information scheme April 2010 Promote travel awareness and smarter travel choices On-going Extend role of Neighbourhood Travel Team April 2008 Commence work on North-South Quality Bus Corridor April 2006 Re-open Halton Curve March 2008 Establish a Parking Partnership April 2007 Implement the Identified Improvement Plan within the Access Plan On-going

46 47 3.3 SAFER ROADS – SHARED 3.3.2 Context of traffic on local communities are key injuries are expressed as a pure number • the SLI injury numbers remain 1.1 times cost to the community of such a TRANSPORT PRIORITY 3 objectives. Our commitment to this rather than as a rate per distance higher than the national rate per capita casualty, quite apart from the grief, The national targets are to achieve a: (STP 3) important area of work is evidenced by travelled. pain and economic hardship that can • 40% reduction in the number of people the partnership approach adopted, The progress that has been made in be brought to a family affected. This is Targets Addressed: Killed or Seriously Injured (KSI); which has undoubtedly contributed to In 2000, examination was made of Halton thus exceeds that made an area where Halton clearly is bucking BVPI 99a, 99b, 99c, 223, 224a, the extensive reductions in road Halton's baseline casualty rates. It was nationally in terms of all-age KSI national trends, because in the country 224b & 165 and L13 • 50% reduction in the number of casualties achieved during LTP1 (See found that overall the authority was in casualties, but the rate of child as a whole, the number of fatalities per Children Killed or Seriously Injured also Section 4) an extremely poor position with KSI, death/serious injury remains much year on the roads is not declining. 3.3.1 Issues (CKSI); and CKSI and Slight rates being 1.6, 2.3 higher than the current national norm, • 10% reduction in the Slight Casualty and 1.1 times greater than the national despite the progress that has been It must be remembered that in Halton, Although Britain has one of the best rate (SLI); 3.3.3 Analysis averages, respectively. made locally since the 1990's. the actual numbers of the victims of road safety records in the world, in road traffic accidents in the various 2000 the Government set challenging by 2010 relative to the average number To assist in the analysis and monitoring Since 2000, immense progress has Of particular concern is the increase in categories discussed above can be quite new casualty reduction targets in its of casualties over the baseline period of of casualty data, the Council utilises been made with large reductions in the the number of injuries to users of two small. Year to year variations in strategy document ‘Tomorrow's Roads - 1994 to 1998. ACCSMAP computer software. numbers of traffic collisions, and in the wheeled motor vehicles (TWMV), with casualty numbers in the tables given Safer for Everyone’. The aim was to However, Halton, in common with number of casualties of all severities the total casualty numbers in Halton for provides ample evidence to justify reduce the then 300,000 road Safety is also a key local priority for many other local authorities, has no being achieved. the five years up to 2004 being 66% concerns over attributing too much casualties per annum, of which 3,500 both Halton Council and Halton Local means of producing a true figure for higher than those for the baseline years. significance to year to year data were fatalities and 40,000 serious Strategic Partnership Board. In the rate of slight casualties sustained Great strides have also been made at a TWMV riders are the only category of variations, and 5-year rolling trends are injuries. particular, the provision of a safe per distance travelled so for progress national level to reduce traffic casualties road user in Halton to have suffered an more reliable. environment and reducing the impact review and comparison purposes, slight with the result that in Halton in 2004: increase in casualty numbers from the baseline years through to 2004: • the KSI rate per capita is now 1.1 times The following table sets out the 1994 to 1998 baseline and subsequent yearly accident figures for Halton: the national average (previously 1.6 LINKS BETWEEN CASUALTIES However it should be noted fatalities on times higher); AND DEPRIVATION Casualty Statistics for Halton (Table 3) Halton's roads are now much reduced • the CKSI rate is 1.8 times the national in numbers from the levels of a few An initial analysis of accidents in deprived areas was undertaken in 2004 Year Accidents Killed Serious Injuries Slight Injuries Total Casualties average (previously 2.3 times through years ago. This is considered to be of baseline years); and particular importance considering the on a ward boundary basis and this 1994-98 failed to establish a clear link between Ave. 514 6 151 627 784 1999 504 6 98 712 816 2000 558 4 126 712 842 2001 497 8 61 637 706 2002 444 3 64 603 670 2003 409 2 72 538 612 2004 432 6 68 555 629 Slight Injuries The data for 2003 can be seen to be part of a pattern and is representative of this authority's position. However, it is felt that using a five-year rolling average is a more appropriate way of presenting the situation, free of the transitory year-to-year variations to which our small numerical base can be prone. 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Cyclists TWMVs Others % change in casualty numbers Car Users Pedestrians 1994/8 Base Year Casualty class

Table 4 expresses our current position in the same form as the national targets and demonstrates the progress that has been made and that Halton is on target to reach the 2010 goals. Halton is currently below all three of its 2010 targets and the situation continues to improve. KSI’s KSI’s Casualty Targets (Table 4)

Casualty Targets 1994 -98 Base 2004 5 Yr. Ave. 2005 Target 2010 Target 40% KSI reduction 157 74 83 119 94 50% CKSI reduction 33 14 17 23 16 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 10% SLI reduction 627 555 609 596 564 1994/8 Base Year 1994/8 Base Year

48 49 casualty rates and deprivation levels in fraction of the all-borough average, and there was evidence of higher child them being susceptible to treatment. collision records, and local safety scheme ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION, disadvantaged communities. A fresh with the SOA with the highest total of casualties in the older town centres However in other work areas such as funding has been used to treat problem TRAINING AND PUBLICITY examination has been carried out based accident victims being the tenth most with their denser housing levels and footpath provision and the creation of locations. Applying this methodology in (RSET&P) on the 2004 Index of Multiple deprived. Even using a cursory visual traditional layouts. improved safer cycling links, the more 2000, isolated several untreated 'hot Deprivation published by the Office of examination of casualty locations it was deprived wards will be favored due to spots' with more than 20 accidents in the The role that the Council’s Road Safety the Deputy Prime Minister in 2004. possible to easily identify a number of It is felt that a typical SOA is too small low car ownership levels and reliance previous three years. As a result of the Unit (RSU) plays in educating and The 2004 report is based on much SOA’s with worse casualty rates than an area on which to base Road Safety on access to public transport links. high levels of investment in treating training children and adults and smaller Super Output Areas (SOA’s) most of those in the top ten most Education, Training & Publicity these high risk sites over the years, a publicising road safety is invaluable and rather than wards, with each ward in deprived list. (RSET&P) resource allocations, as Our success in extensively reducing similar analysis in 2004 produced 'new' makes a significant contribution Halton comprising on average 4 or 5 schools can often be located in road casualties, has resulted in the locations with at most only 6 accidents in towards the prevention of accidents. SOA’s. There are 79 SOA’s in Halton. If the SOA’s are checked for child-only different SOAs from where the children majority of casualty hotspot locations the previous three years, this monitoring all-severity injuries again there is little live. As a result of this, ward boundaries having been treated, utilising a broad confirming the success of earlier The Road Safety Strategy ‘Tomorrows Ward boundaries were also redefined in correlation with deprivation, but if only will continue to be used for tailoring range of engineering measures. schemes. Of course, the overall roads – safer for everyone’ set out a 2004. Child Killed and Seriously Injured (CKSI) the level of and the specifics of the reduction in Halton's collision numbers framework for delivering road safety to victims of traffic accidents are messages being delivered, both being A review of the remaining sites has has affected this situation. help achieve its established long term Taking the ten highest ranking SOA’s in considered, the deprivation to KSI based on the child casualty rate per revealed that the potential to secure casualty reduction targets, which are to Halton for deprivation, total casualty numbers link is clearer with 80% of the capita and also on the ways in which further significant reductions from be achieved by 2010. Halton Borough numbers were collected for the period top ten SOAs having casualty records children are being injured. improvements to the highway network Council’s Road Safety Education, 2000-2004 inclusive (most deprived above the average for the Borough. is somewhat limited, due to difficulties Training and Publicity programme has first): However, as has always been the case, Whilst RSET&P can be specifically in identifying casualty patterns from the continued to develop in line with the Castlefield (South) SOA and area targeted towards children’s needs, the relatively low incidents occurring at strategy and has contributed to the In terms of general all-age casualties, it remains a low-casualty enigma. lack of any correlation between each site. overall downward trend in casualties remains the case that deprivation in deprivation and all-age casualties alongside engineering and enforcement Halton provides no sure link to injury In 2004, three wards recorded no child requires that local safety schemes will To assist in identifying the opportunities strategies. numbers, with four of the top five casualties, all four child injuries in continue to be implemented on the available for improving safety, an deprived SOA’s returning rates a Daresbury were as car passengers and basis of casualty concentrations and extensive public consultation exercise The role of the RSU is recognised as has been undertaken involving a being increasingly important in tackling household survey being sent to 7,000 This is welcome progress; however, it casualty reduction, where difficulties are Impact of Deprivation on Road Casualties 2000 to 2004 Total (Table 5) residents and a seminar specifically on does mean that in the coming years it experienced in identifying hotspot road safety that was available to is very likely that local safety schemes in locations, which can be treated with community groups, other service the Borough are going to be smaller in physical improvements. SOA Host ward Casualties Child Child KSI National Ranking providers, businesses and other scope and greater in number each year. All Casualties All Casualties where 1 is most deprived stakeholders (see Appendix 4). In Indeed, the gradual down-scaling of Road safety initiatives provide 1012424 Kingsway 77 15 4 193 addition our regular contact with local safety schemes, in size and opportunities to raise the general 1012381 Castlefields (S) 10 2 1 345 schools, through the Road Safety Unit complexity, has been anticipated for awareness of safety issues and to deliver and with Cheshire Police and the Safety several years. This has resulted in advice and training to a wide audience. 1012444 Windmill Hill (W) 22 11 5 380 Camera Partnership, help to identify specific sums being allocated from LTP The influencing of behaviour and 1012445 Windmill Hill (E) 22 11 5 508 other potential interventions. funding for minor safety works such as attitudes of all highway users is now seen as being central to gaining further 1012407 Halton Lea (E) 24 4 2 592 improvements to signing and lining. lasting reductions in road casualties in 1012367 Appleton 119 16 8 640 3.3.4 Opportunities It is therefore proposed to slightly Halton. 1012408 Halton Lea (W) 123 21 2 1080 refocus our work in casualty reductions The large reductions in casualty and In order that the Government’s targets 1012382 Castlefields (N) 93 6 2 1098 to give greater emphasis to the role of accident numbers in Halton have been Road Safety, Education and Training to are achieved by the year 2010, the RSU 1012403 Halton Brook 53 11 1 1195 achieved through the rigorous maintain the momentum in reducing will maintain its current provision of 1012441 Riverside 257 27 5 1294 application of conventional traffic casualties. programmes and initiatives and use engineering methods backed by the data to identify casualty trends. The Borough latest available national guidance and data will then be used to forecast, Average 43 12 1 However, it is evident that there is still a supported by RSET&P initiatives. role for engineering measures and monitor and evaluate the road safety Other SOAs therefore we will implement local safety education, training and publicity 1012431 Mersey 190 16 1 4220 These schemes and initiatives include: schemes where appropriate. Indeed, initiatives to ensure that they correlate gradual increases in traffic volumes and to the priorities of the Council. 1012430 Mersey 136 13 1 1776 vehicle use mean that accidents rates 1012415 Heath 127 5 0 17497 TRAFFIC SAFETY MEASURES have to be reduced year on year just to In addition, the RSU will address the avoid an increase in the number of Government’s ten key themes as follows: 1012440 Norton South 95 9 0 13107 Accident cluster and route analysis collisions. 1012443 Riverside 112 14 0 7937 techniques have been used to identify Theme 1. Safer for Children: those sites in the Borough with the worst The holistic and diverse range of

50 51 education training and publicity opportunities will be targeted towards 1 Primary Transport Strategy Nos: 3 & The number of traffic calming requests from private developers through to the will continue to assess the appropriate initiatives provided, reflect the needs of the effects of alcohol, prescribed and 18) from residents continues to confirm European community. The speed limits for small groups of the various road user groups that have illegal drugs and driver fatigue. that these measures remain popular opportunities that have arisen from residential properties not previously been identified as ‘at risk’ or ‘more In line with the national standards for with the communities they protect, these fruitful partnerships have recognised as discreet villages, but vulnerable’ through the analysis of Theme 4. Safer Infrastructure: cyclist training, the RSU will progress despite some proposals being subject demonstrated a sound and cost accepted as communities in need of casualty data statistics. In particular, The RSU will continue to develop improved training provisions to ensure to vociferous opposition from motorists. effective contribution to casualty protection. attention will be paid to the relationship educational, training and publicity that best practices are adopted. (See The recent report from The Traffic reduction and it is therefore intended between deprivation and road casualties programmes to complement the also Appendix 1 Primary Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) TRL614 has to develop and extend this area of work It is Council policy to require new with the provision of appropriate implementation of local safety schemes Strategy No: 3) provided valuable research on the throughout the currency of LTP2. housing developments for adoption to programmes such as the Kerbcraft (including traffic calming) and school impact of traffic calming and has given be designed to have physical geometry pedestrian training scheme. travel plan initiatives. Advice and the promotion of protective a much needed perspective to the that will allow a self-enforcing 20mph equipment and clothing for all concerns regularly raised. speed limit to be set; compliance being Furthermore, a full and comprehensive Theme 5. Safer Speeds: vulnerable road users including cyclists verified as part of the planning process. package of educational programmes and horse riders will continue to be However, it is clearly important to 20mph speed limits are progressively Providing support through educational, will complement the requirements of provided alongside support for ensure that any traffic management being retrospectively applied to existing enforcement and publicity programmes, the National Curriculum. campaigns promoting safer horse proposal used to calm traffic is residential estates where the road the RSU will continue to work with riding. appropriate to the problem in hand. geometry and site design dictates such neighbouring authorities, Cheshire Police Safe travel is a key consideration when Failure to fully consider the impact of a speed limit is self-enforcing. With over and the Cheshire Area Road Safety promoting sustainable travel and the Theme 9. Better Enforcement: proposals will undoubtedly lead to 100 individual roads now so Camera Partnership. Curriculum work development of the new national ineffective schemes and unnecessary designated, this process will continue will continue to be made available to The RSU will continue to contribute to standards for cycle training will ensure inconvenience to motorists. where applicable. schools that wish to explore the effects enforcement campaigns and initiatives, that all aspects are satisfied. The of speed and the use of new technology. undertaken both at a national and local recruitment and provision of School level. SPEED LIMITS The Government intends to issue new Crossing Patrols will continue to assist TRAFFIC & HIGHWAY guidance on speed limits in the near Theme 6. Safer Vehicles: Inappropriate speed is widely accepted pupils on their way to and from school. future. Halton will therefore be Theme 10. Promoting safer road MANAGEMENT as being a major contributing factor in Actively support and promote technical reviewing the speed limits on all A and use: the cause of many road crashes and has developments in vehicle design and These schemes often include measures B roads by 2011 in accordance with the The primary objective of all initiatives resulted in extensive work being secondary safety features, such as the to reduce casualties such as Government requirements. use of ISOFIX in vehicles. carried out by the RSU is to promote modifications to speed limits (see undertaken to both review speed limits safer road use by all road user groups below), provision of pedestrian and and ensure adequate enforcement. The and the Think! logo is incorporated it regeneration of Halton has lead to Theme 7. Safer Motorcycling: cycling facilities and speed reduction STRATEGIC ROAD SAFETY into all road safety materials and pressure to amend speed limits on Taking into account the needs of initiatives on approaches to schools. resources. roads previously of a rural nature. In December 2005, the SoS for motorcyclists, the RSU will provide Transport announced changes to the educational presentations and practical The opportunity is also taken to inform arrangements for managing and training, and support publicity initiatives the development of street lighting and funding safety camera activities, in line with local, regional and national TRAFFIC CALMING highway maintenance programs, through the analysis of accident data. Currently these functions are carried campaigns. The Council works closely with the out by safety partnerships, funded Theme 2. Safer Drivers – training community, through Area Forums, to through the income received from and testing: identify and fund traffic calming fines, by a means of ‘netting of’ schemes, which are based on sites Working in partnership with schools, initiative. As from April 2007, the having an active and treatable safety the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), management and operation of safety record. Vehicle and Operators Service Agency cameras will be required to be (VOSA) and other agencies, the RSU will integrated into the delivery of each In Halton, traffic calming schemes have support and provide resources to highway authority’s road safety markedly reduced accidents and compliment the education, training and Recent DfT guidance on village speed strategy. However, instead of funding casualties and have proven to be a cost- publicity aimed at new and existing limits has been used to inform safety cameras from fine income, effective measure in tackling local safety riders and drivers. evaluations of the speed limits in and highway authorities will be allocated issues. around satellite parish and isolated grants, as part of their LTP2 settlements Theme 3. Safer Drivers – drink, However, a key factor in reducing our communities. and allowed to fund a wide range of drugs and drowsiness: Theme 8. Safety for pedestrians, casualty rates within the Borough has safety initiatives to complement the use cyclists and horse riders: The RSU will continue to develop and been in ensuring that every opportunity Lower revised speed limits have been of safety cameras. support local, regional and national In partnership with the Health Authority is taken to integrate road safety introduced in Hale, Preston Brook and campaigns using coordinated education and other related agencies, practical considerations into the development of Ditton, along with the physical Cheshire Area Safety Camera and publicity materials to support the training and education will be provided a wide range of schemes and initiatives measures to reduce approach traffic Partnership (CASCP) is currently programme of enforcement campaigns. to support the targets for walking, not primarily associated with highway speeds where needed, as at Hale responsible for managing and Specific educational and publicity cycling and health. (See also Appendix issues. Our partners in this work range village. Work on this important area developing Cheshire’s speed and red

52 53 light cameras initiative. The Partnership For illustrative purposes, the following deprived areas as against the number Start-up costs are to be carried by the along these untreated sections of has proven to be very effective, by indicates the level of funding available involved in car accidents as passengers Council and if successful the project will Expressway will have a significant effect reducing Personal Injury Collisions by to the Cheshire Area Safety Camera in the more affluent wards. It is be expanded into other areas. on reducing the potential for cross over 46% and Killed and Seriously Injured Partnership in 2005/6: believed the key to child casualty accidents. casualties by 76%, at safety camera reduction has to be the application of sites within Cheshire. Revenue: targeted road safety education and PARTNERSHIP WORKING training and travel advice. • Staff Costs £XXXXXX; Cheshire Police The Government does not prescribe arrangements for the future • Equipment Maintenance £XXXXXX Work is therefore focused on providing Cheshire Police is actively involved in road traffic casualty and accident management of safety cameras, but • Communications £xxxxxxx; travel planning, advice and training appears to favour approaches based on through our Kerbcraft and school travel reduction. Their support in terms of To date, the introduction of safety • Stationary/Postage & Telephones partnerships, which will enable road planning initiatives and through practical advice, problem notification cameras has had a positive impact on £XXXXX; and safety to be tackled across a broad bespoke RSET&P programmes. and safety auditing has been invaluable the safety record at the sites treated. front. • Other £XXXXXXX. over the years, and there are excellent The wider impact of safety cameras on Prevention of accidents through the communications and information general speeds and casualties, The announcement provides a unique Capital: treatment of known hazardous areas, transfer arrangements in place. throughout the Cheshire area, is Safety Camera Partnership opportunity to comprehensively • Cameras & Installations £XXXXXX; provides an opportunity to maintain however, more difficult to identify. The ROAD SAFETY AUDITS AND address road safety on a strategic basis road safety outside schools. Therefore In 2001, Halton installed its first 8 situation will therefore continue to be CHILD SAFETY AUDITS and to introduce new initiatives to • Speed Activated Signs £XXXXXX; as traffic management funds allow, safety cameras, at locations that assessed throughout the life of LTP2. support the enforcement of speed • Vehicles £XXXXXX; and traffic regulation orders are being complied with the siting requirements Safety audits are used to assess and limits, to bring about sustainable area introduced to enable enforcement of of the time. These units were installed Working with Schools review the safety implications of works • Other £XXXXXXX. wide reductions in road casualties. no-stopping regulations on ‘zig-zag’ as a local safety scheme initiative. In The work of the Council’s Road Safety on the highway network at preliminary These initiatives could include: area Total of Capital & Revenue = £XXXXXXX areas adjacent to school entrances. To 2002, the Cheshire Area Safety Camera Unit on education, training and and detailed design stages and after wide road safety education and date, a dozen schools have been Partnership was formed and accredited publicity in schools makes a vital construction. They can help prevent publicity initiatives, to raise driver skill It is proposed that CASRSP will treated with revised signing, renovation under the hypothecation program. The contribution towards the safety of schemes from having a negative impact and awareness; driver re-training; and undertake a thorough review of camera of markings and publicity through the project, which is responsible for all children within the borough, both on highway safety and can improve a support to the emergency services to enforcement within Cheshire to schools. In some locations extra parking safety cameras in Halton, has since while traveling to school and at other scheme to increase the benefits. Safety improve efficiencies in dealing with the determine a programme of road safety restrictions have also been introduced; grown and there are currently 21 safety times. The working relationship the Audits will continue to be applied to aftermath of road crashes. interventions, to provide an appropriate all with the aim of keeping the area cameras in the Borough. Unit has with schools is excellent and schemes, which have a measurable balance between enforcement activity outside schools clear of vehicles and the partnership will continue and impact on highway users. To achieve the necessary strategic and and road safety improvements and therefore reducing the potential for Future expansion of the scheme in develop its role in educating children in co-ordinated approach to road safety, initiatives. This review will help to child casualties. Halton is likely to be limited, as the matters of road safety. Child Safety Audits provide a structured Halton, Cheshire and Warrington ensure that the resources are targeted Partnership only introduces new sites way of tackling road safety issues that Council’s propose to extend the remit at areas of greatest need and enable a that comply with current guidelines The Highways Agency specifically relate to children. They of an existing strategic safety COMMUNITY SPEEDWATCH and whose casualty records are likely to comprise the identification of child road strategic and holistic approach to When schemes are being developed partnership that operates across benefit from such measures. The safety problems within the Borough, casualty reduction to be adopted. A new initiative is to be trailed in that could have an effect on the Cheshire. The partnership is known as Partnership recognises that it is implementing strategies to deal with Halton in 2006, under which hand-held motorway network running through or the Cheshire Area Strategic Road Safety essential that these principles are those problems, and subsequently traffic speed measurement instruments near to the Borough, the Council liaises Partnership (CASRSP) and comprises rigorously adhered to, to ensure the monitoring their success. It is proposed SAFETY ON SCHOOL JOURNEYS will be issued to trained representatives and consults with the Highways Agency representatives from all highway integrity of the initiative is maintained. that more formal Child Safety Audits of local organisations to allow them to to discuss impacts on the operation of authorities, (including the Highways In Halton, it has been found, through This is particularly important as will be implemented as a matter of monitor traffic speeds in their the motorway network and ensure Agency), the Police, Cheshire Fire accident analysis, that the immediate although various national surveys have course. communities and pass information on there are no adverse impacts on road Service, Merseyside Ambulance Service area outside a school's gates is not indicated general public acceptance for speeders to the Police. safety. and Warrington Primary Care Trust. It necessarily the area where child safety cameras, there are a number of therefore provides a sound base to accidents occur. Indeed, there is people who resent their use. Locally, QUALITY CORRIDORS The Halton scheme will be based implement and monitor strategic road actually little sign of a pattern to the this has translated into some problems extensively on existing ‘Speedwatch’ The concept of integrating sustainable safety initiatives. locations of such incidents. This makes of vandalism and sabotage, leading to SAFETY BARRIERS projects in neighbouring Warrington transport measures such as walking and it difficult to justify the application of excessively high maintenance costs and Throughout the period of LTP1 a great and Cheshire, which have been cycling infrastructure, safe routes to It is proposed that the funding for the local transport plan funding, intended considerable down time. These acts of deal of work was undertaken in fitting operational for some time. Speedwatch school and bus infrastructure Partnership will be controlled and for accident reduction work, to be used sabotage render local communities and safety barriers to the Expressway will be introduced in two trial areas, improvements with safety schemes, managed by Cheshire County Council to address school journey casualty drivers subject to increased accident Network, particularly to the central these being, the villages of Moore and through quality transport corridors can on behalf of Halton and Warrington issues. However, depending on the part potential and as such Cheshire police reservations. However, there are still Hale, where the local Parish Councils increase the cost effectiveness of Council’s. The funding received for the of the Borough in question there are are working in close co-operation with many sections of the Expressway that have indicated a willingness to otherwise individual measures and initiative will be based on an marked differences between the ways Halton to find and prosecute offenders. have yet to have safety barriers installed participate. result in an increased positive effect on assessment of casualty reduction need in which children are injured, an and this rolling programme of sustainable travel and road safety. and the quality of the final LTP2 example being the proportions of those installation will continue into LTP2. The submissions of each Highway Authority. hurt as pedestrians in the more provision of new or improved barriers

54 55 They also help to define the road GENERAL HIGHWAY, costs for emergency services, medical reduce the number and severity of • Continue to work with the Police and ‘Crucial Crew’ scheme (safety initiative) hierarchy by introducing appropriate TRANSPORTATION AND treatment and time off work. In accidents. neighbouring authorities to develop and explore opportunities to develop reductions in speed and changes in addition, the promotion of safer roads schemes and initiatives to target ‘Theatre in Education’ initiatives; DEVELOPMENT • Continue to monitor the relationship driving behaviour, thereby resulting in can results in more on street pedestrian accidents. IMPROVEMENTS between deprivation and road • Provide practical advice and a car seat reductions in the number of casualties and cycling activity providing a positive Any scheme involving changes to the casualties and to develop improvement • Ensure that Road Safety Audits are checking service for parents, carers and and severity of injuries. Primary impact to the local economy. highway or transportation infrastructure schemes and initiatives to address undertaken on all schemes that have a groups transporting children in vehicles; Transport Strategy No:12 in Appendix 1 or new developments provide the problems identified. significant impact on the highway provides further details on the Quality • Endorse and encourage safer routes to opportunity to implement measures to layout or markings. Corridor initiative. improve road safety. The Council has 3.3.6 Performance • Continue to provide funding for Area school and the development of school and will continue to ensure that Management Forum traffic calming schemes where • Undertake formal Child Safety Audits at travel plans, (Primary Transport opportunities are taken to integrate the schemes are sited in locations with locations, areas and on accident types Strategy No:17), and assist in the STREETSCAPES AND HOME safety schemes and initiatives into these Our performance on addressing safer an active and treatable accident identified as having problems particular identification and safety auditing of ZONES works to assist in achieving the casualty roads will be assessed against BVPI and history. to children. preferred walking and cycle routes as local outcome indicators. required; reduction targets for the Borough. • Extend the role of the Cheshire Area Like Quality Corridors, Streetscapes and Continue to implement and develop a Strategic Road Safety Partnership to • Ensure that safe travel is a key message Home Zones can help re-define the comprehensive program of Road Safety enable a strategic and comprehensive when promoting sustainable travel; road hierarchy and result in speed Education, Training and Publicity under 3.3.5 Other Quality of Life 3.3.7 Maximising Value from approach to casualty reduction to be reductions to help reduce accidents. the Government’s ten key themes, as • Make available to pupils aged 10 and Issues Resource undertaken. Opportunities will therefore be taken to follows: above, ‘on-road’ safer cycle training in pursue these initiatives during the The opportunities discussed under the The work undertaken on casualty • Continue to assess and review speed accordance with the new National lifetime of LTP2. Safer Roads Shared Transport Priority reduction is targeted through regular limits on roads through villages. Theme 1. Safer for Children: Standards for cycle training. In addition, we will aim to expand the provision of impact positively on other quality of life reviews of casualty data to identify • Extend the speed limit assessment and • The holistic and diverse range of training to encompass the three levels issues: patterns of treatable casualty problem review process to small groups of education training and publicity of training available under the new and areas. The analysis is then used to residential properties not previously initiatives will continue to be developed National Standards and include develop a ranked priority list, which recognised as discreet villages. reflecting the needs of the various road COMMUNITY SAFETY, informs the preparation of our action user groups that have been identified provision for adults. PERSONAL SECURITY AND programme. • Undertake a review of all speed limits as ‘at risk’ or ‘more vulnerable’ through on A+B roads in accordance with Theme 2. Safer Drivers – training CRIME the analysis of casualty data statistics. To ensure that maximum benefit is Government guidance. In particular, attention will be paid to and testing: The targeting of road casualties will accrued from the local safety schemes • Continue to ensure that all new the relationship between deprivation • Continue to aim to offer Year 11 and help to make people feel more secure implemented, the opportunity is taken, residential estates have self-enforcing and road casualties and appropriate 12 students the ‘Mega-drive’ pre-driver when travelling on the highway when appropriate, to provide 20mph speed limits and zones, as programs initiated to address problems event to strengthen positive messages network particularly when travelling on supporting road safety training, by our appropriate. identified and practical driving experiences for foot or cycle. Road Safety Unit. young drivers who are particularly at risk; PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLE • Continue to retrospectively introduce • The Council will aim to recruit, train INFRASTRUCTURE 20mph speed limits and zones on and retain School Crossing Patrol staff • Continue to work closely with Cheshire existing residential roads, as to increase coverage of all 27 sites Constabulary to maximise the success Measures to improve and promote HEALTHY COMMUNITIES 3.3.8 Safer Roads Objective appropriate. within the Borough; of casualty reduction publicity and walking and cycling can, when The promotion of safe walking and To minimise the incidence of personal enforcement campaigns; designed carefully, have a positive cycling through Road Safety Education, • Continue to roll out a programme of • The Council will aim to continue to injury road crashes within the Borough, impact on road safety and casualty Training and Publicity will help to 20mph speed limits outside schools provide training on safer walking • Support the Council’s training through a combination of targeted reduction. See Appendix 1 Primary encourage greater use of these where there is an accident problem. practices, through the Kerbcraft providers, where appropriate, on the physical measures and preventative Transport Strategy Nos: 3 &18 for sustainable and healthier forms of initiative, particularly for children in provision of quality training for road safety education and training • Continue to introduce Traffic Regulation further information. transport. deprived communities; vocational and volunteer drivers; initiatives. Orders to allow enforcement of no- stopping regulations on the zig-zag • Educate foundation stage and Key • Provide advice, guidance and support Reductions in casualties can also have a areas adjacent to school entrances and Stage 1 pupils with regards to safer for the training of scooter riders and HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE significant impact on health services, motorcyclists; 3.3.9 Strategy for Creating where appropriate extend parking crossing practices using School Crossing allowing resources to be used on other Patroller’s; Poor roads surfaces with inadequate restrictions near to schools. • Provide support to increase health issues. Safer Roads skid resistance, irregular surfaces or • Continue to install safety barriers along • Continue the development of a number commitment towards the management drainage problems and uneven In order to acheive our objective and unprotected central reserves and verges. of high profile strategies targeted at of occupational road risk, both within footways can increase the risk of driver the national targets on casualty those road users identified through the council and in other businesses SUSTAINABLE AND • Consider extending the Community losing control and pedestrian trip reduction the Council will: casualty analysis, as vulnerable and at within the area; PROSPEROUS COMMUNITIES Speedwatch initiative in partnership hazards. Therefore, a well maintained risk, including wheelchair users, special • Continue to monitor and analyse with Cheshire Area Strategic Road • Continue to develop and actively and managed highway and footway Aside from the pain and suffering that needs and elderly road users; accidents within the Borough and Safety Partnership. promote the policies and strategies on network helps to ensure highway users results from road accidents, there are develop and implement a rolling • Continue to invest in the Junior Road local and national road safety can travel safely. (See Appendix 1 significant economic benefits derived programme of local safety schemes to Safety Officers (JRSO) scheme and initiatives associated with minibus Primary Transport Strategy No: 7) from reduced casualty rates in terms of

56 57 drivers, alcohol, drugs, mobile phones • Continue to work with representatives Theme 9. Better Enforcement: 3.3.10 Action Plan for Safer Roads 2006/07 – 2010/11 (Table 6) and tiredness policies and initiatives of interested organisations, by • Ensure the integration and co- such as the Pass Plus Scheme. providing educational presentations, ordination of road safety publicity and Actions to be taken in Local Transport Plan period. Target Date practical training and publicity education with enforcement initiatives. initiatives in line with local, regional Continue with and develop the rolling programme of Local Safety Schemes On-going Theme 3. Safer Drivers – drink, and national campaigns; drugs and drowsiness: Theme 10. Promoting safer road Continue with and develop the role of Road Safety Education Training and Publicity On-going • Continue to host the regular motorcycle use: • Continue to develop and support local, safety event, ‘Two Wheels’; Access and review speed limits on all roads and Traffic Regulation Orders outside schools On-going • Continue to use and promote the regional and national campaigns using Extend the role of the Cheshire Area Strategic Safety Partnership to strategically manage • Continue to raise the awareness of the Think! Logo by incorporating it into coordinated education and publicity safety cameras in Cheshire, in conjunction with a wide range of other Road Safety measures May 2006 materials to complement the vulnerability of motorcyclists through all road safety materials and resources. Introduce a Community Speed Watch Initiative on a trail basis April 2007 programme of enforcement campaigns. educating other road users. All of the above strategy points have the Specific educational and publicity • Use detailed analysis of casualty data primary aim of casualty reduction. Undertake formal Child Safety Audits as appropriate On-going opportunities will be targeted towards to target the education and training of However, there are a number of other Monitor accidents and check for links with deprivation On-going the effects of alcohol, prescribed and motorcyclists. measures that will be implemented illegal drugs and driver fatigue. through the Local Transport Plan that can Progress the Mersey Gateway through procedural and procurement processes to construction commencement date. May 2009 Theme 8. Safety for pedestrians, contribute towards casualty reduction. Theme 4. Safer Infrastructure: cyclists and horse riders: Therefore, the Council will in addition: Continue maintenance of highway network. On-going • Develop educational, training and • In partnership with the Health • Continue with the concept of Quality Continue to progress Kerbcraft initiative On-going (Subject publicity programmes to complement Authority and other related agencies, Corridors covering routes to town to funding) we will continue to ensure that local safety schemes (including traffic centres and regeneration areas Continue Quality Corridor initiatives to improve facilities for pedestrians, calming). practical training and education on combining measures to improve cyclists and bus passengers. On-going safe practices is given to help achieve walking, cycling, bus infrastructure, Theme 5. Safer Speeds: targets for walking, cycling and health. safe routes to school and safety (See Appendix 1 Primary Transport improvements in a targeted • Support through educational and Council, a developer or any other • Continue to work with Cheshire Police Strategy Nos: 3 & 18); approach to promoting safe publicity programmes local, regional organisation are designed with to ensure that targeted enforcement sustainable integrated travel and and national safer speed campaigns; • In line with the National Standards for highway safety as a priority and have a action and publicity campaigns are cyclist training, we will develop and casualty reduction. See Appendix 1 • Continue to work closely with positive effect on casualty reduction. undertaken to maximise the potential progress improved training provisions to Primary Transport Strategy No:12; neighbouring authorities, Cheshire See Appendix 1 Primary Transport for casualty reduction; and ensure that best practices are adopted. • Promote and contribute towards, where Police and the Cheshire Area Road Strategy Nos:4 & 13 for further Initiatives will also be explored to possible, the provision of Streetscape • Continue to adopt and implement the Safety Partnership to promote driving information. increase funding for the development and Home Zone schemes that are latest guidance on road safety at appropriate speeds, to improve and promotion of cycling and cycle aimed at enhancing the built measures and interventions, which safety; have proven to be effective, ensuring training within the Borough, and to environment and reducing the 3.3.11 Long Term Safer Roads • Curriculum work will continue to be introduce and progress the new national dominance and speed of vehicles. that all new developments meet these made available to schools that wish to cycle training standards to assist in Strategy (30 Years) requirements. • Ensure that new and improved explore the effects of speed and the use establishing cycling as a sustainable pedestrian and cycle infrastructure are The above Safer Roads Strategy is of new technology. mode of travel. (See Appendix 1 Primary designed to ensure safe passage of all consistent with and supportive of Transport Strategy No:3); highway users. See Appendix 1 Primary achieving the Long Term Safer Roads Theme 6. Safer Vehicles: • Provide advice and actively promote the Transport Strategy Nos:3 &18. Strategy, key elements of which are: • Continue to actively support and use of protective equipment and • To ensure that highways and footways • Minimise the number of crashes on promote technical developments in clothing for all vulnerable road users are maintained to an acceptable Halton’s roads by continuing to identify vehicle design and secondary safety including cyclists and horseriders. features, such as the use of ISOFIX in standard and are prioritised in a casualty problems and developing road vehicles. • Actively encourage and support manner that takes into account the risk improvements and Road Safety, campaigns to promote safer horse of any defects causing hazards to Education, Training and Publicity Theme 7. Safer Motorcycling: riding. highway users. See Appendix 1 Primary programmes to address the problems; Transport Strategy No:7 &15; • The Council will continue to take into • Continue to monitor the impact of account the needs of motorcyclists in • Ensure that highway verges and deprivation on road casualties and take the development and implementation vegetation are maintained to a appropriate action to address problems; of its transport policies. However, it is standard that ensure highway safety is • Utilise the use of new technology to recognised that motorcyclists are a very not compromised; and reduce the potential for and severity of vulnerable group, being exposed to • To ensure that any schemes comprising road casualties; high accident potential and require new or improved sections of highway or specific attention to maximise casualty footway, whether promoted by the reduction;

58 59 3.4 BETTER AIR QUALITY This first stage of the review identified - SHARED TRANSPORT “hot spots” where three pollutants might not meet Air Quality Objectives PRIORITY 4 (STP 4) by the end of 2005, unless action was Targets Addressed: taken at the local level. The pollutants BVPI 102, 103, 104, 223, 224a, of concern were nitrogen dioxide, 224b & 100; LTP2, 3, 4a, 4b & 5 PM10 and sulphur dioxide, which and L1, 5, 6, 7 & 12. resulted from the close proximity of industry and the congested Silver 3.4.1 Context Jubilee Bridge. The European Commission in its 3.4.2 Issues and Analysis However, levels of benzene, transport White Paper entitled 1,3-butadiene, carbon monoxide and ‘European Transport Policy for Work undertaken to establish the lead were proven to be below their 2010:time to decide’ highlighted its position in Halton with regard to air respective air quality standard levels, wishes to reduce the environmental quality and its impact include:- through indirect monitoring, based impact of transport by promoting the upon the Department for Environment use of environmentally friendly fuels Food and Rural Affairs’ Technical within urban areas. AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT Guidance (DEFRA – lAQM TG (03)). STRATEGY Further monitoring of these pollutants This theme was again raised in the will be undertaken, if required by future Government’s Transport White Paper A draft Air Quality Management Government guidance. entitled ‘The Future of Transport: a Strategy for Halton was published in network for 2030’, where a key issue 1998, which described Halton Borough raised included that of protecting the Council’s approach to dealing with environment. The paper made the case local and cross boundary air quality that there is a need to balance the problems. The purpose of the strategy demand for travel with the need to was to address the ‘Air Quality protect the environment and the Objectives’, as laid down in the Air quality of life and whilst significant Quality Regulations Act 1997. The improvements had been made, there report was widely circulated to was still much to do. interested parties and a summary of the responses made, was submitted to the Locally, the protection of the Council’s Environmental Health and environment is an issue primarily Consumer Protection Committee on As part of the process it is necessary to addressed under the Council’s priority the 16th November 1998. The report declare an Air Quality Management Area for ‘Urban Renewal’. This priority has a was then distributed widely for (AQMA), if any identified pollution key objective to ‘Create and sustain a comment. hotspots are assessed to be unable to safer living environment in Halton, …’. meet the relevant Air Quality Objectives However, another of the Council’s The report incorporated the results of a by the end of 2005, (the objective year), priorities is ‘Healthy Halton’ is also ‘desk top’ study (which utilised DfT unless action is taken at local level. affected by air quality. issued software) of all sources of pollution in Halton (and major sources If an AQMA is declared then the Local Further information on European, in adjoining districts) and an Transport Plan has to take account of national, regional and local objectives assessment of all monitoring data, the Local Air Quality Strategy, in the can be found in Section 4, Wider Issues. where available. Seven pollutants were development of its transport strategies investigated, these being: benzene; and action plans, to address the issues There are known linkages between high 1,3-butadiene; carbon monoxide; lead; raised. levels of air pollution and health. In the nitrogen dioxide; particulate matter short term, high pollution levels can under 10 microns diameter (PM10) and It is interesting to note that the Air result in increased hospital admissions sulphur dioxide. Air Quality Objectives, Quality Assessment correlates with the for people, whose health condition is for each of these pollutants, have been congestion issues highlighted in Section vulnerable to pollution. Exposure to set by the Government, which have to 3.1 – Tackling Congestion. The “hot pollutants, such as fine particles, over be achieved by the end of the 2005 spots” of pollutants occur in the vicinity several years may also contribute objective year. of the Silver Jubilee Bridge, which has towards a reduced life expectancy. been identified as the worst congestion problem within the Borough.

60 61 It was therefore clear that further HEALTH STUDY The study concluded that health in The following indicates its recent use. levels have reduced following the monitoring was required to enable an Halton is primarily affected by material closure of a superstore in Halebank and In 2002 Halton Health Partnership assessment to be made of the need to deprivation and unhealthy lifestyle. as a consequence will have reduced commissioned a Health Study, from declare an AQMA. YEAR LOCATION pollution in the area. Lancaster University, that included an However, the report also noted that investigation into how environmental whilst overall there is no significant link 2001 West Bank School, Given the above, it is considered that factors can influence the health of between present-day environmental Widnes, immediately the nitrogen dioxide hotspots found in people within the Borough. The study pollution, the Borough does have a adjacent to the elevated Deacon Road and Halebank will have utilised a computer software dispersion higher air pollution level than that of approach road to the been addressed by the actions that model to identify pollution hotspots the comparator areas, although the Silver Jubilee Bridge. have subsequently occurred and as called ADMS. The resulting report was level of most pollutants is well within such it is felt unnecessary to declare an entitled ‘Understanding the factors 2002 All Saints School, the national standards. The survey was carried out for a period Air Quality Management Area. affecting health in Halton’ and was Church Street, Runcorn. of 12months and found that the However, it is intended to continue published in August 2003. 2003 annual-mean air quality objective for monitoring at both sites to ensure the MONITORING - Present Runcorn Town Hall nitrogen dioxide was being exceeded in exceedance objectives are met. In summary, the study confirmed that two areas of the Borough: Deacon death rates in 1998 to 2000 were Ambient Air Quality Monitoring. Road and to a lesser extent in In conclusion, the monitoring of air especially high for cancers, heart As part of the Council’s on-going The data obtained from these sites, has Halebank. quality in Halton has demonstrated that disease, stroke, suicide and infant longer term monitoring of pollution been independently ratified, by ambient levels of sulphur dioxide, mortality and that for all causes were levels within the Borough, a mobile air consultants in accordance with the The exceedance in Deacon Road was nitrogen dioxide and breathable 20% above the average for England. quality monitoring station is utilised to latest guidance published by DEFRA most likely due to traffic congestion, particulate matter (PM10) are currently However, death rates for asthma were assess pollution at key locations. “LAQM TG (03)”. but was made worse by the presence of generally below the Government’s found to be the lowest of the four terraced property, immediately adjacent standards and that the Government’s comparator boroughs. The ratified data for PM10, Sulphur to the pavement along the eastern end objectives for air quality are either Dioxide and Nitrogen Dioxide shows of Deacon Road and the southern end already being met or expected to be that air quality in Halton complies with of North Albert Road. However, this achieved. the Government’s air quality standards area has been subject to a regeneration and objectives for these pollutants. initiative called the Widnes Town However, as indicated in Section3.1 – Centre Renewal Plan. As part of the Tackling Congestion, there is an Nitrogen Dioxide work on this plan, a traffic assessment ongoing problem of congestion, Diffusion Tube Survey was carried out to determine the primarily at the Silver Jubilee Bridge, impact of the new development and and also at some key junctions in the In late July 2003 Special Credit the construction of a new road layout. Borough, which is caused in part by Approval funding of £13,000 was regeneration initiatives. As congestion is granted by DEFRA for the purchase of The main conclusion of the assessment an accepted proxy for potential air pollution monitoring equipment. was that the local highway network pollution problems, it is considered The SCA funding was secured to was predicted to cope well with the prudent that Halton should be address the concerns raised in the proposed reassignment and proactive in reducing the potential for Lancaster University report, with development although two junctions vehicle-based pollutants. particular regard to the traffic were identified as having potential generated nitrogen dioxide pollution at capacity problems. The new road has Extensive consultations have been several areas in Halton, as well as at the now opened, which links Bradley Way undertaken to identify opportunities to Silver Jubilee Bridge. with Peel House Lane and North Albert improve air quality within the Borough. Road and there is no evidence of These have included a household The monitoring commenced in congestion on Deacon Road (or the survey which was sent to 7,000 homes September 2003 and comprised a two junctions identified as potential and a specific conference on air quality nitrogen dioxide diffusion-tube survey problems). It is therefore felt that as the to which community groups, businesses at: i) Halebank, Deacon Road and West congestion problems appear to have and other stakeholders were invited Bank, Widnes, (18 tubes in 3 groups); been resolved in the area, the impact of (see Appendix 4). and ii) Preston Brook, Weston Point and the development on air quality would Runcorn on the Mersey, Runcorn, (22 not be significant. tubes in 5 groups). Calibration of the 3.4.3 Opportunities survey was undertaken by placing 6 The exceedances recorded in Halebank additional tubes next to the calibrated were, as indicated above, at a lower The opportunities to address pollution mobile monitor referred to above. level than those found at Deacon Road issues resulting from traffic encompass and were unexpected. However, traffic those cited in STP 1 – Tackling Congestion (Section 3.1). In that by

62 63 addressing congestion problems of air crossing of the River Mersey is NOISE 3.4.8 Strategy for Better Air Quality 3.4.10 Long Term Strategy for Better Air Quality quality can also be addressed. constructed. However, the proposed The measures proposed will help (30 Years) scheme, known as the Mersey Gateway, The strategy shown below for Better Air Quality, totally promote walking and cycling as The opportunities described include the (see section 7.1) will not be available encompasses and supports that for ‘Tackling Congestion’. The above strategy is consistent with and supportive of the alternatives to the car and as a impact on reducing the need to travel until 2012 and as such other measures (See Section 3.1.6 for detailed strategy). achievement of the Long Term Strategy for Better Air Quality, consequence there will be benefits in and minimising congestion by to control congestion are required, in key elements of which are: terms of reduced noise pollution. managing: i) the highway network; ii) the interim, as described above. In order to improve air quality the Council will: • Pursue the construction of the Mersey Gateway bridge to traffic; and iii) the demand. • Implement the Shared Transport Priority Strategy for ‘Tackling enable greater opportunities to be taken for sustainable travel Rail improvements can also play a key Congestion’ as described in Section 3.1.6 in Halton; However, it is recognised that as well as role in reducing congestion. One CLIMATE CHANGE using management to regulate and scheme in particular, the upgrading of The measures proposed to improve air • Continue to monitor the quality of air in Halton with specific • Implement the Long Term Strategy for Tackling Congestion to control movements, it is also necessary the Halton Curve rail link, would quality will also have a positive impact reference to Breathable Particulate Matter (PM10), Sulphur minimise the pollutants from road vehicles; and to provide viable alternative ways of provide increased opportunity to travel Dioxide and Nitrogen Dioxide and to intervene when problems on greenhouse gas emissions. • Continue to monitor the quality of air in Halton, ensuring that travelling to ensure that access is between Liverpool, Chester and North arise. the latest standards are achieved. maintained and that economic activity Wales and provide some relief to the • Continue to monitor potential pollution ‘hotspots’ within the can continue. problems on the Silver Jubilee Bridge, 3.4.5 Performance Borough where there is a risk that they will exceed air quality until the Mersey Gateway is Management standards. Central to achieving affordable, constructed. 3.4.11 Long Term Action Plan for Better Air convenient and safe alternatives to car- No performance indicators are Quality based travel are the strategies on proposed for air quality; however, in 3.4.9 Action Plan for Better Air Quality ‘Buses’, ‘Walking’, and ‘Cycling’ (See 3.4.4 Other Quality of Life the event that an Air Quality 2006/07 – 2010/11 (Table 7) Actions to be taken in Appendix 1 Primary Transport Strategy Management Zone is declared Local Transport Plan period Target Date No’s 2, 3, 11 and 18). These strategies Issues indicators will be established to monitor Actions to be taken in provide a comprehensive and cogent Construction of the As indicated in Section 3.4.3, there is a the pollutant causing concern. Local Transport Plan period Target Date approach to the delivery of a Mersey Gateway scheme 2012 direct link between congestion and air sustainable transport network and as Implement the quality and the opportunities discussed such to the continued achievement of ‘Tackling Congestion’ Action Plan Various under the Tackling Congestion Shared 3.4.6 Maximising Value from our air quality objectives. Transport Priority impact positively on Resource Monitor air quality levels in the other quality of life issues. Borough and, in particular, As previously indicated, air quality is pollution hot spots On-going very dependant on addressing the QUALITY OF PUBLIC SPACES issues associated with congestion (see AND BETTER STREETSCAPES Section 3.1). Therefore, in order to maximise the value from the resources, The measures proposed have the undertaken to achieve better air quality, potential to reduce the use and impact those management systems identified of road traffic on public spaces and in 3.1.7 will be used. streetscapes and improve air quality in these areas. In addition, we will continue to monitor air quality to identify issues and actions Increasingly, the use of ‘softer’ to be taken. measures in securing changes in the LANDSCAPE AND BIODIVERSITY way in which people travel is being Through improving air quality within recognised. These measures include the the Borough and reducing the effects provision of travel advice and 3.4.7 Better Air Quality of particulates on the environment information and assistance in the Objective there will be a benefit to the local delivery of travel plans for businesses landscape and biodiversity. • To address air quality issues which have and schools. Primary Transport Strategy an impact on health and the Nos: 2 & 17 in Appendix 1 describe environment, through the management these important areas of work in detail. HEALTHY COMMUNITIES of travel demand and the provision and encouragement of environmentally Major schemes also play an important By promoting walking and cycling, sustainable travel choices. role in reducing congestion within the there are benefits gained from exercise Borough. It is now widely accepted that and the reduced use of the private car, the problems of congestion on the which in turn will positively impact on Silver Jubilee Bridge cannot be fully congestion and air quality. addressed until an additional road

64 65 4.0 WIDER ISSUES

The following section sets out how the LTP will seek to address this through a • A ground transport interchange at • More, and more reliable buses enjoying Exclusion Unit in February 2003, pose a problem in terms of access for Halton LTP fits into a range of key range of measures to promote the use Manchester International Airport. more road space; Halton, through the framework of its patients and visitors. This second LTP European, national and regional policy of environmentally friendly fuels on the LTP, launched a package of measures to brings forward a series of key initiatives New projects proposed in the North • Demand responsive bus services that documents. public transport network including address the links between transport and to address these needs. (See Section West include the Hull-Liverpool provide accessibility in areas that diesel – electric hybrid and biofuel social exclusion within the Borough. 3.2). Road/Rail Access to be completed in cannot support conventional services; vehicles. See Appendix 1 Primary 2015. • Access to food shops, social, cultural Transport Strategy No: 2. • Looking at ways to make services more Although the Borough has improved its 4.1 EUROPEAN POLICY ISSUES and sporting facilities – again the accessible so that people have a real position in terms of the ranking of accessibility mapping exercise has 4.1.1 European Transport • Better management of mobility and choice about when and how they travel; Indices of Multiple Deprivation by revealed good levels of access to key Policy for 2010: time to improvements to accessibility for all – 4.2 NATIONAL POLICY ISSUES moving to the 21st most deprived • Promoting the use of school travel retail facilities within the Borough, Borough in the Country from its decide This policy underpins our approach 4.2.1 Transport White Paper plans, workplace travel plans and some gaps remain, and this second LTP previous ranking of 16th in 2000: which seeks to improve access for all “The Future of personalised journey planning to seeks to address these through a range In 2001 the European Commission significant problems still remain, which members of the community to a wide encourage people to consider of key initiatives. published its Transport White Paper Transport” – July 2004 will need to be addressed as part of the range of facilities, whilst at the same alternatives to using their cars; and entitled “European Transport Policy for second Halton LTP. Deprivation is not time reducing car use and dependency In July 2004 the Government issued its The report also identified a link 2010: time to decide” • Creating a culture and improved restricted to one or two areas, but is by encouraging the use of sustainable second Transport White Paper “The between social exclusion and increased quality of local environment so that found in pockets throughout the transport modes. See Section 3.2 and Future of Transport: a network for casualty rates. Some key messages arising out of the cycling and walking are seen as Borough and as such poses a significant Appendix 1 Primary Transport Strategy 2030” which restates national transport European Transport White Paper attractive alternative to car travel for challenge. Nos: 2, 3, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17 policy and provides the policy include:- short journeys, particularly for children. &18, for further information; framework for the development of the • The delivery of high quality public Halton’s second LTP. The Government’s Social Exclusion Unit As part of the White Paper the report identified the following key transport services in urban areas – This • Charging users for the true cost of Government launched the new transport barriers, which will need to should be delivered through a system of transport – the EU has adopted The new Transport White Paper restates Transport Innovation Fund. This new be addressed in Local Transport Plans:- Public Service Requirements (which set measures to facilitate transport users the importance that the Government is fund is meant to stimulate the out the network of services to be paying the true costs of their transport placing on the system of Local • Access to work – although significant development of two types of Transport provided including hours of operation, use. Transport Plans to deliver transport / improvements have already been Initiatives which involve either:- frequency, punctuality of services, as accessibility improvements at the local delivered as part of our Local Transport This principle lies at the heart of the well as the availability of certain level. In particular they set the • Demand management measures Plan (including the Access 200 Council’s ‘Tackling Congestion’ categories of concessionary fares). In following vision for different forms of (including Congestion charging) employment shuttle bus service in east Strategy, STP 1, (Section 3.1) delivering the above the White Paper transport by 2030:- • Increasing productivity, nationally, Runcorn, the Neighbourhood Travel These barriers will continue to be also indicates: • A more coherent road network regionally or locally. Team and the Job Link scheme), there addressed through a range of measures is still much work to be done. which:- “A Member state or any other public 4.1.2 Delivering the Trans providing a more reliable and freer- authority can, under certain conditions European Transport flowing service for both personal travel Halton is currently in discussion with • Access to learning – through the • Improve the availability and physical and without impeding competition, and freight, with people able to make the Merseyside Authorities to determine Network (TEN) ground breaking work of the local accessibility of transport; require, or reach agreement with, a informed choices about how and where the potential for developing a sub Education Pathfinder project the • Reduce costs of transport for socially private or public undertaking to meet they travel; region. Council has been instrumental in the Launched in 1983 by the EU Transport excluded groups; public requirements which that and Energy Directorate and effective • A rail network which provides a fast, launch of several key initiatives to undertaking would not take on if it It should be noted that Halton has • Seek to locate services and activities in until 2020, the Trans-European network reliable and efficient service, particularly improve access to education / training were only considering its commercial developed a 30 year Transport Strategy accessible ‘easy to reach’ locations; programme (TEN) funds and supports a for interurban journeys and commuting and work based learning during the interests”. which is aimed at supporting the first LTP period. For example funding diverse range of projects designed to into large urban areas; • Improve safety and security; step up transport facilities across the achievement of both the Government’s has been secured for: a new shuttle bus • Bus services that are reliable, flexible, This policy underpins our approach in EU. The programme covers road, long term transport strategy and the service linking the new Halton College • Widen ‘travel horizons’; and the Halton’s second LTP to improve the convenient and tailored to local needs; aims and objectives of Halton Borough railway and combined transport; inland Campus in Runcorn to the Runcorn Bus • Analyse road casualty data to identify quality and attractiveness of public Council. The strategies contained in waterways and airport infrastructure; • Making walking and cycling a real Station; a new accessible ‘door to door’ any links between social exclusion and transport within the Borough. LTP2 have been developed in traffic management and navigation alternative for local trips; and bus service for mobility impaired casualties. systems and may in time include conjunction with our long term students; and various reduced public • Reducing the environmental impact of • Ports and airports providing improved strategy. seaports and inland ports. transport tickets all designed to Sections 3.3, 5 and Appendix 1 Primary transport – the Commission wishes to international and domestic links. improve access to education / training. Transport Strategy No: 2, provide promote the greater use of Schemes carried out in the North West • Access to healthcare – Although the further information on these schemes environmentally friendly fuels within In terms of the development of Halton’s between 1997 and 2000 include: 4.2.2 ‘Making the accessibility mapping exercise has and initiatives. the urban area. This policy is designed LTP2, the Government’s new 10 year Connections: Final revealed good levels of access to to encourage innovation at the local • A study into an upgrade of the Transport Plan sets out the following Report on Transport primary health care facilities in the level in terms of new vehicle and fuel Transpennine rail system priorities: - Borough, many of the key hospital sites technology – with the aim being to and Social Exclusion’ • Rail-related projects at North West • Freer flowing local roads delivered serving Halton are located outside of replace 20% of conventional fuels with ports. through measures such as congestion Following the publication of the above the Borough at Whiston (Merseyside) substitute fuels by 2020. charging; report by the Government’s Social and in Warrington. This continues to

66 67 4.2.3 ‘Choosing Health: 4.2.4 Aviation Issues • Again in partnership with the airport • The re-opening of the Halton Curve to The £22 billion programme of action 4.3 REGIONAL ISSUES Making healthy Choices and other agencies seek to develop passenger rail service, which will permit aims to focus the attention and co- As a result of its prime location in the Easier’: Department of proposals to introduce suitable ‘off site’ the introduction of new rail, links to the ordinate the efforts of all levels of centre of the Mersey Belt, Halton is strategic Park and Ride facilities across airport from Halton as well as Chester, government and stakeholders in 4.3.1 Regional Economic Health White Paper served by both Liverpool John Lennon the Mersey Belt. The airport company Deeside and North Wales This scheme bringing about development that Strategy (RES) (November 2004) Airport and Manchester International are keen to establish these as ‘Airport will also utilise the new South Liverpool meets the economic, social and Airport. Villages’ offering a range of airport Parkway station, which is currently environmental needs of future The RES provides the economic The new Health White Paper reinforces related facilities such as remote check under construction; generations as well as succeeding now. development framework for the the need to promote the use of healthy The Government’s White Paper, The in and flight information; and Northwest and is based on sustainable sustainable travel choices (walking, • Introduce further improved local bus Future of Air Transport, published by A further announcement by the Deputy economic development. The aim of the cycling and public transport). • Support for the Mersey Belt rail circle links from communities across Halton the Department for Transport in Prime Minister on 13 July 2004 strategy is to improve competitiveness concept. direct to LJLA as a way of improving December 2003, sets out a strategic provided an additional £16 billion for and encourage economic growth, The Health White Paper makes employment links to the airport and the framework for the development of the plan in 06-07 and 07-08, making a whilst protecting and enhancing its particularly strong links with the surrounding Speke / Halewood airport capacity in the United Kingdom total investment of £38 billion between diverse environment by using resources national ‘Skills for Life’ strategy for regeneration area; over the next 30 years, and specifically 2003 and 2008. The plan covers a wide prudently, tackling the causes of social improving adult literacy and numeracy targets both of these regional airports • Work with the airport and other agenda, which recognises that to exclusion, and recognising the needs skills, which was launched by the Prime for further expansion during the life of partners to introduce improved regional develop communities in which people and contribution’s of everyone. Minister in 2001. The goal is to this LTP. coach services linking the airport to key wish to live, housing policy needs to be improve the skills of 2.25 million adults centres across the Mersey Belt which linked to improving economies, public The RES has five priorities, four of by 2010, with an interim target of Halton has supported the development will not be directly linked to the airport services, transport and the environment which have direct linkages with the 1.5 million by 2007. One of the of the two Airport Surface Access by rail. at a local level. development of transport plans and objectives of this programme is to Strategies, (see Appendix 1 Primary schemes. These being: Business expand access to training, advice and Transport Strategy No: 1), which seek The £22 billion and £16 billion figures Development, Regeneration, education to support individuals to Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) to improve access to both airports quoted above represent funding Infrastructure and Image. develop skills in improving their own has witnessed significant growth over whilst seeking to limit traffic growth directly in support of the Sustainable health. The Council’s Neighbourhood the period of the first Halton LTP. In and encourage passengers and Communities Plan – drawing together Travel Team, which was set up during 2004, the airport handled 3.4m employees to use more sustainable key ODPM programmes and other BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT the first Local Transport Plan period will passenger journeys per annum, a 6% modes of travel. programmes such as the work closely with Halton’s PCT as part increase compared to 2003. By 2010 it This priority seeks to improve business Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, which of the implementation of ‘Skilled for is predicted that the airport will be performance to secure economic Manchester Airport is the most is channelled through local authority Health’ programmes. handling 7.6 million passenger journeys growth. There are three main areas prominent regional airport (the largest budgets. per annum. Government forecasts where it is thought that transport can airport outside of the South East of During 2005, the Government is predict that by 2030 passenger make a significant contribution to England) and currently handles Further information on these initiatives Key to the achievement of sustainable piloting a series of Local Area throughput could be up to 12 million business development. These being: approximately 22 million passenger and schemes can be found in Primary communities is their ability to access Agreements with local government and passenger journeys per annum. Halton journeys per annum. The White Paper Transport Strategy No:2 and Section fundamental services. The issues and • Accelerating business cluster other partners including Primary Care Borough Council is a member of the signals that the Government will permit 7.3; policies contained in Section 3.2 and development in those sectors with Trusts (PCT’s) and children’s trusts. Airport Surface Access Forum, and our the Airport to expand to over 50 Halton’s Access Plan (Appendix 2) potential for growth; These Local Area Agreements will:- Local Transport Plan continues to million passenger journeys per annum highlight our approach to tackling this support the introduction of measures, • Development of business incubation • Bring together needs assessment, by 2030. In order to support the important area of work. However, which improve access to the airport. 4.2.5 Government’s facilities to encourage business start- planning and commissioning processes agreed actions in the airport’s Ground sustainable communities also rely on The Mersey Gateway crossing will have Sustainable ups and spin-outs from universities, across different sectors – such as Transportation Strategy, Halton through creating environments that are safe and a major beneficial effect of reducing Communities Plan other research and Higher Education housing, health, planning, child and its Local Transport Plan, will support free of congestion and pollution. congestion for trips to the airport for Institutions and large companies; and social care; improved access to Manchester Therefore reference to the other Shared passengers and staff travelling to and The Deputy Prime Minister launched International Airport through: - Transport Priorities of ‘Tackling • Pursuing targeted international trade • Be based on common local targets and from Halton, north Cheshire, North the Government’s Sustainable Congestion’ (Section 3.1), Safer Roads’ activity to support business cluster indicators of success; and • Improved bus and coach service links to Wales and other key urban centres Communities Plan in February 2003. (Section 3.3) and ‘Better Air Quality’ development and develop the capability the airport and key employment sites in along the M56 corridor. The plan sets out a long-term • Use resources flexibly and ensure that of businesses to realise their the vicinity of the airport from Halton programme of action for delivering (Section 3.4) provide a comprehensive inequalities are targeted and tackled picture of our approach to meeting international trade capacity, including and key communities within north Halton will support the continued sustainable communities in both urban effectively. the Government’s aims and objectives new exporters. Cheshire; expansion of the airport through the and rural areas. It aims to tackle housing supply issues in the South East, contained within the Sustainable implementation of the following key The importance of transport planning The Neighbourhood Travel Team and • Work in partnership with the airport low demand for housing in other parts Communities Plan. schemes as part of the second Halton to Business Development is well Local Transport Plan will continue to be and other agencies to develop of the country, and the quality of our LTP:- recognised within our LTP. Good access closely integrated into this process. proposals to introduce new regional public spaces. and longer distance coach services to • The introduction of a new high quality for employees and the delivery of raw Manchester Airport along the key M56 shuttle bus / coach service linking LJLA materials and products is fundamental corridor; to Runcorn Station. in any decision to re-locate or establish

68 69 a business in an area. The Shared assist in the regeneration of Daresbury INFRASTRUCTURE Communities Plan entitled “Making It infrastructure projects. Halton will work These interventions and schemes can Transport Priorities detailed under Park, which is also a designated The RES recognises that an effective Happen - The Northern Way” which with the new Northern Transport have a major impact on new housing ‘Tackling Congestion’ (Section 3.1) and Strategic Regional Site. (See section 5). transport system is of fundamental sets out how the regional development Compact to ensure the Halton LTP areas by providing good access to ‘Delivering Accessibility’ (Section 3.2) Halton strongly supports Merseyside’s importance to the region’s economy agencies and regional planning bodies, helps contribute to the achievement of employment, education, social activities highlight a comprehensive approach to proposal for Merseytram, future and that the current transport intend to exploit the economic and strategic aims and objectives of the etc and as such help to ensure these removing transport barriers and extensions of which include a line into infrastructure is inadequate to meet transport links of these cities and Northern Way Strategy. areas are sustainable. minimising delays on the highway Halton. Appendix 1 Strategic Transport present or future needs. The beyond. network. These priorities are extensively Strategy No: 9 – Passenger Rail development of strategic transport is a In 2008 Liverpool will be “Capital of supported and enhanced by a range of describes our approach to concerns stated priority strategic objective and a The concept of a new dedicated Culture” which will act as a catalyst for other initiatives highlighted in about Trans-Pennine rail link and 4.3.3 Regional Transport key activity is ‘To identify and 'Northern Growth Corridor' will be further regeneration and economic Appendix 1 Primary Transport Strategy proposed improvements to increase the Strategy for the North champion the implementation of developed to help lever in new growth. Nos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, accessibility of rail in Halton. West strategic transport initiatives required to investment and boost the North as an 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 & 18. support economic development and economic force in Europe. Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF) Regional Planning Guidance for the regeneration’. Specific issues, which areas in the region have developed North West (RPG13), which includes IMAGE The three Regional Development renewal strategies which set out how REGENERATION are identified as needing transport the Regional Transport Strategy (RTS), is infrastructure include: This priority seeks to develop and Agencies - One North East, Yorkshire they will direct resources to the areas of now by virtue of the Planning and This priority is closely linked to the state market the region’s image. It is Forward and the North West Regional greatest need. Investment for Health: A Compulsory Purchase Act (2004) the • Strategic access to, and between the of the region’s regeneration priority suggested that large infrastructure Development Agency - in September Plan for North West England aims to Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS). The region’s urban centres on the areas. The objectives for this sector are works such as a new bridge can help to 2004 launched the first growth strategy tackle the causes of poor health and main difference between the RSS and motorway network; to deliver urban and rural renaissance promote a positive image and thereby for the North of England entitled integrate the NHS's contribution to the previous Regional Planning and secure economic inclusion. The • Movement within the urban areas and, assist in increasing economic activity, “Moving Forward: The Northern Way”. regeneration and sustainable Guidance (RPG) is that the RSS is Regional Spatial Strategy indicates the in particular, access to the conurbation attracting investment and boosting Key transport priorities identified in the development. The new North West statutory and it can cover more spatial broad locations of Regeneration Priority cores; business and leisure tourism in the growth strategy include:- Housing Board has already allocated implications of regional policy such as Areas. Northwest. The Agency is currently £516 million to be spent over the next • Access to areas that are key to • Preparation of a new Bus Partnership health and education as it seeks to examining the relative priority of two years in support of priorities set out economic regeneration and growth, Framework for each city region, which influence other organisations’ activities. In Halton it is well recognised that various major transport schemes in the in its Regional Housing Strategy, especially the region’s strategic ports will be complemented by a Northern There are currently two separate transport can play a major part in region in relation to the objectives of delivering decent and affordable homes and airports; Connect Card and Northern processes underway to review the RSS addressing regeneration and problems the RES. and supporting market renewal. Community Car Club; and in line with guidance set out in Planning of social exclusion by removing barriers • East-West movements via trans- Policy Statement 11 (PPS11). The to movement. As indicated above, pennine rail and the M62 also need In Halton, our key longer-term • Establishment of new Regional existing RSS is subject to a partial review extensive work has been undertaken on immediate improvements and future transport priority is the construction of Transport Boards to revise and publish THE REGIONAL HOUSING in light of the gaps that need to be addressing problems of access to key capacity increases; the new Mersey Gateway Bridge. This Regional Transport Strategies, as part STRATEGY revisited and filled. This partial review, services such as employment, bridge will not only serve to address of the new system of Regional Spatial which is in its later stages, has been • Reliability of service, capacity and speed The Regional Housing Strategy sets out education, training, health, social and congestion and accessibility problems, Strategies. subject to an examination in public and limitations on the region’s railway a framework for investment in the food shopping. This work has involved but will also be a symbol of the the Panel Report has been received and network limit the provision of additional region’s housing and determines drawing on the experiences of both regeneration of the sub-region, The Mersey Gateway Crossing, in submitted to the Secretary of State for passenger and freight movements in housing priorities under the following service users and providers and has inspiring increased economic and Halton, is identified in the Growth his consideration. The Secretary of order to take pressure off the road headings: been analysed using the DfT’s Accession business activity. Strategy as a key regional priority. network; State’s proposed changes to the draft software package. Further information • Tackling failing housing market; RSS are still to be published with a is detailed in Section 3.2 and our • Secure the development of designated The Growth Strategy is being built on reasoned statement of decisions, at this • Affordability issues; Access Plan can be found in Appendix strategic regional sites (see below) to STRATEGIC REGIONAL SITES the economic assets and opportunities stage there will be a further eight weeks 2. boost business growth opportunities. of eight city regions in the North of • Upgrading existing housing stock; and for public consultation before the final The NWDA believes that the delivery of England – Liverpool being one such revised RSS is published. its Strategic Sites is critical to the • Meeting the needs of vulnerable groups. Accessibility in Halton, however, cannot The regeneration of Halton and indeed City Region. Partners in each City effective implementation of the RES and be dealt with in isolation from cross- that of our neighbours in Merseyside is Region have devloped a strategic The full RSS review started in July 2004 that good transport connections to The major housing clearance and new boundary access problems, if strongly dependant on key prospectus setting out the major and in September 2004 the North West these sites are fundamental if they are build initiatives in the North West are in opportunities for employment are to be improvements to infrastructure, which priorities which will make a substantial Regional Assembly (NWRA) published to achieve economic objectives. As Merseyside, Manchester and East maximised. We have therefore will increase accessibility and reduce contribution to growing the economy their RSS Issues Paper for consultation, indicated above, one such site in Lancashire and are known as Housing developed a wide range of proposals congestion problems. Key amongst of their regions and the North of followed by the consultation on the RSS Halton includes Daresbury Park, Market Pathfinder areas. that address cross boundary access these proposals is the construction of England as a whole. Options Papers in March 2005. The RSS Runcorn. issues. Specific examples can be found the Mersey Gateway, which is widely In Halton, we work closely with is subject to a very tight schedule and is in Primary Transport Strategy No:2. recognised as being central to the The Halton LTP is closely aligned with Merseytravel on cross boundary intended to be submitted to the This strategy combined with proposals regeneration of the sub region. the key principles set out in the initiatives, which include the Secretary of State by January 2006, to construct the Mersey Gateway will However, smaller improvements are 4.3.2 The Northern Way Northern Way Business Plan for 2005- management and provision of bus with its formal adoption expected in ease access problems and help with the also proposed to address more local 2008. The Business Plan allocates In February 2004 the ODPM issued a services and on major schemes such as September 2007. implementation of regeneration access issues these include the A56/ £12m out of the Northern Way Growth sister document to the Sustainable the Mersey Gateway and Merseytram. initiatives such as Liverpool Vision. Eastern Expressway scheme which will Fund to key “early win” transport and

70 71 The RTS is intended to set guidelines planning. Because transport issues are Work will also start on new schemes 4.4 LOCAL PRIORITIES AND Halton’s Local Strategic Partnership • To ensure that suitable housing is for transport development for a fifteen not easily confined to one region, the including the Liverpool South Parkway ISSUES Board has also adopted these themes. available to meet the needs of people to twenty year period, along with RTS for the North West not only covers Interchange, preparatory work on in the Borough; specific priorities for regional transport Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater further Quality Bus Corridors 4.4.1 Introduction The priorities are now in the process of • To improve the accessibility, for the immediate five year period, so Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire recommended by the M60 JETTS Multi- being developed to identify specific affordability and integration of as to inform local transport plans and but also pays important attention to Modal Study and the Freckleton Street Integration of transport - Halton, as a objectives to enable incorporation into transport in Halton; the work of transport operators within links with adjoining regions, the North Bridge scheme. unitary authority, has responsibility for our Corporate Plan and Community the region. The North West Regional East, Yorkshire and Humberside, East the provision of a wide range of Strategy. • To gain approval and funding for the Assembly (NWRA) in line with PPG11 Midlands, West Midlands, Scotland and services that impact on the daily lives of second Mersey crossing; guidance prepares RTS for the North Wales as well as other regions and people, the environment and the local However, given the similarity between 4.3.5 Action Plan for the City • To reclaim and make most productive West. countries. It positions key transport economy. Halton has for many years the two sets of priorities, it is evident Region use of derelict and contaminated land corridors, gateways and interchanges recognised the role that transport can that the transport issues to be in the Borough. The purpose of RTS is to:- and the delivery of high quality public The Action Plan for the City Region play in supporting these services and in addressed will also be broadly similar. transport as priorities for investment. 2002 – 2005 identified the Mersey the achievement of their objectives. The new objectives will be based on • Build upon the previous Regional A Best Value Review of the Urban Waterfront Regional Park as a key Early consideration of transport issues is those previously agreed, and as such, Planning Guidance (RPG13). Renewal strategic priority was The North West Regional Assembly has priority for the regeneration of the therefore a fundamental factor in the can still be used as a basis for ensuring conducted in 2001/02. For the • To set regional priorities for investment undertaken a review of the priority for Greater Merseyside sub region. development of new policies, which that our local transport plan addresses purposes of the review, urban renewal in and management of transport investment in major schemes in its “Mersey Waterfront seeks to transform, helps avoid unnecessary policy and reflects local issues. These was defined as the physical issues. region. The results of this exercise have energise and connect the coastal conflicts. The adoption of this objectives are described below. development and infrastructure as been forwarded to the minister, in June frontages of Merseyside in an philosophy into our corporate culture • To provide strategic guidance for the opposed to the social and economic 2006 recommending those schemes be imaginative and ambitious way has enabled transport policies to both future development of all methods of HEALTH issues. Following this, in February 2003 given priority in the North West through the development of a Regional influence and be influenced and passenger and freight transport. • To strengthen the understanding of the the Audit Commission scored the Region. Included in the top quartile of Park to stimulate new and thereby enable services to be delivered causes of ill-health in Halton and act review as a ‘Good 2* Service’ with • To increase choice in terms of public schemes are Halton’s proposals for the unprecedented economic potential effectively and efficiently. Evidence of together to improve the overall health promising prospects for improvement. transport. Mersey Gateway and the maintenance throughout the region. The ultimate the benefits of this approach can be and well being of local people; Halton was praised by the Inspectors on of the SJB. objective of Mersey Waterfront is to seen in the following paragraphs where • To set out criteria for ensuring that transport has been treated as an the following issues: significant land developments are reposition the City Region as an • To lay firm foundations for a healthy integral part of addressing local • A strong record over many years of sufficiently accessible by public internationally recognised and start in life and support those most in concerns and issues. reclaiming contaminated and derelict transport. 4.3.4 Transport respected area of the highest quality, need in the community; greatest diversity, and widest land; • To establish standards for the provision A £363 million package of local In response to changes its corporate • To promote a healthier living opportunity.” • Completing redevelopment projects on of off-street parking transport improvements across the responsibilities and local needs, Halton environment and lifestyles to protect reclaimed land; North West was announced in Borough Council refined its local the health of the public, sustain • To offer guidance on managing December 2003 and significant funding The Mersey Gateway Crossing along priorities, in January 2006. However, in individual good health and well being • Creating employment opportunities by demand for transport, for example by is being awarded to each of the nine with other key transport / accessibility transport terms, the coverage of the and help prevent illness; attracting private sector investment charging road users. improvement schemes as set out in this local transport authorities in the region. new priorities is very similar to those • To reduce the burden of disease in into the Borough; This includes: LTP, seek to realise the full potential of initially approved by the council. The Halton by concentrating initially on • Good working relationships with locally this vision. relationship between the new and old lowering the rates of cancer and heart based businesses; • Substantial funding of £16.5 million to priorities is shown below: allow authorities covered by the South disease. • Demonstrating leadership in East Manchester Multi-Modal Study to • Healthy Halton’ – previously covered by partnership working; and continue to implement improvements ‘Improving Health’; URBAN RENEWAL • Compared well with others on and strategies in their area. • ‘Safer Halton’- incorporating significant • To promote the number and availability refurbishing derelict housing. • £8 million to support match funded parts of the previous ‘Safe and of job opportunities for local people; transport schemes in the Merseyside Attractive Neighbourhoods’ objective; • To promote the sustainable The inspectors did however raise some Objective 1 area. • ‘Children and Young People’- development and regeneration of the issues. In particular, that Halton did • £0.75 million for Warrington to deal incorporating appropriate elements of Halton economy; not have clearly defined service delivery As the regional planning body behind with congestion problems caused by the previous themes on ‘Enhancing Life • To improve the appearance of the outcomes in this area, and that its focus the development of RPG, the NWRA is traffic diverting off the M6 at Thelwall Chances’ and ’Prosperity and Equality’ Borough and promote a more positive had been on managing existing naturally responsible for preparing the Viaduct. • Employment, Life-Long Learning & image and perception of Halton; projects and securing funding for future Regional Transport Strategy for the projects. This they believed had led to • £75 million towards Greater Skills in Halton- - incorporating North West that is combined within it. • To attract and deploy additional a “piecemeal” approach to physical Manchester Passenger Transport appropriate elements of the previous Taking into account road, rail, air, investment in Halton, in particular to renewal in the past. They Executive's expansion of the Metrolink themes on ‘Enhancing Life Chances’ water, freight, cycling and pedestrian regenerate and revitalise the Borough’s recommended the production of a network to serve Oldham/Rochdale, and ’Prosperity and Equality’: and travel, the RTS takes the form of a town centres and water front areas, revised plan and this was subsequently Ashton-Under-Lyne and Manchester number of RPG policies and is fully • Halton’s Urban Renewal- previously and to concentrate on the areas of produced in October 2004. The Airport. integrated within policies for land-use covered by ‘Promoting Urban Renewal’. highest need and deprivation; recommendations of the original

72 73 Improvement Plan and those of the • To ensure that employers in Halton • To bring about environmental reduction of fear of crime through the Borough, and was to build on The report concluded by making four inspectors have now been progressed. promote the skills and employment improvement in all areas of the environmental initiatives; previous enquiries into health and the principle recommendations for action prospects of local people and their own Borough, reflecting the priorities of the environment that have been by the Council, which if implemented, • Consultation should be given to the A Specialist Strategic Partnership (SSP) future success by providing good public to improve public perceptions undertaken in Halton. will help to address the health development of a Community for Urban Renewal, a sub-group of training opportunities; and attractiveness; problems experienced within the Engagement Strategy, which would Halton’s Local Strategic Partnership, The study comprised three main Borough. The recommendations are • To promote an integrated transport lead to local communities having a was set up in 2003 to further develop phases: detailed below together with system that balances the need for greater involvement in their local partnership working between the information of how transport initiatives IMPROVING PROSPERITY AND people and goods to move around, neighbourhood, and so instil • A review of scientific literature relating Authority and with local businesses. delivered through the LTP are already EQUALITY including improved accessibility to local community cohesion and increase civic to health and the environment; Through this SSP, local businesses work helping to improve health within the services, whilst also reducing the pride; and with the LSP to provide an input into • To help eliminate child poverty; • A comparison of Halton with selected Borough. adverse impact on local urban renewal and policy programmes. • Contributing services and partners work comparator boroughs with respect to • To promote a social environment where neighbourhoods and the environment with the Corporate Performance selected variables measuring health, Recommendation One people feel motivated and able to from traffic pollution and noise; participate fully and constructively in Management and Policy Units to environmental pollution and social “The Council should continue to ENHANCING LIFE CHANCES the life of the local community and do • To safeguard and improve air quality in establish a set of suitable performance deprivation; and concentrate on the reduction of Halton; and indicators including quality of life AND EMPLOYMENT not feel excluded; • A detailed investigation of the impact deprivation and the adoption of healthy issues. lifestyles, with programmes focused on • To ensure that residents of all ages • To support the efforts of residents to • To promote improvement of Halton’s of environmental, social and lifestyle those locations shown to have the have access to suitable education, harness local energy and skills and to cultural, leisure and sporting amenities. The issues associated with tackling factors on the health of people in crime and the fear of crime, community Halton. highest levels of deprivation. Policies to training and means for personal help themselves in building confident In June 2003, a Best Value Review of engagement and quality of life are all reduce unemployment, raise income development; and successful communities; Safe and Attractive Neighbourhoods pertinent to the way in which we have The study confirmed that by national levels, improve housing, increase commenced with the following remit: • To help ensure that local residents have • To include and enhance the quality of developed our Local Transport Plan. standards Halton does have a high rate educational attainment, reduce all the skills and means to access a life of those who are genuinely less able • Examining the current strategic The fear of crime is a major of mortality for many conditions, but smoking, improve diet and increase range of good quality, secure job to help themselves; approach; consideration in encouraging more these are no different from rates exercise could all have significant opportunities; people to use public transport and it is experienced in similar areas elsewhere. positive impacts on the health of • To enhance the quality of life of older • Assessing whether all the objectives of for this reason that we have developed It was also found that wards in Halton people in Halton”. • To ensure that all pre-school children people in a community setting; the strategy were still relevant; have access to high quality early years our Travelsafe initiative. Community recorded high levels of deprivation as • To promote the improvement of sub education provision; • Reviewing progress made to date engagement is central to the measured on standard indices. By promoting social inclusion through standard housing within the Borough against this strategic priority; development of LTP2 and as However, these levels of deprivation transportation policies, and more • To achieve an overall improvement in specifically through the work • Determining if the availability of demonstrated throughout the were found to be no worse, and in the academic achievement of school undertaken by the Neighbourhood resources is sufficient to deliver current document is key to ensuring that the some cases were lower than those age children and encourage the take SAFE AND ATTRACTIVE Travel Team, it is anticipated that and future projects; needs of the communities are identified found in the comparable areas up of further education and training NEIGHBOURHOODS and addressed to bring about (Knowsley, St Helens, Hartlepool and people will have more opportunities to opportunities; • Ensuring that adequate performance gain access to employment and • To investigate and tackle the underlying meaningful changes in people’s quality Middlesborough). measurement and management education. These are key factors in • To improve opportunities for the causes of crime and respond effectively of life. systems are in place; and helping to reduce deprivation and are a personal development of young people, to changing patterns of crime; A statistical analysis of the links focus of our LTP activities, as detailed in particularly those who are • Reviewing the effectiveness of Council Our local priorities have been used to between a range of health indicators • To improve the understanding of and our Shared Transport Priority for disenfranchised, disaffected or hard to services to aid this process. develop Halton’s long term transport and variables measuring deprivation, response to drugs/substance abuse reach; strategy to ensure our long term vision lifestyle and environmental pollution ‘Delivering Accessibility’, (Section 4.2). problems and reduce incidents of drug for the area is achieved. Once the was also inconclusive. Whilst such In addition, our strategies to encourage • To improve educational and skills levels The key recommendations of the related crime; specific objectives for each of the new factors are important and do explain walking and cycling (Appendix 1 of the 16+ population to enable them review were as follows: • To provide opportunities for young priorities have been developed and much of the variation in ill health, there Primary Transport Strategy Nos: 3 &18) to take advantage of local job and • That a more holistic approach is people to become responsible citizens agreed they will be reported on in are some areas where ill-health is either will help to address the Department for other life opportunities; adopted by the authority to the and to engage with the wider future Annual Progress Reports. better or worse than would be Health’s recommendation for 30 integration of all environmental services • To promote education / business links community so as to reduce incidents; predicted from these variables alone. minutes of moderate physical exercise. and transport access within Halton and at a strategic level; • To tackle the problem of hate crime, the surrounding area in order to • Create a more balanced approach by 4.4.2 Halton Health Study domestic violence, and neighbour enhance employment opportunities; establishing stronger partnerships to nuisance and improve understanding of In March 2002 Halton Health deliver the “attractiveness” aspect of and response to the problem in Halton; Partnership instructed a team of the priority whilst strengthening the researchers from the Department of • Reassure the community and reduce “safe” aspect by merging with new, Geography and the Institute for Health the fear of crime; more relevant members and Research at Lancaster University to communicate and monitor their • To create and sustain safer undertake a study of the factors progress effectively; neighbourhoods by improving road affecting health in Halton. The study safety, reducing the number of • Promote the positive work of the arose from the concern about the high casualties and improving training and Community Safety Strategy Group in rates of mortality and morbidity within understanding by road users; particular those who contribute to

74 75 Recommendation Two taken. Further information on the study needs’. This priority involves improving of the transitional arrangements for the The synergies between Merseyside and other main destinations that the Bridge “Policy makers should work with local can be found in Section 3.4. the provision of supported housing for new planning system the Halton Halton have resulted in close working caters for. The SJB is also a key link to community groups and voluntary the single homeless, mental health Borough UDP will be automatically at both political and officer levels, the growing Liverpool John Lennon organisations to develop policies and Recommendation Four clients, those with physical or sensory saved for a period of three years from which have enabled consistency in Airport from Runcorn, West Cheshire strategies that involve local people “The ‘precautionary principle’ should disability and older people. Transport the date of adoption. This means that approaches across a wide range of and areas of North Wales. directly in improving their own health be adopted with respect to potential has a key role to play in this, as it is the UDP will still be used to determine services. Halton has seats on all the and reducing deprivation in their local pollution, as the long-term effects on particularly important that vulnerable planning applications and will remain Merseyside co-ordinating committees Improvements to passenger rail services community.” health from exposure to even low levels groups have good access to every day part of the statutory Development Plan at both Member and officer levels and are also closely integrated with of pollution are not well understood. All facilities and services. It is also until its replacement by Development is often referred to as being part of priorities in the Merseyside LTP2. In The ongoing work of the Halton Local reasonable efforts should be made to important that travel training is made Plan Documents (DPDs) through the Greater Merseyside. line with the findings of the Mersey Belt Strategic Partnership (HLSP) has enabled work with industry and other available to these people to ensure that new LDF system. The UDP has been Linkages Study the two LTPs reiterate both local community groups and organisations, and to develop a they can take advantage of the developed in conjunction with the LTP The strength of the partnership the importance of providing an voluntary organisations to become sustainable transport policy, to further transport services that exist. These to ensure a consistency of approach between the Merseyside authorities, enhanced passenger rail service on the directly involved in the development of reduce levels of pollution within the matters are dealt with in our and integration of planning and Merseytravel and Halton is aptly Trans-Pennine corridor linking Liverpool policies and strategies aimed at Borough.” Accessibility Strategy (Section 3.2.9) transportation objectives. This approach demonstrated through the success – Widnes – Warrington and Manchester improving health and reducing and in the Access Plan (Appendix 2). is considered essential in delivering a achieved in co-ordinating and with the two new stations identified deprivation within the local community. Halton is continuing to make great transport network, which meets the supporting a wide range of past and within Halton. Another key priority is The importance of the issues to the HLSP efforts to work with industry and other needs of Halton’s residents, businesses proposed transport schemes and the introduction of frequent passenger is demonstrated through its involvement organisations in order to develop 4.4.4 Halton’s Unitary and visitors and as such the strategy, initiatives across the sub region. Key rail services on the Halton Curve, in the development and financial sustainable transport policies and Development Plan policies and proposals within the new cross boundary issues contained within allowing new services to be introduced support of transport projects within the initiatives. During 2003/04 significant DPDs will continue to be consistent this LTP include: between Liverpool and the new The integration of transport and land with our Local Transport Plan. Allerton interchange (South Liverpool Borough. Also, the work that the Council progress has been made in securing the • The Mersey Gateway Crossing; has undertaken in relation to accessibility production of travel plans with both use policies is essential as the location Parkway) and Runcorn, Frodsham, planning (see Section 3.2 and the Access major employers and local schools and nature of development affects the • The development of Halton Curve; Chester and North Wales. Plan in Appendix 2) will enable more within the Borough. In addition, amount and method of travel. The 4.5 CROSS BOUNDARY • The implementation of Merseytram, Halton’s comprehensive bus strategy people to gain access to healthcare substantial progress is being made with Halton Unitary Development Plan LINKAGES with a proposed extension into Halton; facilities within the Borough. the development of our Greenway (UDP), adopted April 2005, currently (see Appendix 1 Primary Transport Travel needs do not recognise and network, which provides safe, healthy, provides the policies and proposals for • John Lennon Airport Surface Access Strategy No: 2) featuring the following should not be constricted by Recommendation Three convenient and accessible transport land use planning within the Borough. Strategy; cross boundary elements: - administrative boundaries. As such, it is alternatives between areas of need and One of the aims and objectives of the • Ditton Strategic Freight Park; “The Council should continue and essential that adjacent authorities work • The provision of cross boundary opportunity. These measures encourage UDP is to provide an effective and extend its programme of air quality in partnership to deliver true transport • Liverpool South Parkway; subsidised bus services. more people to use sustainable modes efficient transport system. The policies monitoring, and risk assessment. This choice that reflects the demand for of transport and provide a sound are aimed at providing an integrated • Gateways & Accesses Initiative • Investigation of the potential will allow a fuller assessment of travel across a region. foundation for the improvement of the transport system, reducing the need to opportunities to extend Merseytravel environmental factors than has been • Mersey Waterfront Initiative health of residents. travel by car and increasing pre-paid ticketing schemes into Halton. possible in this study”. Halton lies at the hub of a two major sustainability for all. For example, policy • Phased and co-ordinated introduction S13: Transport, states that ‘Safe efficient motorways serving Merseyside, At present a mobile air quality of new cross boundary Quality Bus and inclusive integrated transport Warrington, Cheshire, North Wales and 4.5.1 Links with Merseyside’s monitoring station is used to monitor 4.4.3 Halton’s Housing Partnership Services. systems and infrastructure will be the Manchester conurbation. Passing to LTP2 levels of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen Strategy developed in Halton. Priority will be the north of the Borough is the M62, dioxide and breathable particulate which links extensive parts of A key issue for Halton, which is Halton’s Housing Strategy has been given to measures which: matter. A computerised modelling tool Merseyside and Greater Manchester supported by the Merseyside LTP, is the developed to support the Regional is also used to determine the level of air a Promote an integrated transport with the Pennines. To the south lies the need to provide enhanced highway Housing Strategy, whilst reflecting pollutants within the Borough. system; M56, which provides access between capacity across the Mersey at Halton, those issues which are of local concern. West Cheshire, North Wales and the specifically to relieve severe congestion The strategy focuses on three main b Stimulate sustainable economic growth A number of the issues were raised Manchester conurbation. These two problems on the Silver Jubilee Bridge priorities. These being: in sustainable locations; within the Health Study regarding the routes are linked by means of the Silver (SJB). The Merseyside local Authorities modelled traffic generated pollution in • Improving the condition of housing; c Improve accessibility for all to everyday Jubilee Bridge and a local road network, and Merseytravel are represented on several areas (away from the Silver facilities; which is required to cater for extensive the Mersey Crossing Group, which Jubilee Bridge) within the Borough. To • Meeting identified housing needs; and d Create a safer living environment; regional traffic flows. commissioned two studies to evaluate address these issues additional air • Improving Services. crossing improvement options. e Protect and enhance the environment.’ In addition, Merseytravel will continue pollution monitoring equipment has The West Coast Main Line and the to support Merseyrail services to Hough been purchased and sited at key Whilst Halton does not have significant Trans-Pennine line provide regional and The studies reaffirmed the major role The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Green (within Halton) from the locations within the Borough. The numbers of new build housing national rail travel. However, local rail the SJB plays in facilitating strategic Act 2004 introduces major changes to Merseyside boundary. Merseytravel results of this study have been used to planned, there is a role for our Local travel is limited by the lack of local rail traffic movements in and out of the way the planning system operates multi modal ticketing is valid for validate the ‘modelled’ pollution levels Transport Plan in helping to address the stations. Liverpool from Runcorn, Vale Royal, including the introduction of the Local journeys starting and finishing at to assess the need for action to be Housing priority of ‘Meeting identified Chester and North Wales. Knowsley, Development Framework (LDF). As part Hough Green. This is a reflection of the Warrington, St Helens and Sefton are

76 77 strong social and economic links The North Wales – Chester – Runcorn basis with Cheshire and other Camera Partnership which addresses between local communities in this area East – Warrington – Manchester line has authorities on casualty reduction. road casualty problems through the use and Liverpool. Merseytravel also had its rail service cut from half-hourly of camera technology. continue to fund cross boundary to hourly. Cheshire, like Halton and concessionary travel for residents living Warrington wishes to secure the return 4.5.3 Links with Warrington’s in the Cronton area of Widnes. of a more frequent service. LTP2

Halton is supportive of the proposals for Cheshire have proposals to make When the Silver Jubilee Bridge needs to the Merseytram system, which could railway station improvements to Crewe be closed due to a road accident, potentially be extended into Halton. and Chester. It also recognises that diverted vehicles often use the river Runcorn Station attracts passengers crossing in Warrington which causes Halton along with the Merseyside from the Chester area. excessive town centre congestion. The authorities support is the proposed bridge also provides a link with expansion of Liverpool John Lennon Cheshire are supportive of the proposal Runcorn and West Cheshire to the Airport. As part of the managed for the Ditton Strategic Rail Freight Park North of Warrington. The Warrington transport growth that will occur as a as it is recognised that it could attract LTP therefore includes support for the result of this expansion, Halton and the significant business from the Cheshire Mersey Gateway. Merseyside authorities are also area. The DSRFP will generate supportive of the principle of a new additional rail freight traffic, much of Road links between Halton and Eastern Access Road from the A562 to which will need to pass through Crewe, Warrington are also critical, in particular the airport. It is believed that the most in particular European freight trains. the motorway network of the M56, M6 appropriate method of delivery would and M62. Close liaison will therefore be through private sector and non LTP The proposed improvements at Crewe continue with the Highways Agency to funding. will increase the potential for further help optimise their programme of freight paths along this route. works. It is planned to establish recreational 4.5.2 Links with Cheshire’s Public Rights of Way connection along Warrington are currently investigating LTP2 the Weaver Valley to link Runcorn with the possibility of road user charging. the Vale Royal area. This could possibly link with Halton’s The Cheshire LTP recognises the need possible scheme to charge for the use for the new Mersey Gateway at Halton. Halton and Cheshire are supportive of a of the road crossings of the River The existing crossing provides an proposal to introduce the C-NET 1 bus Mersey. essential link from West Cheshire to service which connects Chester with Widnes and the Eastern Merseyside Runcorn, Manchester Airport and In terms of passenger rail Warrington areas. Manchester. are supportive of the Trans-Pennine railway line upgrade, which includes Other road links between Halton and The Manchester Ship Canal which the safeguarding of the Shell Green Cheshire are also critical, in particular passes through Cheshire, Halton and Link. Warrington like Cheshire also the motorway network. Close liaison Warrington has a regional role in the supports the return of the more with the Highways Agency will delivery of sustainable freight frequent half-hourly service on the continue to help optimise their distribution. Chester to Manchester line. programme of works. In particular it has been identified in the 2004 M56 Cheshire is also one of Halton’s partners Warrington have proposals to make Corridor Scoping Study that the M56 on the Cheshire Area Safety Camera railway station improvements to their between Junctions 12 and 15 will Partnership which addresses road Central and Bank Quay stations. It is increasingly suffer capacity problems. casualty problems through the use of recognised that Runcorn Station camera technology. attracts passengers from the Cheshire also support the proposal to Warrington area. introduce new passenger rail services Warrington will also work with Halton, using the Halton Curve which would Cheshire and other Authorities to The Manchester Ship Canal which link Chester and North Wales with develop a more strategic approach to passes through Cheshire, Halton and Liverpool via Halton. casualty reduction when the new Warrington has a regional role in the arrangements for funding safety delivery of sustainable freight Cheshire along with other partners will cameras come into effect. Changes to distribution. work together to help merseytravel the arrangements for funding safety produce a major scheme bid for the cameras from April 2007 provide new Warrington is also one of the Halton’s proposal during the period of LTP2. opportunities to work on a strategic partners on the Cheshire Area Safety

78 79 5.0 IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMME

5.1 INTRODUCTION In order to ensure that costs are kept The funding received from Central under control and budgets have Government for transport broadly falls The funding for transport schemes for maximum impact, the Council has an into two main areas: ‘Integrated both LTP1 and LTP2 has been and will extensive and rigorous system, which Transport’ and ‘Highway Maintenance’. continue to be secured from a variety involves regularly reviewing scheme of sources including Central progress and the computerised The table below indicates the proposed Government, Halton’s Capital and monitoring of budgets against planned spending profile for the 5-year period Revenue sources, Halton’s Partners and spending profiles. Deviations from of the plan based upon the indicative private contributions from developers. expected spend and profiles are block allocations provided by This section outlines the indicative managed through senior management Government for Integrated Transport. funding from Central Government and meetings, where actions are agreed to provides an insight into the likely level address programme issues. The of funding that will be available from robustness of this system is evidenced Halton, its partners and private by our performance on the delivery of developers. schemes, recorded in previous year’s Annual Progress Reports.

5.2 LTP2 INTEGRATED TRANSPORT IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMME 2006/07 TO 2010/11 (£000) (TABLE XX)

SCHEME TYPE/DESCRIPTION 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 Total

Local Safety Schemes: (Both within and outside Quality Corridors): 211 210 210 210 210 1,051

Quality Corridors: a) Walking 241 150 160 150 160 861 b) Cycling 244 156 162 154 161 877 c) Bus Route Improvements 211 140 140 135 140 766 d) Real Time Passenger Information on Quality Corridors - - - - 150 150 Sub Total 907 446 462 439 611 2,654

Interventions Outside Quality Corridors: Walking 118 75 75 75 80 423 Cycling 114 75 75 75 80 419 Bus Interchanges 255 - - 250 195 700 Integrated Transport 138 90 90 90 95 503 Traffic Signals 51 30 30 30 30 171 Runcorn Busway Study 30 - - - - 30 Accessible Buses 85 250 100 - - 435 Sub Total 791 520 370 520 480 2,681

Rail Station Improvements: Hough Green - - - 250 200 450 Beechwood (Design) - - - 100 - 100 Sub Total - - - 350 200 550

Other Improvements: SJB Variable Message signing 205 200 45 - - 450 A56/Eastern Expressway Improvements 65 150 435 - - 650 Upton Ln Distributor 82 - - - - 82 Direct Contributions to Regeneration Schemes (Walking, Cycling & & buses) 61 40 40 35 40 216 Sub Total 413 390 520 35 40 1,398

Total for Integrated Transport Minor Works 2,111 1,566 1,562 1,554 1,541 8,334

80 81 The schemes and interventions have reservation on the expressway network; 5.3.3 Cycling Schemes upgrading or suffering from problems • Better directional signage between the been assessed and prioritised against and of congestion or requiring improved two bus stations and main attractions their contributions towards the Shared Shared Transport Priorities provision for pedestrians and cyclists. A within the Halton Lea complex. • other modifications to the highway Transport Priorities, Regional Priorities (STP’s) affected: STP 1, 2, 3, 4. number of schemes will be network as necessary. and Local Priorities prior to entry into Targets Affected: BVPI 99a, implemented as part of Quality It is envisaged that this scheme will be the 2006/7-2010/11 Implementation 99b, 99c; LTP 1, 3, 4a; L3, 6, 7. Transport Corridor Improvements (see completed in phases to minimise Programme. The assessments are Para 5.3.9). disruption to services and passengers at 5.3.2 Walking Schemes shown in Section 5.4. The continued development of a this busy location. The first phase of Shared Transport Priorities comprehensive network of cycle routes which will be completed in 2006/7 and Prior to the implementation of (STP’s) affected: STP 1, 2, 3, 4. and facilities will be targeted at 5.3.6 Bus Infrastructure and will be focused on upgrading and schemes, the opportunity is taken to improving areas of poor accessibility. renewing the existing glass canopy Targets Affected: BVPI 99a, Initiatives consult with residents, businesses and Many schemes will be implemented as structure at Halton Lea North. 99b, 99c, 165, 178; LTP 1, 4b; stakeholders, as necessary, to ensure part of Quality Transport Corridor Shared Transport Priorities BUS ROUTE IMPROVEMENTS L4, 6, 7. that the interventions proposed meet Improvements (see Para 5.3.9) and may (STP’s) affected: STP 1, 2, 4. Runcorn Town Centre Bus Station These improvements will be undertaken identified needs. form part of Safe Routes to School Schemes to improve facilities for Targets Affected: BVPI 102, Work has commenced on a phased as part of Quality Transport Corridors improvements. Measures will include: pedestrians and the mobility impaired 103, 104; LTP 1; L1, 9. programme of improvements to improvements (see Para 5.3.9) and will will be targeted towards routes that will • New shared use Greenways both off- Runcorn town centre Bus Station. Phase include the following provisions as NTEGRATED RANSPORT 5.3 I T improve accessibility both within the road and adjacent to carriageways; BUS INTERCHANGES I of the scheme should be complete by appropriate to the site: MEASURES TO BE Borough and into adjacent areas, with the end of 2005/6 and will include:- • On-road cycle lanes and improved Halton Lea North and South • Bus Boarder Kerbs for easier access for IMPLEMENTED 2006/07 appropriate levels of funding targeted • New seating; provision at junctions; and Halton BC is developing proposals to the mobility impaired; TO towards leisure and recreational use. 2010/11 modernise the two bus stations serving • Better information; Pedestrian improvements will also be • Cycle parking facilities at public transport • Bus Stop Clear Way Marking to prevent The following provides an insight into Halton Lea Commercial centre. Both implemented as part of Safe Routes to interchanges, schools, shopping areas • New accessible “saw tooth” bus bays; inappropriate parking at bus stops; the types of interventions and initiatives bus stations are located on elevated School Schemes. Many of these and other key destinations. and • Improved time table display boards; proposed to be undertaken for each of sections of the Runcorn busway. During walking schemes will be implemented and the programme elements. To help 2005 an Improvement Scoping Study • Improved passenger seating. within and in parallel with Quality assess the role of the Integrated was carried out which evaluated a • New Bus Shelters at appropriate sites. Transport Corridor Improvements (see Transport Programme in achieving our 5.3.4 Integrated Transport number of different options including During Phase II of the scheme Para 5.3.9) and will include schemes aims and objectives, each element of Initiatives the closure of one of the Bus Stations improvements will include:- such as: work is referenced to those targets, and concentrating all bus movements • Improved shelter and waiting facilities; Shared Transport Priorities RUNCORN BUSWAY STUDY which will benefit from the work. • Improved pedestrian routes to increase on one section of the busway to (STP’s) affected: STP 1, 2, 4. • Installation of passenger help points; accessibility between communities and facilitate interchange. The Runcorn Busway provides access and employment areas and facilities. Targets Affected: BVPI 102, for buses to many residential areas in Runcorn that would otherwise be 5.3.1 Local Safety Schemes Schemes will include improved crossing 103; LTP 1; L1, 7, 9, 12. Following consultation with the • Improved pedestrian crossing and provision incorporating fully accessible commercial owners of Halton Lea, the circulation areas; and difficult to serve off the highway Shared Transport Priorities facilities for the mobility impaired and These measures will promote the use of Council is progressing a scheme to network. During the period of LTP1 • Improved pedestrian links between the (STP’s) affected: STP 3. better signing provision; public transport to make it more upgrade the two existing bus stations extensive work was undertaken on the accessible. Measures will include: bus station and key attractions within Runcorn Busway including: bus stop Targets Affected: BVPI 99a, to offer an enhanced quality waiting • New Greenways, comprising 3m wide the town centre. improvements comprising border kerbs 99b, 99c; LTP 3, 4a, 4b; L6. • Measure to improve mobility including environment at both bus stations shared used footpath/cycleways in off- and improved accessibility through advice and help for people accessing featuring:- road locations and adjacent to Greenoakes Bus Station - Widnes improved crossing provision, and Local safety schemes will be work and services, and measures to • Improved lighting and CCTV coverage; carriageways; During the second LTP period, the clearing overgrown vegetation to implemented on the basis of accident promote travel plans; and • Improved shelter including automatic Council and partners are planning reduce the fear of crime. The heavily analysis and targeted appropriately at • Improvements to Public Rights of Way • Improved provision of public transport glass doors on the bus bays; further improvements to passenger trafficked lengths of the Busway are sites, areas and accident types with including footpaths and bridleways. information. facilities at Greenoakes Bus Station now substantially complete and there is accident number or rate. Some of • More accessible bus bays to ensure including:- a need to reassess the future of the these schemes may be incorporated The development of the programme of level boarding between the kerb and Busway and its ability to serve the into Quality Transport Corridor route improvements to pedestrian routes, the bus; • Improved information and installation surrounding areas before any further (see 5.3.9) and area Improvements and in particular Public Rights of Way, 5.3.5 Traffic Signal Upgrades of electronic information/ ticketing • Improved seating and more attractive work is undertaken on the Busway. The thereby enhancing the benefits of will be heavily influenced by the Public machines; Shared Transport Priorities waiting areas; study will investigate: schemes through combining them. Rights of Way Improvement Plan (see (STP’s) affected: STP 1, 2, 3, 4. • Improved passenger waiting facilities Measures will include: Section 3.1.4 and Primary Transport • Better information including real time • The significant problems associated including improved shelters and Strategy No. 11). Targets Affected: BVPI 99a, passenger information; with the Busway in relation to crime • signing and lining improvements; seating; and 99b, 99c, 102, 165; LTP 3, 4a, and the fear of crime due to its isolated • Electronic passenger help points; • junction improvements; 4b, 5; L3, 4. • Installation of electronic passenger help nature and the relatively low levels of • Improved emergency evacuation points. passing traffic; • safety fencing predominantly on the Traffic signal improvements will be facilities; and unprotected lengths of central undertaken at key junctions requiring

82 83 • The impact of existing and future We also intend to purchase a fleet of BC is installing real time passenger • Alterations to the station access to positive impact on reducing the effects a number of sources including developments along the Busway; and lowfloor buses that will be made information on a key bus corridor in improve visibility and safety; of congestion resulting from unplanned European Regional Development Fund available to bus and community based north Widnes linking Farnworth to incidents on the bridge. and grants from the North West • The options for further improving and • An extension to the existing car park to operators. Widnes Town Centre. This will also Development Agency. altering the Busway to best serve the increase capacity; and complete two major cross boundary needs of residents and tackle the Case Study: real time information schemes with • Improvements to the north side The schemes being supported include: problems associated with crime. A56/EASTERN EXPRESSWAY Merseytravel enabling full route real platform including a ramped access Weates Close – Halebank (Widnes IMPROVEMENTS • Widnes Waterfront Economic time information to be introduced on that will provide wheelchair access to Accessible Measures Local Service Improvements) Development Zone – pedestrian, cycle the Merseytravel SMART services 61 the platform. This junction is heavily over capacity IMPROVED BUS SERVICE LINKS and bus stops provision to Tanhouse BUS STOP UPGRADE (Liverpool – Huyton – Prescot – and improvements are proposed to the Lane and improvements to the Widnes PROGRAMME AND TO LIVERPOOL JOHN LENNON Whiston Hospital – Widnes – Runcorn) roundabout junction to increase Eastern Bypass/Fiddlers Ferry Road ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENTS AIRPORT operated by Halton Borough Transport BEECHWOOD STATION capacity together with a widening of the single carriageway, between Junction which is over capacity; In January 2006 Arriva (North West and Ltd, and Merseytravel SMART service (DESIGN) The Bus Stop Upgrade Programme will Daresbury Science Park Roundabout Wales) introduced an improved new 17 linking St. Helens to Widnes • Castlefields Regeneration – pedestrian be undertaken on the bus network In conjunction with Merseytravels and the A56, to dual carriageway. The bus service linking Runcorn and Widnes operated jointly by Arriva and Halton and cycle improvements within the outside Quality Transport Corridors and Major Scheme Bid for Halton Curve, scheme will result in reduced to the rapidly expanding Liverpool John Borough Transport Ltd. regeneration area; and will be targeted towards bus stops in design work will be undertaken for the congestion and delay at the junction Lennon Airport. The new service 82 A poor condition that require construction of a proposed station at and also enable further regeneration • Widnes Town Centre – Pedestrian and provides a 20 minute Monday to As part of the “Kickstart” funded improvement. The programme will Beechwood. Construction of this opportunities in the East Runcorn area. Cycle improvements. Saturday daytime service, and an scheme, Halton Borough Transport Ltd, also provide raised boarder kerbs to station will not take place during LTP2 Over half of the funding for this hourly evening and Sunday service have dramatically improved the enable easier access for the mobility and would be undertaken during scheme will come from developer using new low floor fully accessible daytime frequency of the service 61 on impaired. 20011/12 to 2015/16 (LTP3) subject to contributions and the remainder from 5.3.9 Quality Transport buses. Launches as part of the new the section of route linking Farnworth a successful bid for funding, statutory the LTP. Corridor Improvements “Strider” network in the Borough, this to Widnes town centre. This scheme procedures and agreement with the new improved service helps meet a key also includes improved accessible bus Network Rail and the train operating Three Quality Transport schemes (See gap in the existing public transport stops and passenger waiting facilities. companies. Appendix 1 PTS 12) are proposed for network as identified in the Halton implementation over the period of the Over the period of the second Halton Access Plan, and helps improve the plan: frequency of services on the key LTP the Council and its partners will 5.3.8 Other Schemes • Runcorn Town Centre – Widnes Station Halebank to Widnes Quality Corridor seek to expand the real time information system on a further 3 key Quality Transport Corridor; which will be the focus of further Shared Transport Priorities bus corridors within the Borough as improvements during the course of the (STP’s) affected: STP 1, 2, 3, 4. • Grange and Halton Brook Quality second Halton LTP. well as trailing SMS texting of bus Transport Zone; and service information.” Targets Affected: BVPI 99a, 99b, 99c, 178; LTP 2, 3; L3, 4. • Ditton and Hale Bank Quality Transport In addition the council will introduce an Corridor; integrated transport procurement Include “Its Time You Knew” publicity. ACCESSIBLE BUSES DIRECT CONTRIBUTIONS TO package to increase the quality of in addition to the works proposed for The comprehensive Accessibility service afforded to vulnerable groups “Halton BC will also look for SILVER JUBILEE BRIDGE VARIABLE REGENERATION SCHEMES the Busway (Section 5.3.6). Planning Exercise undertaken by the and maximise efficiencies in the opportunities to introduce real time bus MESSAGE SIGNING (WALKING, CYCLING AND BUS Council has identified a number of deployment of services. passenger information on key cross This scheme will comprise the INFRASTRUCTURE) weak links within the bus network that boundary corridors into Warrington All these schemes will include as a installation of a network of variable Funding will be directed towards a result in some areas of the Borough and Cheshire with Warrington MBC minimum: message signing in advance of the number of schemes both within and on having poor accessibility. One of the and Cheshire County Council • Bus stop improvements along the REAL TIME PASSENGER approaches to the Silver Jubilee Bridge, the approaches to the regeneration ways the Council will address this corridor or within the zone including INFORMATION together with a traffic monitoring suite. areas in the Borough. The prime aim problem is through a review of the the provision of bus boarder kerbs, This will enable incidents and being to assist regeneration initiatives subsidised bus services that operate Building on the successful introduction improved information and where 5.3.7 Rail Station roadworks to be better managed by and improve access to these areas. All within the Borough to better cover of Real Time Bus Passenger Information appropriate a new bus shelter and Improvements providing ‘real time’ based advice on these schemes are match funded from on a key cross boundary bus corridor improved bus services; these weak links. This, however, will alternative routes. This will have a during the first LTP period. Halton will not be enough to address all of the Shared Transport Priorities • The provision of measures to improve seek to work with neighbouring problems identified within the (STP’s) affected: STP 1, 2, 4. walking, including dropped crossing authorities to extend this important Accessibility Study. Therefore, the Targets Affected: LTP1, 2, 5. and tactile paving; Council will purchase a fleet of low initiative to other key bus corridors within the Borough during the period • The provision of cycle routes, improved floor mini buses that will be tendered / HOUGH GREEN STATION of the second LTP. cycle crossing points and where leased out to bus operators / IMPROVEMENTS community transport operators to appropriate cycle parking; and As part of the north Widnes “Kickstart” This scheme will comprise accessibility provide improved services to cover the • Signing improvements and general scheme which is funded over a three improvements to Hough Green Station gaps within the network. highway safety measures. year period (2006/7 to 2008/9), Halton including:

84 85 The background of these schemes is Runcorn and Widnes Stations. DITTON AND HALEBANK detailed below together with the QUALITY TRANSPORT proposed extent of works and the types The scheme will coordinate with CORRIDOR of measures to be introduced: regeneration works in the Runcorn Town Centre, a possible Streetscapes The Ditton Housing Area and the project on Victoria Road, proposed Halebank area will, throughout the RUNCORN TOWN CENTRE– improvements at Widnes Station, a period of LTP2, be undergoing WIDNES STATION QUALITY proposed traffic management scheme significant regeneration, together with TRANSPORT CORRIDOR in Charles Street and other the adjoining Ditton Strategic Rail regeneration works. Freight Park (DSRFP). The quality This scheme is designed to improve corridor improvements will provide sustainable transport links along a north improved links between these – south transport link of the borough, THE GRANGE AND HALTON developing areas and to the wider connecting Runcorn and Widnes town BROOK QUALITY TRANSPORT borough. centres, as well as linking Runcorn and ZONE Widnes Railway Stations. It will also The scheme will comprise bus, walking provide improved access to many of This scheme is concentrated on the and cycling improvements and in the wards with low car ownership housing areas of the Grange and addition measures will be investigated including West Bank, Kingsway, and Halton Brook and will provide improved to improve: Appleton, as well as Farnworth. (See transport links within the area. • A safe routes to school scheme at Quality Corridor Plan over the page.) Oakfield School; and The scheme will include measures to In addition to the bus, walking and improves bus provision, walking and • Measures to address scattered cycling improvements proposed for all cycling and in addition will involve the accidents within the area, specifically the quality corridors and zones, this investigation of: along Coronation Road, and the treatment of an accident problem at scheme will also investigate: • Improved cycle links with the Runcorn the junction of Ditchfield Road and • Junction improvements at Kingsway Cycleway Network; Hale Road. and Milton Road junction to assist • The provision of an at grade crossing buses; over the spur road as an alternative to • The provision of improved cycling an underused footbridge; and PRIORITISATION OF QUALITY facilities on the SJB and its approaches; • A Local Safety Scheme to treat TRANSPORT CORRIDORS AND • The provision of a left-turn lane from accidents at the ‘S’ bend on Halton ZONES Milton Road (east) to Kingsway; Brook Avenue. The schemes have been prioritised as • The provision of safe routes to school follows: Works will be undertaken in initiatives at schools along the quality conjunction with housing and district corridor, including measures on routes centre regeneration schemes in the to Widnes Sixth Form College; and CONSULTATION area. • The implementation of a Local Safety The detail of the schemes is subject to Scheme to tackle accidents at The scheme will tie in with Quality further investigation and design work Kingsway/Moor Lane Roundabout. Transport Corridor works undertaken and the outcomes of consultations on Boston Avenue and Heath Road undertaken with residents and A key element of this scheme will be to during LTP1. businesses affected by the improve bus/rail interchange at improvements.

SCHEME Priority Programmed year of implementation*

Runcorn Town Centre – Widnes Station Quality 1 2006/07 to 2010/11 Transport Corridor;

Grange and Halton Brook Quality Transport Zone; and 2 2007/08 to 2008/09

Ditton and Hale Bank Quality Transport Corridor; 3 2009/10 to 2010/11

*Note: Dates for implementing scheme are provisional and subject to consultation, alterations resulting from detailed design and available funding.

86 87 5.4 LTP2 INTEGRATED i) Action for Sustainability (AfS) iii) Employment, Life-long learning and and it’s ‘Value for Money’, a further TRANSPORT PACKAGE – Toolkit and Programme; skills in Halton; analysis has been undertaken. ‘FIT FOR PURPOSE’ ii) Regional Spatial Strategy; iv) Halton’s children and young people; Inspection of Table 11 reveals that there and ASSESSMENT iii) Regional Economic Strategy; and are a number of common factors v) Safer Halton. between the different priorities Throughout our LTP, reference is made iv) Regional Housing Strategy to the fact that transport is not an end identified. To avoid inappropriate weighting, each element has been in itself, but can have a major impact The methodology also took account of assessed against a list of primary on the delivery of a broad range of the Shared Transport Priorities and criteria, which has been developed policies and objectives associated with Public Service Agreement targets and is from the priorities in Table XX(11). such diverse matters as social inclusion, known as the Regional Financial planning, the economy and the Assessment (RFA). environment. The results of this work can be seen in Table xx, which identifies the prioritised These matters have been grouped into elements of the programme. It therefore follows that any schemes three assessment categories: and interventions proposed must be carefully scrutinised to ensure that they i) Economic Growth; effectively contribute to the delivery of ii) Environmental Protection and national, regional and local priorities Enhancement; and and offer value for money, prior to It can be seen that these priorities entry into our programme for the iii) Social Inclusion provide a consistency of approach and period 2006/07 to 2010/11. a focus on those issues which should be addressed/supported through transport In order to assess broad fit with the improvements in Halton. The wide range of priorities, each area of contribution each element of the work within the Integrated Transport programme makes to the different Programme, has been assessed against priority areas has been summated in the following: Table XX(11).

• National Priorities – These are the four It is evident from Table XX(11) that the transport priorities agreed between interventions proposed within our national and local government, which capital programme provide excellent form the fundamental base for our coverage of the assessment criteria for Local Transport Plan. The Priorities are: The RFA assessment has now been the national, regional and local Tackling Congestion; Improving completed and the listing of prioritised priorities and as such can be deemed Accessibility; Safer Roads; and Better Air schemes submitted to Government for ‘Fit For Purpose’. The table also clearly Quality. These priorities are discussed consideration. highlights transport’s fundamental role in detail in Section 3; in the achievement of social, economic To ensure consistency with the RFA and environmental goals and confirms Halton has used a similar system to our Council’s philosophy in ensuring • Regional Priorities – The North West access the degree of ‘Fit For Purpose’ that transport is integral in the Regional Development Agency (NWDA) of each element within its ‘Integrated development of its policies, which has commissioned consultants to Transport’ programme. impact daily on people’s lives. develop a methodology to meet the requirements of the Government’s Table XX summates the results of the Planning Policy Statement 11: Regional exercise undertaken, by indicating the 5.5 PRIORITISATION OF Spatial Strategies (PSS11). This objectives and priorities each element INTEGRATED TRANSPORT guidance requires the development of a addresses. Regional Transport Strategy (RTS), PROGRAMME ELEMENT which indicates regional objectives and • Local Priorities – Halton Borough The assessment described in Section priorities for transport investment and Council and its Local Strategic 5.4 provides sound evidence that the management to support the spatial Partnership have, after extensive programme of interventions proposed strategy and the delivery of national consultations, agreed a set of new during LTP2, comprehensively transport policies. The emerging priorities as follows: addresses national, regional and local methodology was based on a policy led objectives. approach utilising on relevant policy i) Health Halton; objectives from the following key ii) Halton’s Urban Renewal; To assess the relative importance of regional policy documents: each element within the programme,

88 89 Regeneration ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Regeneration ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Imp. Imp. Expressway Expressway A56/Eastern A56/Eastern ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Silver Silver Jubilee Jubilee Bridge VMS Bridge VMS ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Rail Rail (Internally) Improvements Improvements ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Bus Bus & Initiatives & Initiatives Infrastructure Infrastructure ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Transport Transport Initiatives Initiatives Integrated Integrated 2006/7 – 2010/2011 Programme Elements 2006/7 – 2010/2011 Programme Elements 2010/2011 Programme 2006/7 – ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Cycling Cycling ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Walking Walking ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Local Local Safety Safety • Healthy Halton • Urban Renewal Halton’s • Employment, Life-Long Learning & Skills in Halton • People Children & Young Halton’s • Safer Halton Env 2 - Will the intervention protect Env 2 - Will designated areas of natural environmental value? the intervention protect local air Env 3 - Will quality? the intervention protect land Env 4 - Will quality (e.g. promotes brownfield sites, helps reclaim/recycle derelict or contaminated sites) the intervention address the need Env 5 - Will to limit climate change? Env 6 - Does the intervention help make best use of existing infrastructure? • Social the intervention help deliver Soc 1 - Will urban renaissance? the intervention help deliver rural Soc 2 - Will renaissance? the intervention promote social Soc 3 - Will inclusion? the intervention improve Soc 4 - Will accessibility to key services and facilities for all? the intervention promote Soc 5 - Will healthier lifestyles? the intervention support housing Soc 6 - Will renewal initiatives? the intervention improve safety? Soc 7 - Will Local Priorities Priorities Addressed Priorities: Shared Transport • Congestion Tackling • Delivering accessibility • Safer Roads • Better Air Quality Regional Priorities: • Economic the intervention improve Econ 1 - Will business competitiveness? the intervention support Econ 2 - Will business clusters, as specified in RES the intervention support Econ 3 - Will knowledge-based industries? the intervention support Econ 4 - Will identified areas of inward investment? the intervention support access Econ 5 - Will to assisted areas and European Funding eligible Areas? the intervention improve the Econ 6 - Will the region both within image of its locality, and externally? the intervention support Econ 7 - Will existing and promote new tourism & recreation locations? the intervention support the Econ8 - Will economic vitality of existing centres? • Environmental the intervention protect places & Env 1 - Will buildings of historic, cultural & architectural value? SUMMARY OF BENEFITS OF TRANSPORT SCHEMES AND INTERVENTIONS (TABLE XX) (TABLE AND INTERVENTIONS SCHEMES TRANSPORT OF BENEFITS OF SUMMARY

90 91 5.6 PROPOSALS FOR USE OF • Support the purchase of a fleet of ADDITIONAL FUNDING accessible vehicles for Halton Community Transport, and In December 2005, the Government notified Halton that due to the quality • Address Public Rights of Way of both its ‘Provisional LTP2 and 2005 improvements Annual Progress Report, received • Improve the accessibility and quality of

Schemes funding of £422,000. This funding has services offered to vulnerable groups Regeneration Regeneration Contr. To To Contr. been used to address the reduction in • Enhance works on quality corridors the planning guideline fig from

£1,779,000 to £1,689,000, following a distributor Upton Lane Lane Upton recalculation based on a formula

approach.

Expressway Imps Expressway

A56/Eastern LTP2 MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME 2006/07 TO 2010/11 (£’000) (TABLE XX)

Message Signing Message SCHEME TYPE/DESCRIPTION 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 Total SJB Variable Variable SJB measures that combine walking, cycling and Public and cycling combine walking, that measures improvements Transport Busway have been on the Runcorn Once studies assessment will be a Junction priority completed for of funds to consider the reallocation undertaken identified. any initiatives to the A56, Upton Lane and The funding allocations are only contributions to the Regeneration Schemes these Projects. total investment on

Road Maintenance:

Improvements Rail Station Rail Structural Maintenance of Carriageways 623 501 525 550 575 2,774 Independent Footpath Network 84 90 95 100 105 474

Footway Reconstruction 254 305 325 345 370 1,599

Accessible Buses Accessible

Upgrades Lighting 169 160 165 170 180 844 Traffic signal signal Traffic Cycleways 34 30 32 35 40 171

Total for Roads 1,164 1,086 1,142 1,200 1,270 5,862

Transport Integrated Integrated Bridge Assessment,

Strengthening and Maintenance: Bus Interchanges Bus Bridge Assessment 80 20 5 105

Bridge Strengthening 262** 100 110 110 120 702 Cycling Bridge Maintenance (on SJB Complex and Associated Bridges) 622 760 810 860 890 3,942 Minor Bridge Works (on SJB Complex

its deliverability within the currency of LTP2 and the and of LTP2 currency within the its deliverability in the measures a balance to achieve need on that whilst work It therefore follows undertaken. seen to have a high Corridors can be the Quality or that all funding can mean this doesn’t priority, it of measure. What targeted to this type should be is seen this type of work is that however, does mean, and that its needs will be as a priority for investment of the funding made met, within the context available. for quality corridors results The high score achieved from implementing from the benefits accrued Walking and Associated Bridges) 78 85 85 89 87 424 Other Bridges Works 68 80 85 90 100 423 Total for Bridges 1,110 1,045 1,095 1,149 1,197 5,596

Quality Corridors Quality Total for Highway Maintenance 2,274* 2,131 2,237 2,349 2,467 11,458

Schemes Local Safety Safety Local *Confirmed **Includes £185,000 of additinal funding for A533 Floodbrook Underpass and A5126 Rocksavage Viaduct.

IGHWAY AINTENANCE STRUCTURAL MAINTENANCE Improvements 5.8 H M 5.8.1 Road Maintenance Bus Route Bus MEASURES TO BE OF CARRIAGEWAYS Shared Transport Priorities IMPLEMENTED 2006/07 (STP’s) affected: STP 1, 3 & The indicative block allocation for

TO 2010/11 STP4. maintenance over the period of LTP2 Real Time Real shows a fall of 10% when compared to Table XX indicates the proposal Targets Affected: BVPI 99a, 99b, the block allocation received over the maintenance programme for LTP2. 99c, 100, 178, 187, 223, 224a period of LTP1. This fall in funding and 224b; LTP3 and L11 & 13. levels will have, in real terms, a The following sections identify the significant impact on the maintenance proposed works to be undertaken schemes in the Borough and this will during LTP2 and highlights a number Criteria CongestionAccessibility 1Safer Roads 3Air Quality 0 3Economy 4 1Environment 0 2Social Inclusion 0 1 3 3 2Regeneration 5 4Health 2 2 2 4 4 0TOTAL 3 2 2 2 3 3 4 0 2 1 11 3 0 2 3 4 3 0 2 19 3 1 4 1 3 4 4 3 2 20 0 3 2 1 3 4 3 29 2 3 1 2 2 2 2 23 4 2 2 4 2 2 2 23 1 2 3 5 1 5 0 19 3 2 1 1 3 1 0 1 18 3 1 2 1 1 2 4 0 2 12 2 5 1 2 2 1 2 16 2 0 2 1 2 2 2 17 0 1 1 1 1 0 16 2 4 1 1 2 2 0 19 1 4 1 0 0 1 0 9 3 2 1 2 0 14 5 0 1 fall mainly on the Structural of issues of concern. The funding allocated to each element in the The funding allocated XX), is Programme (See Table Integrated Transport priority assessment, but based largely on this for the specific intervention,tempered by the demand Table XX provides a clear indication of the relative indication a clear XX provides Table Capital of the in each work of undertaking benefits seen therefore can be elements. The table Programme an overviewto provide of the value for money their in terms of implementing measures, obtained in nine criteria, that in addressing the relative ability key in tackling national, identified as being have been and objectives. regional and local concerns Maintenance of Carriageways.

92 93 The programmes of work indicated the road system that were originally meet the maintenance needs of the PRIORITISATION OF exception to this being the proposed for implementation during 2006/7, below are what are considered constructed to a reduced specification. Expressway. This was referred to in our EXPRESSWAY NETWORK scheme for Year 1, which requires the based on their maintenance needs. necessary to keep the highway network 2005 APR. In view of this, a scheme in MAINTENANCE WORK full reconstruction of the A56 Preston These works will be funded utilising a in a steady state of maintenance. The Resurfacing/reconstruction works have the over £250,000 category was Brook between the O2 roundabout and combination of the LTP2 Maintenance indicative levels of funding provided also been carried out as part of the over excluded from the LTP1 structural Extensive work has been undertaken on the A533 roundabout. allocation and Halton Borough through the Local Transport Plan block £250,000 category of LTP1 on sections maintenance category for 2005/06. In assessing the maintenance needs of the Council’s revenue budget for allocation for maintenance will not be of the A533 and A562. Recent each of the other years covered by Expressway network, which is detailed maintenance. The prioritised list is enough to fund these schemes and deflectograph results indicate that the LTP1, Halton carried out maintenance in Appendix 1 PTS No. 19. This work PRIORITISED PROGRAMME OF shown below: therefore the programme of works bulk of the Expressway system currently works within this category. Road has involved carrying out condition ROAD MAINTENANCE shown for the Runcorn Expressways will has acceptable residual life. However maintenance allocations are based surveys of the network and utilising SCHEMES OUTSIDE THE EXOR software to determine those likely have to be curtailed. The Council some sections are exhibiting residual upon an authority’s lengths of principal, EXPRESSWAY NETWORK will be looking to seek additional values of between zero and five years. classified non-principal and unclassified areas of carriageway, which are in funding from Government during the The nominal carriageway design life roads and their condition. For principal greatest need of maintenance. The An analysis has also been undertaken of period of the plan. suggested that maintenance would be roads deflectograph results have been resulting prioritised programme, shown the roads that form the highway required between 1995 and 2000 and used. If the indicative figures were not below, has been developed on the network, outside of the Expressway so these results are not surprising. A adjusted to take account of an annual assumption that the sections identified Network. This work has again involved MEDIUM TERM CARRIAGEWAY scanner survey has now been scheme of £450,000 within the over will only require a Surface extensive road condition surveys and MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME – completed for the whole of the £250,000 category, Halton would be Course/Binder Course Overlay to return the use of EXOR computer software to RUNCORN EXPRESSWAY Principal Road Network. This indicates unable to resist the deteriorating nature them to a 20+ year residual life. The determine a further list of roads ranked SYSTEM significant levels of cracking and rutting of the Expressway network which and corresponds with previous would result in an upward spiral of the The Runcorn Expressway road network deflectograph results. BVPI’s. EXPRESSWAY NETWORK - PROGRAMME OF IDENTIFIED SCHEMES (TABLE XX) evolved as part of the Runcorn New Town Master Plan. Design and All of the Expressway system can be The Expressway Strategy is currently YEAR LOCATION BUDGET EST. PRIORITY construction began in the late 1960’s expected to show similar deterioration being developed by the Council’s and construction largely took place over the next five years to the degree Consultants and is shown in Appendix 1. 2006/07 A56 Preston Brook £389,000 1 between 1970 and 1975. The majority that substantial works will be required. Full reconstruction and footway improvements of the network comprises dual The most recent scheme carried out in Weston Expressway (SJB to Bankes Lane Interchange) South Bound carriageways with grade-separated 2007/08 £500,000 2 2004/05 on the A56 is indicative of this Surface Course/Binder Course Overlay junctions. Forming a figure of eight deterioration. Phase 2 was scheduled including a section of single for 2006/07. 2008/09 Weston Expressway (Bankes Lane Interchange to Rocksavage £432,000 3 carriageway of the A56, it links Interchange) South Bound Junctions 11 and 12 of the M56 with In 2005/06 it was agreed that a Surface Course/Binder Course Overlay the Silver Jubilee Bridge and the M62, comprehensive study should take place Bridgewater Expressway (SJB to Sea Lane Underpass) East Bound thus forming the major part of a 2009/10 £451,000 4 to formulate a proactive approach to Surface Course/Binder Course Overlay strategic network. Weston Expressway (Rocksavage Interchange to Bankes Lane 2010/2011 £434,000 5 Cheshire County maintained the Interchange) North Bound Expressway system until LGR in 1998. Surface Course/Binder Course Overlay Halton has carried out maintenance since that time as a Unitary Authority. The maintenance regime under Cheshire was very limited. OTHER ROADS - PROGRAMME OF SCHEMES FOR 2006/07 (TABLE XX)

Since LGR, Halton has begun to address ROAD NAME LENGTH ROAD NAME LENGTH ROAD NAME LENGTH priority works on the Expressway. (M) (M) (M) Substantial deterioration in Scrim values Russell Road, Runcorn 40 Kershaw Street, Widnes 60 Warrington Road, Widnes 20 resulted in a programme to ‘surface Chestnut Avenue, Widnes 20 Brookdale, Widnes 20 Lowerhouse Lane, Widnes 96 dress’ a number of sections, which was Cost/Resident Life successful in recovering values to an Chestnut Avenue, Widnes 20 Mount Pleasant, Widnes 21 Deacon Road, Widnes 20 acceptable level. Significant repairs Cypress Avenue, Widnes 40 Crown Avenue, Widnes 20 Leigh Avenue, Widnes 240 were also undertaken to address failed Kershaw Street, Widnes 20 Deacon Road, Widnes 80 Lugsdale Road, Widnes 60 median strips and hard shoulders on Bankfield Road, Widnes 20 Hale Road, Widnes 180 Hale Road, Widnes 144 Princes Place, Widnes 60 Derby Road, Widnes 40 Station Road, Runcorn 46 Rowland Avenue, Runcorn 20 Heath Road, Runcorn 40 Hale Road, Widnes 240 Beaufort Close, Runcorn 81 Windmill Lane, Runcorn 20 Years

94 95 5.8.2 Independent Footpath 5.8.5 Bridge Assessment, on-going major maintenance works part. However, the vast majority of terms of escalating maintenance costs, Network and Footway Strengthening and required on the bridge. The Council is these risks will be managed through traffic disruption and possible closure of Reconstruction Maintenance soon to submit a Major Scheme bid for contingency planning either through the crossing. these works in XXXXXXX. Without this implementing revised schemes or • The Expressway system in Runcorn additional funding there are potentially alternatives. The control process The type of works that will be which was constructed over a relatively severe consequences in terms of traffic identified in Para 5.1 will be used to undertaken on the independent BRIDGE ASSESSMENT short period of time is starting to show disruption and maintenance cost identify potential problems early. footpath network and footways will signs of deterioration. Without prompt All Halton Borough Council bridges escalations on this strategically generally involve: and proactive action to prevent this have now been assessed to establish important crossing. There are, however, two areas of the deterioration, funding requirements will • Overlay and slurry sealing of footpath their ability to carry the 40 tonne maintenance programme that are of rise markedly during the period of LTP2. and footway; and European vehicle. Of the 19 Network Funding in the region of £3.8m from concern: This could result in large sections of the Rail bridges, there are three for which the block allocation for maintenance • Full reconstruction of areas that have • The programme of works contained Expressway network being in poor the formal 40 tonne load assessment is will support the major scheme work suffered severe deterioration. within the 10 year strategy for the condition and would impact on traffic still on-going. These bridges were throughout the period of LTP2. initially identified as assessment failures Silver Jubilee Bridge Complex (Appendix flows and road safety. Prioritisation of Works – The works but are currently undergoing a more 5 of the Local Transport Plan) requires undertaken in this category will be Prioritisation of Works – The following refined analysis in expectation of an significant additional Major It could also result in a reallocation of prioritised on the basis of condition, schemes have been prioritised for increase in their assessed capacity. Due Maintenance Funding. Failure to funds from other maintenance budgets footfall and claim rates. This will implementation using the block to the backlog of work nationally on obtain additional funding for this to address problems as they arise. enable funding to be focused on areas allocation funding for 2006/07: the assessment and strengthening of scheme will have serious consequences of greatest need and as such minimise Network Rail structures, it is difficult to • High Street Bridge: Waterproofing and in both the short and medium term in claims against the Council, due to trips. predict when this would be finalised, Surfacing - £108,000; and but it is not envisaged that this would • Silver Jubilee Bridge: Painting (Y5-L2) - 5.8.3 Street Lighting extend beyond the early part of LTP2 £352,000 (part funding for scheme). and during 2006/07 £150,000 has The majority of this funding will be been allocated towards funding this allocated towards the replacement of work. MINOR BRIDGE WORKS (ON high-mast lighting on the Expressway SJB COMPLEX AND network with standard lighting ASSOCIATED BRIDGES) columns. This will significantly reduce BRIDGE STRENGTHENING This budget allows for prioritised minor the future maintenance burden of these There are still a number of bridges works on the SJB Complex including structures. within the Borough that require emergency repairs and other minor TWO FULL strengthening including those currently schemes outside the scope of the 10 Prioritisation of Works – Each year PAGE ‘NATA’ being assessed by Network Rail. year strategy for the bridge. programme of works will be developed, TABLE TO BE based on visual inspections of the high- Prioritisation of Works – During INSERTED mast lighting columns and an 2006/07, two schemes have been OTHER BRIDGES WORKS assessment of their residual life, to prioritised for implementation. These provide a prioritised listing. being: Throughout the period of LTP2, limited maintenance works (as identified and • Floodbrook underpass; and prioritised by a cycle of general 5.8.4 Cycleways • Calvers. inspection using Bridge Condition Indicator methodology) will be The funding for this category will be Further schemes will be identified as undertaken for the 183 structures targeted towards the structural work on the assessments continue. outside the SJB Complex and associated maintenance of cycleways within the bridges. Borough. BRIDGE MAINTENANCE (ON SJB Prioritisation of Works – Each year COMPLEX AND ASSOCIATED 5.9 RISKS TO DELIVERY OF THE a prioritised programme of works will be prepared, based on a survey of the BRIDGES) INTEGRATED TRANSPORT condition of the cycleways and the The planned programme of works on AND MAINTENANCE need to undertake structural the SJB Complex and Associated PROGRAMMES maintenance. Bridges is detailed in Appendix 5 of the There are a number of areas of both Local Transport Plan. This programme the Minor Works and Maintenance is heavily reliant on Major Scheme Programmes that have inherent risks of funding being made available for the not being delivered either in whole or

96 97 5.11COMPLEMENTARY indicative of future levels of funding. services that are socially necessary, but TRANSPORT FUNDING cannot be provided on a commercial The strategies contained within this basis. Collectively these services are PROVIDED BY HALTON Plan highlight the importance of the known as the ‘Supported Bus Network’ BOROUGH COUNCIL role of ‘soft’ options in achieving our and usually cater for evening periods Halton recognises the importance of transport objectives. Increasingly, and Sundays. During 2005/06, a total maintaining revenue transport emphasis is being placed on the need of £638,000 was allocated for the investment to support and complement to comprehensively publicise the supported bus network. The second capital expenditure on transport facilities available in order to ensure category ensures that the travel needs infrastructure. Experience has shown maximum use and to win over hearts of vulnerable groups are met. This is that failure to adequately maintain and minds to the step changes required achieved through providing a grant to infrastructure results in unnecessary in attitudes to travel. Travel planning, Halton Community Transport (HCT), for early replacement and incurs increased training, advice and support all play key accessible transport for disabled people, costs and disruption and delays to roles in persuading and enabling ‘Women’s Safe Transport’ and Dial-a- highway users. A sound maintenance people to use sustainable transport and Ride bus services. The grant to HCT regime is therefore central to ensuring will be enhanced, whenever possible, was in the sum of £124,000 during value for money from capital during LTP2. 2005/06. In addition, to these sums investment and in the efficient use of Halton allocated £XXXXXXX to provide resources. Our Shared Transport Priority for Safer transport to meet the education and Roads has been refocused to recognise social needs of Halton’s vulnerable It is for this reason that concerns have the role of Road Safety Education, adults and children. been raised in Para 5.8.1 with regard to Training and Publicity (RSET&P) in the reduction, during LTP2, in the levels addressing our road casualty records. Other areas where Halton provides of funding to be provided by the RSET&P has been successfully used revenue to complement LTP funding Government for road maintenance during LTP1 to complement highway includes Traffic Management. This area within Halton. It is evident that this safety measures and to help achieve the of work can range from signing and lack of investment will ultimately lead huge improvements in Halton’s road lining initiatives to the introduction of to deterioration in the quality of our safety record. However, due to a traffic regulation orders to control and roads and costly early reconstruction. reduction in the availability of casualty prescribe traffic movements. Essentially It is not possible at this stage to hotspots, which are susceptible to the schemes involve low cost measures, specifically indicate the revenue physical improvements, greater but can be extremely efficient in funding that Halton will be able to emphasis is now being placed on reducing congestion and delays and allocate for the maintenance of roads changing attitudes and behaviour to addressing road safety issues. During and bridges during the life of LTP2. reduce casualties further. 2005/06, £53,000 was spent on Traffic Halton has, however, demonstrated its Management in Halton. commitment to maintaining the quality These soft options are generally of our highway infrastructure during provided from Halton’s own revenue Table XX on page XX provides a LTP1 and it can be assumed that such resources, but are sometimes supported summary of the benefits resulting from commitment will continue throughout by our partners. Halton also utilises the works identified above. LTP2. extensive revenue funding to enhance the commercial bus network. In Table XX indicates the level of revenue general, this support falls into two main maintenance funding allocated by categories of service provision. The first Halton during 2005/06, which is involves providing funding for those

98 99 The following table provides an indication of the range of measures funded by Halton and our partners, during 2005/2006. REVENUE SPEND DURING 2005/06 (TABLE XX) The table is sub-divided into three main areas, which are key to supporting the delivery of LTP2. The values shown are indicative of the level of funding, which is expected to continue. MEASURE SPEND

TABLE YY INDICATIVE REVENUE FUNDING, BASED ON 2005/06 ALLOCATIONS

INITIATIVE COST (£000) FUNDER Sustainable and Accessible Travel Transport Co-ordination Salaries 416 Halton Borough Council Neighbourhood Travel Team (incl, materials) 138 Halton Borough Council/LSP/DfES Travel Training 14 Learning Skills Council Public Transport Publicity & Marketing 27 Halton Borough Council Grant to Halton Community Transport 124 Halton Borough Council Vulnerable Children & Young People Travel * Halton Borough Council Vulnerable Adults Travel * Halton Borough Council Supported Bus Network 638 Halton Borough Council

Road Safety & Traffic Management Road Safety & Traffic Management Salaries 333 Halton Borough Council School Crossing Patrol Service 99 Halton Borough Council Road Safety Education, Training & Publicity 18 Halton Borough Council Traffic Management 53 Halton Borough Council Kerbcraft 30 DfT SUMMARY OF BENEFITS OF HBC FUNDED TRANSPORT SCHEMES AND INTERVENTIONS (TABLE XX)

Transport Policy & Planning 2006/7 – 2010/2011 Programme Elements Transport Policy & Planning Salaries 303 Halton Borough Council Highway Buses Road Safety Other Maintenance and Traffic Areas LTP Support 56 Halton Borough Council Management Public Rights of Way 9 Halton Borough Council Priorities Addressed Studies 6 Halton Borough Council Shared Transport Priorities: • Tackling Congestion ✓ ✓ ✓ • Delivering accessibility ✓ ✓ ✓ • Safer Roads ✓ ✓ • 2004/5 Outturn fig. approved by the Council as part of its • Better Air Quality ✓ ✓ budget setting process. The review is Table XX provides a summary of a ‘Fit based on levels of income expected for Purpose’ assessment based on the (from both European and Government Regional Priorities: key areas of Revenue spending by grants and Council Tax), the demand • Economic Halton & it’s partners. for new and existing services and the Econ 1 – Will the intervention improve business competitiveness? ✓ ✓ ✓ priorities contained within the Council’s Econ 2 – Will the intervention support business clusters, as ✓ ✓ ✓ Priority Assessment – The priorities Corporate Plan and those of Halton’s specified in RES for investing in each of the areas Local Strategic Partnership’s ✓ ✓ ✓ funded by Halton Council are Community Plan. Econ 3 – Will the intervention support knowledge-based determined by an annual review and industries? Econ 4- Will the intervention support identified areas of inward ✓ ✓ ✓ investment? Continued over

100 101 Table XX continued 5.12PARTNERSHIP FUNDING, the implementation of highway ‘BEFORE & AFTER’ CASE STUDY: MEASURES AND SUPPORT improvements and transport initiatives TRAFFIC CALMING 2006/7 – 2010/2011 Programme Elements is simply a means of achieving Throughout the period of LTP1, the Traffic Calming has been used Highway Buses Road Safety Other improvements in performance across Council has received significant extensively in Halton to help address Maintenance and Traffic Areas the broad spectrum of LTP2 transport contributions from our partners the Borough’s severe casualty record. Management objectives, which are targeted in towards developing the transport Section 6. The schemes employed, have drawn Econ5- Will the intervention support access to assisted areas and network within the Borough. heavily on the wide range of relatively European Funding eligible Areas? The success of an implementation low cost tools available, to reduce the ✓ ✓ ✓ Econ6- Will the intervention improve the image of its locality, both The Council has worked in partnership programme cannot be assessed in impact of traffic in sensitive areas. within the region and externally? with many organisations including: terms of its outputs (i.e. number of ✓ ✓ ✓ In 2004, a review of 44 traffic calming Econ 7- Will the intervention support existing and promote new • English Partnerships; schemes implemented). Instead, tourism & recreation locations? measures must be put in place to schemes introduced in Halton between • Europe (through the European Regional 1994 and 2004, was undertaken to Econ8 - Will the intervention support the economic vitality of ✓ ✓ ✓ determine the impact of the Development Fund and the Single determine the overall impact on road existing centres? interventions on the desired outcomes, Regeneration Budget); such as reductions in road casualties casualties. and increases in the use of sustainable • Environmental • The North West Development Agency; transport modes. The study found that the overall value Env1 - Will the intervention protect places & buildings of historic, ✓ ✓ • The Department of Transport; of the benefits of prevention for every cultural & architectural value? year the schemes are in place totals • The Highways Agency; It therefore follows that a rigorous Env2 - - Will the intervention protect designated areas of natural system of monitoring the outcomes of £1,833,034 per year at 2003 rates. environmental value? • The Police; schemes and initiatives must be Using the national ‘value of prevention’ benefit rates, it is the equivalent of 169 Env3- - Will the intervention protect local air quality? ✓ ✓ • Sustrans; undertaken. In Halton, monitoring is slight casualties or 13 serious casualties ✓ carried out as a matter of course to Env4- Will the intervention protect land quality (e.g. promotes • The Local Strategic Partnership; assist in both assessing the effectiveness each year This annual figure of benefits brownfield sites, helps reclaim/recycle derelict or contaminated is more than twice the total amount • The public through Area Forums and of a particular measure and the sites) spent on traffic calming in Halton. Public Consultations; progress towards the achievement of Env5- Will the intervention address the need to limit climate ✓ key targets. The monitoring normally change? ✓ • Developers; and takes the form of ‘before’ and ‘after’ However, the study also showed that ✓ ✓ ✓ Env6- Does the intervention help make best use of existing • Neighbouring Authorities – in particular studies to enable comparisons to be casualty records worsened at 4 sites infrastructure? the Mersey Authorities and made and thereby identify the resulting following the introduction of traffic Merseytravel. benefits. calming, but three of these were early • Social ‘environmental’ type schemes and the fourth, unfortunately suffered an Soc1- Will the intervention help deliver urban renaissance? ✓ ✓ It is expected that the support received Typical applications of ‘before’ and from these and other partnering ‘after’ studies include: accident in the first year after Soc2- Will the intervention help deliver rural renaissance? ✓ ✓ organisations will continue and expand completion. ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ • Assessment of road casualties following Soc3- Will the intervention promote social inclusion? throughout the period of LTP2. the introduction of a safety scheme; Soc4- Will the intervention improve accessibility to key services ✓ ✓ Impact: - To help avoid similar and facilities for all? • Assessment of the level of walking and situations arising and manage the demand for traffic calming schemes, Soc5- Will the intervention promote healthier lifestyles? ✓ 5.13MONITORING OF cycling following improvements to the Council’s current traffic calming ✓ ✓ pedestrian and cycling routes; and Soc6- Will the intervention support housing renewal initiatives? INTERVENTIONS policy requires each scheme to be • Assessment of the increase in bus Soc7- Will the intervention improve safety? ✓ ✓ The 2006/07 to 2010/11 justified against safety based criteria. passenger patronage following the Implementation Programme deals with This requirement is therefore taken into introduction of improved infrastructure a wide range of transport measures that consideration in the preparation of Local Priorities or a new initiative. are prioritised to ensure that maximum schemes for inclusion in both the LTP • Healthy Halton ✓ transport benefits are derived from the programme and that funded by Halton. • Halton’s Urban Renewal ✓ ✓ available financial resources. However, • Employment, Life Long Learning and skills in Halton ✓ ✓ • Halton’s Children and Young People ✓ ✓ ✓ • Safer Halton ✓ ✓ ✓

102 103 104 105 6.0 PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

6.1 INTRODUCTION C - Targets for contributory 6.2 REVIEW OF TARGETS This formal process of performance assessment of potential interventions 6.3 PERFORMANCE INDICATORS output indicators, indicators review enables early identification of and then set a new realistic and TARGETS AND TRIJECTORIES The Shared Transport Priority Strategies measuring the delivery of schemes, In developing the targets for LTP2, we any target that is unlikely to be challenging target in consultation with of the Council are contained within policies or initiatives that, in the continue to recognise that in order to achieved and remedial action to be our partners. Tables 13, 14 and 15 detail the Section 3.0. The performance against opinion of the authority, contribute achieve the challenging targets set, it is taken. If performance is found to be challenging targets that we have set these strategies will be measured towards the achievement of targets in necessary to incorporate the targets below target levels, a thorough review This system provides us with a rigorous ourselves to be achieved during the life through a series of performance the two target above. (See Table 15). into the Council’s Performance is undertaken to identify reasons for and proven approach to managing our of LTP2. The targets are referenced to indicators. Monitoring system. divergence and to consider options to targets and has enabled us to provide the Shared Transport Priorities and the Mandatory indicators are set by the improve performance. An action plan is quality information and achieve the vast local priorities to which they will There are three types of indicator: Government and are used to provide a The relevant targets will therefore be then agreed to bring the target back majority of targets set, as evidenced by contribute towards. nationaI picture of progress on key included in the appropriate on track. our Annual Progress Report. A - Targets for Key outcome areas of performance as well as an Departmental Service Plan, and be indicators, including targets for the indication of how each authority is regularly reviewed and reported to the Once a target has been achieved, we The diagram below outlines the process relevant mandatory indicators required progressing. In order to reflect and Council’s Policy Performance Boards. In undertake a review of the available level for setting and reviewing targets. by Government and any other targets assess the impact of specific transport addition, the targets will be of resources, together with an for indicators that, in the authorities initiatives being undertaken in Halton, a incorporated into the relevant opinion, directly measure the wide range of challenging local Divisional Service Plans, which are achievement of shared priorities. monitored by senior managers of the indicators have also been developed. ESTABLISHMENT AND MONITORING OF TARGETS (See Table 13). Many of the indicators are also used as Department. The Council also has a ‘Best Value Performance Indicators’ system of staff performance review. B - Targets for intermediate (BVPI’s) by the Audit Commission to Individuals are given responsibility to LTP2 OBJECTIVES outcomes, which represent proxies or assess an authorities performance. manage and achieve specific targets milestones towards key outcome and their performance is monitored targets and including targets for The resulting set of indicators provides regularly by line managers and formally relevant mandatory indicators. a mechanism to rigorously test the discussed twice a year. (See Table 14). progress of Halton Borough Council’s LTP2 STRATEGIES transport strategies towards achieving integrated and sustainable transport. CONFIRMED LTP2 FUNDING SETTING OF TARGETS & TRAJECTORIES

SERVICE PLANS DELIVERY OF LTP2 PROGRAMME AND OTHER WORKS AND INTERVENTIONS STAFF REVIEWS

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT

ROGRAMME P TARGET CHAMPIONS MANAGER ANAGEMENT

M REVIEW

POLICY PERFORMANCE SENIOR MANAGEMENT ROACTIVE BOARDS P

REMEDIAL ACTION

106 107 TARGETS FOR KEY OUTCOME INDICATORS (TABLE 13) (TABLE INDICATORS OUTCOME FOR KEY TARGETS

108 109 Continued overleaf TARGETS FOR CONTRIBUTORY OUTPUT INDICATORS (TABLE 15) (TABLE CONTRIBUTORY OUTPUT INDICATORS FOR TARGETS TARGETS FOR INTERMEDIATE INDICATORS (TABLE 14) (TABLE INDICATORS FOR INTERMEDIATE TARGETS

110 111 Local Priority ✓ ✓ Better Air Quality ✓ ✓ Congestion Accessibility Safer Roads 16) ABLE (T ANAGEMENT M ISK R Basis for Target Set, Actions to achieve Targets Basis for Target & Risk Management This target builds on our exceptional performance in and reflects the fact that the remaining number of LTP1 casualties is low and is therefore vulnerable to small numbers of multiple injury crashes. The target is particularly stretching as it is based on a 5yr average and as such requires a constantly high level of performance. Progress will be achieved through the Priority implementation of our Shared Transport Strategy – Safer Roads (See Section 3.3). Particular schemes and interventions will include: Local Safety Schemes; Road Safety Education, Publicity and Training programmes; Safer Routes to School initiative, the Cheshire Area Safety Camera Partnership; and ensuring that all highway schemes are safety audited. The main risk to performance, as indicated above, is multiple casualty crashes, which can skew figures. There is little that one can do to mitigate this phenomenon. Again this target builds on our exceptional and reflects the fact that the performance in LTP1 remaining number of child casualties is low and is therefore vulnerable to small but significant fluctuations. The target is again stretching as it is based on a 5yr average which requires a constantly high level or performance. Progress will be achieved through the implementation of our Shared Transport Priority Strategy – Safer Roads (See Section 3.3). Particular schemes and interventions will include: Local Safety Schemes; Road Safety Education; Publicity and programmes (including the Kerbcraft & Training Crucial Crew initiatives); Safer Routes to School initiatives; the Cheshire Area Strategic Road Safety Camera Partnership; and ensuring that all highway schemes are safety audited. Again, the main risk to the achievement of the target is the incidence of multiple child injuries crashes, which cannot be mitigated. ARGETS AND T CHIEVE A Number of children killed and seriously injured (CKSI) Target Number of Killed and Serious injured (all KSI) CTIONS TO A - Targets for Key Outcome Performance IndicatorsA - Targets Priority / Local Priority Area Shared Transport BVPI 99b No. BVPI 99a 6.4 A

112 113 Local Priority ✓ ✓ Local Priority ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Better Air Quality Better Air Safer Roads Better Air Quality Safer Roads ✓ ✓ Accessibility ✓ ✓ Accessibility ✓ Congestion ✓ ✓ Congestion Basis for Target Set, Actions to achieve Targets Basis for Target & Risk Management In order to achieve this target we will: continue to work with Merseytravel to provide an service; introduce enhanced joint Traveline network wide marketing of local services; extend Passenger Information; Utilise SMS Real-Time texting; enhance the journey time planning and travel planning service and implement our ‘Delivering Accessibility’ Strategy (See Section 3.2); new Bus Strategy (See Appendix 1 – PTS No2); and Access Plan (See Appendix 2);The main risk with this target is vandalism to equipment on street. This will be addressed by regular inspections to minimise ‘down time’. This target will be achieved through the works and initiatives identified under BVPI 102 above. The work with bus operators is particularly important and will include, discussions on quality partnership/contracts and improved driver training. The main risks will be infrequency and poor delivery have of services. Whilst we don’t services, we will direct control over commercial regularly monitor bus services and raise issues Liaison with the operators at our Public Transport meetings. Basis for Target Set, Actions to achieve Targets Set, Actions Basis for Target & Risk Management progress made in builds on the good This target through the Progress will be achieved LTP1. Priority Shared Transport implementation of our (See Section 3.3). Strategy – Safer Roads interventionsParticular schemes and will include: Road Safety Education, Local Safety Schemes, programmes; Safer Routes Publicity and Training the Cheshire Area Strategic to School initiative; Partnership; and ensuring Road Safety Camera are safety audited. The that all highway schemes main risk to performance, as indicated above, is multiple casualty crashes, which can skew mitigate figures. There is little that one can do to this phenomenon. reflects the difficulties generally Target experienced nationally of reduced bus to the patronage, which clearly is the main risk during achievement of our target. However, we have an extensive programme of LTP2, planned works and interventionsto tackle this of problem. These include: the implementation our ‘Delivering Accessibility’ Strategy (See Section 3.2); a new Bus Strategy (See Appendix 2); 1 – PTS No2); and Access Plan (See Appendix working closely with bus operators to improve services provision of and address problems; the high quality public transport information, on including the use of new technology; work Quality Corridors; improvements to key increasing stakeholder and user interchanges; network; involvement in the development of the enhancing the concessionary scheme; fare consolidating the pre-paid ticketing scheme; and travel and enhancement of the Travelsafe planning initiatives. Percentage of bus Percentage users satisfied with local bus services Percentage of users Percentage satisfied with local provision of public transport information. Target Thousands of bus passenger journeys per year (boarding’s) in the authority Target slight Number of casualties (SLIGHTS) A - Targets for Key Outcome Performance IndicatorsA - Targets Priority / Local Priority Area Shared Transport A - Targets for Key Outcome Performance Key Outcome for IndicatorsA - Targets Area / Local Priority Priority Shared Transport BVPI 104 BVPI 103 No. BVPI 102 No. BVPI 99c

114 115 Local Priority ✓ ✓ ✓ Local Priority ✓ ✓ Better Air Quality ✓ ✓ ✓ Better Air Quality Better Air ✓ Safer Roads ✓ ✓ Safer Roads ✓ ✓ Accessibility ✓ ✓ ✓ Accessibility Congestion ✓ ✓ ✓ Congestion Basis for Target Set, Actions to achieve Targets Basis for Target & Risk Management No target set. New survey method (scanner) to and be introduced in 2005/06. Trajectories targets will be set once data is available. the fact that have been set to reflect Trajectories the network is surveyed in thirds over a three year period. The target has been set to maintain the road at its current condition in response to the limited availability of funding for highway To maintenance throughout the period of LTP2. achieve the target set, maintenance works will be prioritised and allocated according to the availability of funds and our Primary Transport Strategy on Highway Maintenance (Appendix 1 PTS No:7) will be implemented. The main risk to the achievement of the target is the need to divert funding away from this programme to address unplanned larger schemes on the principal road network. The solution again lies with the Government to allocate funding to Halton for large maintenance schemes costing over £250,000. be completed XXXXXXXXX To Basis for Target Set, Actions to achieve Targets Set, Actions Basis for Target & Risk Management The flat trajectory target set reflects the and allocated to Halton, by absence of funding schemes costing Government, for maintenance the fact that funding will over £250,000 and away from this programme have to be diverted schemes. To to support large maintenance maintenance works will be achieve our target, basis and in accordance undertaken on a priority budgets and and limited revenue with the LTP Strategy on Highway our PrimaryTransport 1 PTS No:7) will be Maintenance (Appendix with this implemented. The main risk associated large target is the need to address unplanned maintenance schemes, by diverting additional risk can sums away from this programme. This to only be addressed by Government allocating Halton, funding for maintenance schemes costing over £250,000. The flat trajectory again reflects and target set for the absence of funding from Government maintenance schemes, costing over £250,000. achieve our target, maintenance works will be To prioritised according to need and the availability Strategy of budgets and our Primary Transport PTS No:7) on Highway Maintenance (Appendix 1 will be implemented. The main risk associated with this target is insufficient funding being The available to tackle identified problems. to solution again lies with the Government allocate funding to Halton for large maintenance schemes costing over £250,000. Accessibility Target Condition of Non- Principal Classified Roads (% of road length in a poor condition) Condition of Non- Principal Unclassified Roads (% of road length in a poor condition) Target Condition of Principal roads (% of road length in a poor condition) Target Footway Condition A - Targets for Key Outcome Performance IndicatorsA - Targets Priority / Local Priority Area Shared Transport A - Targets for Key Outcome Performance Key Outcome for IndicatorsA - Targets Area / Local Priority Priority Shared Transport LTP 1 LTP BVPI 224b BVPI 224a No. BVPI 223 No. BVPI 187

116 117 Local Priority ✓ ✓ ✓ Local Priority ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Safer Roads Better Air Quality Accessibility ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Accessibility Safer Roads Better Air Quality Congestion ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Congestion Data to be collected during 2005/6 Delayed by DfT until 2006 Basis for Target Set, Actions to achieve Targets Basis for Target & Risk Management The target will be achieved by: implementing the works identified in Section 5 under ‘Cycling’; continuing to provide school and business travel planning advice; implementing our ‘Delivering Accessibility’ Strategy (See Section 3.2), Access Plan (See Appendix 2) and Primary Transport Strategy on Cycling (Appendix 1, PTS NO:3); and undertaking publicity on the routes available. The main risk to this is difficulty in implementing physical cycle schemes due to public opposition. This risk can be minimised by increasing the awareness of the wider benefits of cycling in terms of reduced congestion, air pollution and increased health benefits. In the event that the number of cycle trips does not increase in line with will be targeted trajectories, additional resource towards publicity of cycle routes and the creation of Bike User Groups throughout the borough. Delayed by DfT until 2006 Basis for Target Set, Actions to achieve Targets Set, Actions Basis for Target & Risk Management of reflects the large amount The target both within Halton and in regeneration expected and interventions proposed to Merseyside. Works introducing the achieve the target include; in BVPI 102 above; measures identified Primaryimplementation of the Transport in Appendix 1 associated Strategies identified with ‘Airport Surface Access’ (PTS No:1), Buses (PTS No:3); Development (PTS No 2), Cycling Freight Distribution (PTS Control (PTS No; 4); no: 8); Passenger Rail (PTS No: 5); Parking (PTS 11); No: 9); PRoW and Greenways (PTS No: Corridors (PTS No:12); Travel Quality Transport (PTS No: 18); Planning (PTS No: 17) and Walking and consideration of introducing congestion advance charging on the Silver Jubilee Bridge in The of the construction of the Mersey Gateway. are: main risks to the achievement of this target the i) problems on alternative routes for crossing in Mersey and ii) significantly greater increase done to regeneration. There is little that can be routes address growth caused by problems on outside of our control or indeed through as regeneration in Merseyside. However, the indicated above it is our intention to consider we will introduction of congestion charging and closely monitor growth and utilise development of travel control measures incorporating the use planning) to limit its impact Mode share of journeys to school Increase the proportion of journeys made to school by bicycle Mode share of journeys to school Increase the proportion of journeys made to school by walking Bus punctuality indicator Number of cycling trips (Annualised index) Target Target area wide Change in road traffic mileage A - Targets for Key Outcome Performance for Key Outcome IndicatorsA - Targets Priority / Local Priority Area Shared Transport A - Targets for Key Outcome Performance Key Outcome for IndicatorsA - Targets Area Priority / Local Priority Shared Transport LTP 5 LTP LTP 4b LTP LTP 4a LTP LTP 3 LTP No. No. 2 LTP

118 119 Local Priority Local Priority ✓ ✓ ✓ Safer Roads Air Quality Better ✓ ✓ Accessibility Congestion Accessibility Safer Roads Better Air Quality ✓ Congestion Basis for Target Set, Actions to achieve Targets Basis for Target & Risk Management Basis for Target Set, Actions to achieve Targets Set, Actions Basis for Target & Risk Management through the will be achieved Target ‘Delivering Accessibility’ implementation of our 3.2); new Bus Strategy (See Strategy (See Section and Access Plan (See Appendix 1 – PTS No2); particular through the Appendix 2) and in vehicles as shown in of accessible purchase of a new journey Section 5 and the introduction The main risk to the brokerage scheme. target being the loss of achievement of the Community Transport critical funding to Halton minimise this, we will continue to work (HCT). To of funding. with HCT to identify new sources already This target has been set to maintain the The high levels of access to rural areas, in Halton. the bus operators are mainly responsible for deliveryachievement of this target, through the services. The main risks to of commercial decisions to achieving the target are commercial delete rural services of Halton to and the inability support these services revenue from its limited we will be promoting budgets. However, demand responsive services, although which impact on the target, will help to maintain won’t The key and increase accessibility in rural areas. for issue here is identifying continuation funding experimental rural bus servicesintroduced during using Rural Bus Grant funding the first LTP awarded from the DfT. Not Allocated Not Allocated Target Percent of Rural Percent households within 800 metres of an hourly or better bus service Target Number of passenger trips on accessible transport services A - Targets for Key Outcome Performance Key Outcome for IndicatorsA - Targets Area Priority / Local Priority Shared Transport A - Targets for Key Outcome Performance IndicatorsA - Targets Priority / Local Priority Area Shared Transport L4. L3. No. L2. No. L1

120 121 Local Priority ✓ ✓ ✓ Local Priority ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Better Air Quality Better Air ✓ Safer Roads Better Air Quality Safer Roads ✓ ✓ ✓ Accessibility ✓ ✓ ✓ Accessibility ✓ Congestion ✓ ✓ ✓ Congestion Basis for Target Set, Actions to achieve Targets Basis for Target & Risk Management This target has been set based on schemes The main risk associated proposed during LTP2. with this target is securing the necessary we are agreements from Network Rail. However, managing this risk by engaging early with Network Rail, to enable implementation to proceed as proposed. This target has been based on our ability to develop new plans whilst supporting existing plans. The target will be achieved through ensuring that adequate support is made available to the schools by Halton staff and through the implementation of our Primary Transport 1, Planning (See Appendix Strategy for Travel PTS No: 17). The main risk to our success is we believe that this risk is small However, apathy. as demand is currently high, due to the extensive work undertaken with schools and their subsequent interest. This target will be achieved through the implementation of our Primary Transport Appendix 1, Planning (See Strategies for Travel PTS No: 17) and Development Control (See Appendix 1, PTS No: 4) and through the work Plan Officer and that of undertaken by our Travel Apathy is the Team. the Neighbourhood Travel main risk to our success, as we are dependent on local businesses recognising the advantages of we believe our ability travel planning. However, to work closely with businesses and our requirement to require travel plans to be produced for new developments, will ensure that this risk is managed. Basis for Target Set, Actions to achieve Targets Set, Actions Basis for Target & Risk Management ensuring that all will be achieved, by This target crossings are implemented works on pedestrian our strict criteria. Therefore, in accordance with are any significant risks we do not believe there of this target. to the achievement through careful This target will be achieved on the highway by our management of works and through the development of Manager Traffic Asset Management Plan. In addition, a Transport we will be implementing our Primary Transport 1 PTS Strategy for Maintenance (See Appendix will No: 7). The main risks affecting our success be unforeseen failures of the highway or statutory works. This risk undertakers emergency of will be managed through the prioritisation with maintenance work and through close liaison the Statutory Undertakers. continue In order to achieve this target, we will our to maintain our rights of way and implement Strategies for maintenance Primary Transport Rights of (See Appendix 1, PTS No: 7) and Public and Greenways (See Appendix 1, PTS Way is No:11). The main risk affecting our success with vandalism of signs and we will be working this stakeholders, users and the police to manage risk. Percentage of local Percentage firms (of more than 100 employees) having a Commuter Plan on place Travel Percentage of Percentage schools with School Plans in place. Travel Number of Park and Ride spaces at rail stations Target Total length of Total footpaths and other that Rights of Way are easy to use, as a of the percentage total length of all Rights of Way. Number of days of temporary traffic controls or road closure. Target of Percentage pedestrian crossings with facilities for disabled people C - Targets for Contributory Output IndicatorsC - Targets Priority / Local Priority Area Transport Shared B - Targets for Intermediate Outcome Performance Intermediate for IndicatorsB - Targets Priority Area / Local Priority Shared Transport C - Targets for Contributory Output Performance IndicatorsC - Targets Priority Area Priority / Local Transport Shared L 7 L 6 L 5 No. BVPI 178 BVPI 100 No. BVPI 165

122 123 Local Priority ✓ ✓ Local Priority ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Better Air Quality ✓ Safer Roads ✓ Safer Roads Air Quality Better Accessibility ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Congestion ✓ Congestion Accessibility Basis for Target Set, Actions to achieve Targets Basis for Target & Risk Management This target will be achieved through the work of whose remit is intended to be a dedicated Team, developed and expanded during the next five years. The demand for this type of work is high and therefore we do not believe that there are any significant risks to the achievement of our targets. Carefully managing reported incidents and implementing works from our revenue budgets will help us to achieve this target. The main risk is the inability of funds to meet the demand. This will be managed by regularly reviewing budgets and taking appropriate action. Basis for Target Set, Actions to achieve Targets Set, Actions Basis for Target & Risk Management the will be achieved through This target in bus infrastructure and proposed investment of our Primarythrough the implementation for Quality Corridors (See Strategy Transport that there believe 12). We Appendix 1, PTS No: to this programme of are no significant risks work. through our This target will be achieved in bus proposed revenue investment the implementation of infrastructure and through Strategies for Quality our Primary Transport and Corridors (See Appendix 1, PTS No: 12) main risk Buses (See Appendix 1, PTS No: 2). The However, to us achieving this target is vandalism. with the we manage this risk by working closely arise. police to address problems, when they This target will be achieved through the and proposed investment in bus infrastructure through the implementation of our Primary Strategies for Buses (See Appendix 1, Transport Appendix PTS No: 2) and Quality Corridors (See believe that there are no 1, PTS No: 12). We significant risks to this programme of work. This target will be achieved through our proposed revenue investment in bus of infrastructure and through the implementation Strategies for Quality our Primary Transport and Corridors (See Appendix 1 PTS No: 12) believe Buses (See Appendix 1, PTS No: 2). We that there are no significant risks to this programme of work. Damage of roads and pavements (% of reported incidents repaired or made safe within 24 hours) Number of Personalised Journey Plans issued per year. Target Number of replacement bus shelters Number of new bus shelters. Number of bus stops/shelters with information displays. Target increase Percentage of bus stops with Quality Corridor features. C - Targets for Contributory Output IndicatorsC - Targets Priority / Local Priority Area Transport Shared C - Targets for Contributory for Indicators Output C - Targets Priority Area Priority / Local Shared Transport L 13 L 12 No. L 11 L 10 L 9 No. L 8

124 125 L13

✓ L12

✓ ✓ L11

✓ ✓ L10

✓ L9

✓ ✓ L8

✓ ✓ L7

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ L6

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ L5

✓ ✓ BVPI 178 BVPI

✓ ✓ ✓ BVPI 100 BVPI

✓ ✓ ✓ BVPI 165 BVPI

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

L4

L3 17) L2

✓ ✓ L1

✓ ✓ ✓ ABLE LTP 5 LTP

(T ✓ LTP 4b LTP

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ LTP 4a LTP

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ LTP 3 LTP ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

NDICATORS I 2 LTP

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ LTP 1 LTP

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ BVPI 224b BVPI

✓ ✓ BVPI 224a BVPI

✓ ✓ ERFORMANCE 223 BVPI

✓ ✓ ✓ P BVPI 187 BVPI

✓ ✓ BVPI 104 BVPI

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ BVPI 103 BVPI

✓ ✓ ✓ BVPI 102 BVPI

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

TRATEGIES ON BVPI 99c BVPI

S

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ BVPI 99b BVPI

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ BVPI 99a BVPI ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ RANSPORT T RIMARY P MPACT OF Targets Strategies Primary Transport (PTS) PTS No: 1 Airport Surface Access PTS No:2 – Bus PTS No:3 – Cycle control PTS No: 4 – Development Distribution PTS No: 5 –Freight Transport PTS No:6 – Intelligent Systems PTS No: 7 – Highway Maintenance PTS No: 8 – Parking PTS No: 9 – Passenger Rail PTS No: 10 – Provision. For People with Disabilities PTS No: 11 – PRoW and Greenways PTS No: 12 – Quality Transport Corridor PTS No: 13 – Road Improvement PTS No: 14 – SJB Maintenance PTS No: 15 – Street Lighting Hire PTS No: 16 – Taxis/Private Vehicles Planning PTS No: 17 – Travel PTS No: 18 – Walking 6.5 I 6.5

126 127 7.0 MAJOR SCHEMES AND TRANSPORT INNOVATION FUND BID

transport, cyclist and pedestrians, Current Position: Detailed appraisal roads and promoting an order under reducing the road space available to work continued throughout 2005. It the New Roads and Street Works Act. general purpose traffic and down was hoped that the Minister would This could require the use of a Special This Local Transport Plan, covering the quartile and is withdrawn as a LTP Traffic flows on the SJB regularly exceed grading linkages to the strategic approve Programme Entry in the Parliamentary Procedure. period 2006/7-2010/11, is an integral Major Scheme. Progress of this scheme 90,000 vehicles per day and highway network. Extending the tolling summer but in the event he wrote • At DfT request, a revised “central” part of Halton’s 30 year plan for will be driven by private sector congestion, particularly in the peaks, is charge to SJB, protects these rebalanced requiring the scheme to be included in commercial case that includes optimum transport. Therefore, the schemes and investment supported as appropriate by severe and results routinely in long local transport priorities against future the regional prioritisation process – see levels of risk has been submitted. This interventions in this LTP not only have Halton Borough Council’s own queues. The SJB is an important congestion on the local road network above. A decision could not therefore would require a grant of £54m for land to address what can be achieved within resources. alternative crossing route for the M6 connecting to SJB. be expected before Spring 2006. The and site clearance costs plus £72m PFI the currency of this plan but look Thelwall Viaduct and provides strategic Minister was also of the view that a credits over a 30 year concession, forward to what needs to be in place in links between M56 and M62 serving as The scheme will also address safety number of appraisal issues were still assuming a tolling regime based on future LTP’s, to deliver our long term an important gateway to Liverpool John issues on the SJB, primarily caused by outstanding. 7.1 PRIORITY 1 – MERSEY Mersey Tunnels and discounts for local transport aims and objectives. Lennon Airport from the south and east inadequate road width. Therefore the GATEWAY residents. Financial close is targeted for and the Mersey region. The strategic proposal directly addresses all four Appraisal issues under discussion with late 2008 with an earliest opening date The following is a summary of the The Scheme: The need for a new function of SJB is underlined by the fact Shared Transport Priorities for ‘Tackling DfT have included: crossing was established as a Major for Mersey Gateway set for late 2012. current position with each major that most traffic using the bridge is Congestion’ (see Section 3.1), • A review of the expanded traffic model scheme, its function and fit with Objective in the Borough's Local Plan making trips through or out of the ‘Delivering Accessibility’ (see Section by DfT appointed consultants has Timescale: The proposed completion priorities, cost, benefits, impact on adopted in 1996. In July 1999 Halton Borough boundaries. It is recognised 3.2), ‘Safer Roads’ (see Section 3.3) and resulted in a number of refinements of the Mersey Gateway scheme is 2012, targets and timescale. published its first interim LTP 2000- that the Mersey Gateway cannot be ‘Better Air Quality’ (see Section 3.4) and being made. The full Transport but this is strongly dependent on 2001 and then the first full LTP in July available until late 2012 and therefore is the key feature of the strategies Economic Evaluation is being securing early entry into the DfT’s The major scheme in Section 7.3 has 2000 for 2001/02 - 2005/06. The case an extensive interim strategy has been associated with congestion, accessibility developed. programme of major schemes. not been prioritised as the schemes is for a new crossing became central to developed (see Section 3.1) to and air quality. The proposal also being prioritised by Merseyside. policies and strategies of the first LTP minimise congestion and delay until addresses many of the regional priorities • The expended traffic model is being Action Proposed if Bid Fails: Failure and the Council’s long term (30 year) the new crossing becomes available. and the Council’s local priorities. Table used to reassess the economic impact to implement the Mersey Gateway Regional Funding Allocations Transport Strategy. This policy was 18 summarises the benefits addressed. assessment using revised DfT would create difficulties in carrying out In July 2005 DfT published guidance on further confirmed in the Unitary Strategic Fit: The strategic guidelines. Initial results indicate that essential maintenance works on the Regional Funding Allocations for Major Development Plan formerly adopted in importance of SJB cannot be over- Impact of Proposal: The proposal will Mersey Gateway will generate nearly Silver Jubilee Bridge. The lack of an Schemes. DfT allocated major scheme April 2005. emphasised. All but 20% of the have an impact on transport targets 7,000 new permanent jobs. alternative adjacent route would result funding between the regions and vehicles crossing the bridge are either associated with modal split, accessibility, • Delivery capacity has been discussed. in major disruptions to the local and required the regions to advise the The construction of a new Mersey in or out of the Borough or pass maintenance, road casualties and air Detailed organisational and funding regional highway networks, when Minister on their priorities for the next crossing has been strongly supported through the Borough. The continuing quality. However, the benefits of this commitments have been provided by carrying out complex structural 10 year spending programme. GONW across the emerging Liverpool City availability of SJB is dependent in the proposal are much wider and will also the Borough Council. maintenance works, which require has led the prioritisation process and Region. The Mersey Gateway is the more immediate term on funding be reflected in targets associated with prolonged closures of the Silver Jubilee the Council’s two highest priority major prime intervention to tackle congestion being secured for the structural regeneration, employment, the • 4Ps Gateway Review was undertaken Bridge. schemes, Mersey Gateway and Silver in Halton and is set in the context of a maintenance major scheme (see economy, both locally, across the wider on the project and one of the key Jubilee Major Maintenance have both complementary road-user charging Section 7.2). In the longer term, Liverpool City region and beyond. In recommendations was that a Project Should the Mersey Gateway be delayed secured a position in the top quartile of regime ensuring that the maximum Mersey Gateway will provide the addition, as referred to above, the Director be appointed. An initial or fail to proceed the Council will schemes. The top quartile was benefits are fully realised. essential alternative strategic route to construction of the Gateway will enable appointment on a short-term contract continue to implement the Interim approved by the North West Regional permit the more complex structural structural maintenance work to be was made. Strategy for Tackling Congestion as Assembly and submitted to DfT in The Scheme is directed through the maintenance works to be undertaken undertaken on the SJB with a minimum • The hydrodynamic modelling has been detailed in Section 3.1.9. At the same January 2006 as the Region’s advice on Mersey Crossing Group which has without lengthy and disruptive lane of delay and inconvenience to road reviewed favourably by Liverpool time, a review will be undertaken of the the schemes to be included in the 10- representatives from other local closures and possibly total closures. users. There will also be significant University. Meetings have been held benefits of introducing congestion year programme. authorities, GONW, NWDA, Highways The construction of the Mersey savings in undertaking the work on the with Mersey Conservator and charging on the Silver Jubilee Bridge. Agency, Chambers of Commerce, Peel Gateway will address the prime cause SJB, through increased flexibility on Environment Agency to determine what In the longer term, subject to the A third major scheme, for the re- Holdings and Merseytravel. The of congestion in the Borough and when the work can be carried out and further work could be usefully review, the Council would consider opening of Halton Curve to regular justification for the crossing has enable the SJB to provide for local its duration. Benefits of including future undertaken at this stage. introducing the congestion charge passenger train services, was included extensively been examined and detailed sustainable travel within the Borough. maintenance of SJB in the Mersey • Issues of assessments, mitigation and during the period of LTP3. in the second quartile. Opportunities to in a full Major Scheme Appraisal, Road user charging, in addition to Gateway PFI concession have been designation have been discussed with progress Halton Curve will depend on submitted to DfT in July 2003, when it generating the investment required to explored. The marketability of this English Nature. There are, however, a number of the progress of schemes in the top was judged to be “Super” Work in deliver the new bridge, will provide a approach will be greatly enhanced by concerns around the impact of such a quartile and on the availability of Progress. Subsequently, a revised and mechanism to manage demand, so that undertaking all high priority structural • The procedural process preferred by DfT charge being introduced without the alternative funding sources. This expanded appraisal was resubmitted in free flow traffic conditions are maintenance works during LTP2 and has been resolved. This would require benefits of the journey time reduction scheme is now to be taken forward by December 2004. The need for the maintained on the new link, thereby providing an enhanced inspection the Council to promote the scheme associated with the Mersey Gateway. Merseytravel and included in the ‘Mersey Gateway’ scheme results from locking in the delivery of the projected regime. This underlies the bid to using standard Highways legislation. These include, the impact on the local Merseyside Local Transport Plan. the fact that the only road crossing of service reliability and standards. extend the major maintenance scheme Tolling of both Mersey Gateway and and sub-regional economies, the Mersey, in the Borough, is provided for SJB into LTP2. See below. SJB would be achieved through congestion on the alternative crossings The Ditton Strategic Rail Freight by the Silver Jubilee Bridge (SJB). Complementary measures on SJB will designating the two bridges as special scheme was assessed in the fourth include priority schemes for public

128 129 of the Mersey and accessibility and in order to increase its capacity to of maintenance work to deal with the maintenance scheme for SJB, initially time and cost savings on maintaining current functions. Should the Gateway regeneration within the borough. 65000 vehicles per day (vpd) but backlog and bring the Bridge up to a for £6.3m. As reported in successive the SJB structures. scheme not gain entry into the currently the bridge operates at flows sustainable steady state of APRs, expenditure on the major scheme programme, then at some point in the that regularly exceed 90,000 vpd, maintenance. increased to over £9m spent on An integral feature of the Mersey future lengthy lane closures and possibly 7.2 PRIORITY 2 – THE SILVER considerably in excess of its design essential structural maintenance, much Gateway scheme is the re-configuration weight restrictions will be inevitable in JUBILEE BRIDGE COMPLEX capacity. The bridge and the associated Maintaining the availability of the SJB is of which involved innovative and of SJB to a local function with two order carry out essential work. Without complex, function as both a local and critical to both the local area, the groundbreaking engineering. The vehicle lanes and improved provision an alternative route being made The Scheme: The SJB is a Grade 2 strategic link. As a result of the age of Liverpool City region and beyond. This parapets have been brought up to for pedestrians, cyclists and buses. This available, this would have significant listed, largely steel structure opened in the bridge structure and a lack of impacts heavily on how and when the modern standards, the concrete deck is likely to result in parts of the impacts on accessibility, regeneration 1961 and now approximately 46 years investment in lifecycle maintenance the work can be undertaken. The first LTP has been completely repaired and approach viaducts and other associated and the economy both locally and old. The bridge was widened in 1977 structure requires a major programme capital settlement included a major waterproofed, the expansion joints structures becoming redundant. across the Liverpool City Region. have been replaced and a completely new running surface installed. The The benefit of including future Action Proposed if Bid Fails: Similar SUMMARY OF MERSEY GATEWAY BENEFITS (TABLE 18) extension to the major scheme will maintenance of SJB in the Mersey problems to those described above include similar specialist items of work Gateway PFI concession has been would result if major scheme funding Mersey Gateway Major Scheme Addressed e.g. concrete repairs and cathodic explored. The marketability of this was not made available to carry out Priorities protection. approach will be greatly enhanced by maintenance on the SJB structures. Shared Transport Priorities: undertaking all high priority structural Attempts would have to be made to • Tackling Congestion ✓ With such high traffic flows and lack of maintenance works in the years of LTP2 divert funding away from other areas of • Delivering accessibility ✓ an alternative route, closures have to be and providing an enhanced inspection highway maintenance to contribute, in • Safer Roads ✓ restricted to only two lanes at any one regime. This underlies the bid to part, toward the funding shortfall. time and to overnight and/or extend the major maintenance scheme This, however, would have a significant • Better Air Quality ✓ weekends. Inevitably this results in for SJB into LTP2. impact on carriageway condition Regional Priorities: works taking longer and incurring throughout the borough and • Economic significantly higher costs. The North West Region’s Funding particularly on the Expressway network, ✓ Econ 1 - Will the intervention improve business competitiveness? Allocation advice to the Minister shows resulting in a negative impact on the ✓ Econ 2 - Will the intervention support business clusters, as specified in RES Utilising experience gained in the initial the SJB major scheme phased over the shared priorities for congestion, ✓ Econ 3 - Will the intervention support knowledge-based industries? stages of maintaining the Bridge, a six-year period 2008/09-2013/14. The accessibility, safer roads and air quality. Econ 4 - Will the intervention support identified areas of inward investment? ✓ revised 10-year maintenance strategy same advice shows 2011/12 as the first Ultimately, the Council would be Econ5 - Will the intervention support access to assisted areas and European Funding eligible Areas? ✓ was developed and included with the year of expenditure on Mersey unable to fund the increasing Econ6 - Will the intervention improve the image of its locality, both within the region and externally? ✓ 2004 Annual Progress Report Gateway. This programme, if adopted maintenance requirements of the Econ 7 - Will the intervention support existing and promote new tourism & recreation locations? ✓ submission. This has identified by the Minister, would allow for three structure and the longer-term Econ8 - Will the intervention support the economic vitality of existing centres? ✓ significant further works required to years expenditure on the high priority availability of the bridge would be • Environmental bring the bridge and complex to a works on SJB whilst the viability of a brought in to question. Env1 - Will the intervention protect places & buildings of historic, cultural & architectural value? ✓ sustainable steady state of joint SJB and Mersey Gateway PFI was Env2 - Will the intervention protect designated areas of natural environmental value? ✓ maintenance. This LTP submission tested through a procurement process. Given the strategic nature of the route therefore includes a bid to extend the Under a combined PFI the successful over the Silver Jubilee Bridge complex Env3 - Will the intervention protect local air quality? ✓ previous major maintenance scheme. bidder would be able to plan SJB and its importance to the local and Env4 - Will the intervention protect land quality (e.g. promotes brownfield sites, helps reclaim/recycle maintenance works around the future regional economy, an analysis of the derelict or contaminated sites) ✓ The initial Mersey Gateway commercial availability of the alternative route of major maintenance scheme Env5 - Will the intervention address the need to limit climate change? ✓ submission, at the request of the DfT, the Mersey Gateway. demonstrates a Benefit to Cost Ratio ✓ Env6 - Does the intervention help make best use of existing infrastructure? included an option to fund SJB (BCR) in excess of 10 based on business • Social maintenance through the Mersey There are concerns at the impact of a cases for similar situations elsewhere. ✓ Soc1 - Will the intervention help deliver urban renaissance? Gateway PFI, as indicated in Section delay of the Major Scheme until Soc2 - Will the intervention help deliver rural renaissance? ✓ 7.1. The Mersey Gateway will provide 2008/09. There certain elements of the Strategic Fit & Impact: In examining Soc3 - Will the intervention promote social inclusion? ✓ the essential alternative strategic route structure that are in a critical condition the strategic fit of this proposal it is Soc4 - Will the intervention improve accessibility to key services and facilities for all? ✓ to permit the more complex structural and these are being closely monitored. necessary to detail the impact of not Soc5 - Will the intervention promote healthier lifestyles? ✓ maintenance works to be undertaken Should an urgent need for intervention maintaining the structures on transport Soc6 - Will the intervention support housing renewal initiatives? ✓ without lengthy and disruptive lane arise, there would be an immediate objectives. Congestion, Accessibility Soc7 - Will the intervention improve safety? ✓ closures. It may also be necessary to approach to DfT for advance funding. and Air Quality have all been identified Local Priorities impose temporary weight restrictions The Major Scheme Appraisal nationally and locally as key shared • Healthy Halton ✓ during some structural repair works. submission continues to show transport priorities. expenditure commencing in 2006/07. • Halton’s Urban Renewal ✓ With Mersey Gateway, there would not The SJB Major Maintenance Scheme • Employment, Life Long Learning and Skills in Halton ✓ be the need to carry out major works in There is not a ‘Do Nothing’ clearly impacts on the Council’s four • Halton’s Children and Young People ✓ a piece-meal manner in order to limit maintenance option, if the Silver Jubilee priorities adopted in the provisional • Safer Halton ✓ closures. This would yield significant Bridge is to continue carrying out its LTP2, namely:

130 131 • Tackling congestion: the major and • Safer roads: to provide safe and Should sufficient funding not be made and the economy, again both locally These include, the impact on the local the Liverpool direction. In its current overriding congestion issue for Halton is attractive cross-river routes for all road available to maintain the SJB and its and regionally. and sub-regional economies, form, the line is of little use to either the crossing of the River Mersey and users. associated structures then the congestion on the alternative crossings passengers or freight. The proposed Manchester Ship Canal. continuing availability of the SJB will be A summary of the impact of not of the Mersey and accessibility and scheme involves the reinstatement of • Better Air Quality: the identified hot at risk. Reduced availability of SJB will undertaking the maintenance of the SJB regeneration within the borough. the points at Halton and Frodsham • Delivering Accessibility: both the SJB spots of pollution occur in the vicinity of impact on national, regional and local and its associated structures is given in junctions with some upgrade to the and the proposed MG have been the SJB where congestion at peak times transport objectives associated with Table 19. track. The costs of the works are shown to generate significant economic can be significant. congestion, accessibility and air quality. currently estimated to be £7.5m. The benefits both within the Borough and ACTION PROPOSED IF BID In addition, there could be major Current Position: A Major Scheme scheme has been developed in across a wider area. FAILS: impacts on regeneration, employment Appraisal for the maintenance of the partnership with Merseytravel, Cheshire SJB has been submitted to DfT. The Similar problems to those described County Council and the TAITH SUMMARY OF IMPACT OF NOT UNDERTAKING THE WORK ON THE SJB AND ASSOCIATED cost of the scheme is estimated to be above would result if major scheme consortium of North Wales authorities. STRUCTURES (TABLE 19) £38.5m at 2005 prices with a 25% funding was not made available to The partnership together with Network Optimism Bias included. carry out maintenance on the SJB Rail, believe that with the Failure to implement Silver Jubilee Bridge & Complexes Maintenance Scheme Adversely structures. Attempts would have to be improvements, the chord could be Major Scheme Impacting On Timescale: The current programme in made to divert funding away from operated with an up to 20 minute Priorities the Major Scheme Appraisal submission other areas of highway maintenance to frequency service in both directions. Shared Transport Priorities: for the completion of the maintenance contribute, in part, toward the funding This would allow the provision of new shortfall. This, however, would have a • Tackling Congestion ✓ works is 10 years after the scheme has local passenger and freight train significant impact on carriageway • Delivering accessibility ✓ commenced. However as noted above services that would include: condition throughout the borough and • Safer Roads the Regional advice programmes the particularly on the expressway network, • Liverpool-Liverpool South Parkway- ✓ work over six years starting in 2008/09. • Better Air Quality resulting in a negative impact on the Runcorn-Chester-North Wales direct Regional Priorities: shared priorities for congestion, trains. • Economic accessibility, safer roads and air quality. • Liverpool-Liverpool South Parkway- ✓ ACTION PROPOSED IF BID Econ 1 - Will the intervention improve business competitiveness? Ultimately, the Council would be Runcorn-Frodsham-Helsby-Chester ✓ FAILS: Econ 2 - Will the intervention support business clusters, as specified in RES unable to fund the increasing services. Econ 3 - Will the intervention support knowledge-based industries? ✓ Failure to implement the Mersey maintenance requirements of the • Linkage with Hooton-Ellesmere Port at Econ 4 - Will the intervention support identified areas of inward investment? ✓ Gateway would create difficulties in structure and the longer-term Helsby. Econ5 - Will the intervention support access to assisted areas and European Funding eligible Areas? ✓ carrying out essential maintenance availability of the bridge would be works on the Silver Jubilee Bridge. The Econ6 - Will the intervention improve the image of its locality, both within the region and externally? ✓ brought in to question. • Alternative route for services to lack of an alternative adjacent route Econ 7 - Will the intervention support existing and promote new tourism & recreation locations? Wrexham, Shrewsbury, Mid and South would result in major disruptions to the Econ8 - Will the intervention support the economic vitality of existing centres? ✓ Wales. local and regional highway networks, • Environmental 7.3 HALTON CURVE when carrying out complex structural Discussions are continuing with the Env1 - Will the intervention protect places & buildings of historic, cultural & architectural value? This scheme is supported by Halton maintenance works, which require Strategic Rail Authority on details of the Env2 - Will the intervention protect designated areas of natural environmental value? Borough Council as it will benefit the prolonged closures of the Silver Jubilee scheme programming and the co- ✓ community and reduce, to some Env3 - Will the intervention protect local air quality? Bridge. ordination of works on the West Coast degree, trips across the Silver Jubilee Env4 - Will the intervention protect land quality (e.g. promotes brownfield sites, helps Main Line. reclaim/recycle derelict or contaminated sites) Should the Mersey Gateway be delayed Bridge. Whilst the scheme is within ✓ Halton, the main benefits of the Env5 - Will the intervention address the need to limit climate change? or fail to proceed the Council will Strategic Fit: The improvements to scheme will be gained in Merseyside Env6 - Does the intervention help make best use of existing infrastructure? ✓ continue to implement the Interim Halton Curve would help to reduce the and thereby the scheme is being • Social Strategy for Tackling Congestion as demand for travel across the Silver promoted by Merseytravel. Soc1 - Will the intervention help deliver urban renaissance? ✓ detailed in Section 3.1.9. At the same Jubilee Bridge and as such would help Soc2 - Will the intervention help deliver rural renaissance? ✓ time, a review will be undertaken of the to address the acute problems of Scheme: The Halton Curve connects Soc3 - Will the intervention promote social inclusion? ✓ benefits of introducing congestion congestion. In addition, the scheme the Chester-Warrington Line with the ✓ charging on the Silver Jubilee Bridge. would increase rail accessibility both Soc4 - Will the intervention improve accessibility to key services and facilities for all? Liverpool Branch of the West Coast In the longer term, subject to the within Halton and also to the wider Soc5 - Will the intervention promote healthier lifestyles? Mainline (WCML). The local passenger review, the Council would consider region, by providing a direct link Soc6 - Will the intervention support housing renewal initiatives? service Chester-Runcorn-Liverpool was introducing the congestion charge between Liverpool and North Wales. It Soc7 - Will the intervention improve safety? withdrawn in the mid 1970’s. The during the period of LTP3. can therefore be seen that the proposal Local Priorities track infrastructure was retained as a would contribute to the achievement of • Healthy Halton diversionary route with only a weekly There are, however, a number of three of the Shared Transport Priorities. ✓ train service that is operated in the • Halton’s Urban Renewal concerns around the impact of such a These being Tackling Congestion, ✓ summer on Saturdays. Subsequent • Employment, Life Long Learning and Skills in Halton charge being introduced without the Delivering Accessibility and Better Air decisions taken to reduce renewal costs • Halton’s Children and Young People ✓ benefits of the journey time reduction Quality. In addition, the scheme would resulted in the chord only operating in • Safer Halton ✓ associated with the Mersey Gateway. be supportive of many regional

132 133 SUMMARY OF HALTON CURVE MAJOR SCHEME BENEFITS (TABLE 21) objectives, including those associated Mersey Rail Network and the impact on with the Regional Economic Strategy rail access to Merseyside from North Halton Curve Major Scheme Addressed and the development of Liverpool John Wales, Chester, Helsby, Frodsham and Priorities Lennon Airport. A summary of the Runcorn. In addition, a key Shared Transport Priorities: benefits is provided in the table opportunity to reduce traffic crossing • Tackling Congestion ✓ overleaf. the Silver Jubilee Bridge, all be it to a small extent, would be lost. • Delivering accessibility ✓ Impact of Proposals: The proposal • Safer Roads will have an impact on targets • Better Air Quality ✓ associated with congestion, accessibility Regional Priorities: and air quality in Halton. Similar types of benefits will also be experienced in • Economic Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales. ✓ Econ 1 - Will the intervention improve business competitiveness? However, the proposal will also have Econ 2 - Will the intervention support business clusters, as specified in RES ✓ much wider benefits, which will be Econ 3 - Will the intervention support knowledge-based industries? ✓ reflected in targets associated with regeneration, employment, the Econ 4 - Will the intervention support identified areas of inward investment? economy, both within Halton and the ✓ Econ5 - Will the intervention support access to assisted areas and European Funding eligible Areas? region. Econ6 - Will the intervention improve the image of its locality, both within the region and externally? Econ 7 - Will the intervention support existing and promote new tourism & recreation locations? ✓ Current Position: Extensive discussions have been held with Econ8 - Will the intervention support the economic vitality of existing centres? ✓ Merseytravel and our partners, the • Environmental Strategic Rail Authority and Network Env1 - Will the intervention protect places & buildings of historic, cultural & architectural value? Rail, and work is progressing on the Env2 - Will the intervention protect designated areas of natural environmental value? preparation of a business case. The closure process is in abeyance and a Env3 - Will the intervention protect local air quality? ✓ formal request has been made to Env4 - Will the intervention protect land quality (e.g. promotes brownfield sites, helps reclaim/recycle Network Rail to plan for lines re-build derelict or contaminated sites) during the West Coast Main Line works Env5 - Will the intervention address the need to limit climate change? ✓ in 2007/08. A funding package is Env6 - Does the intervention help make best use of existing infrastructure? ✓ being developed with contributions • Social from partners’ Integrated Transport block allocations. How close this will Soc1 - Will the intervention help deliver urban renaissance? ✓ come to meeting the full cost of the ✓ Soc2 - Will the intervention help deliver rural renaissance? scheme is dependent on final LTP Soc3 - Will the intervention promote social inclusion? ✓ allocations. If there is a shortfall it will Soc4 - Will the intervention improve accessibility to key services and facilities for all? ✓ be the subject of a major scheme bid by Halton under the provision for major Soc5 - Will the intervention promote healthier lifestyles? schemes with a value of less than £5m. Soc6 - Will the intervention support housing renewal initiatives? ✓ Soc7 - Will the intervention improve safety? The Halton Curve Scheme has been Local Priorities independently assessed and is ranked within the 2nd quartile of major • Healthy Halton ✓ schemes in the North West Region. • Halton’s Urban Renewal ✓ • Employment, Life Long Learning and Skills in Halton ✓ Timescale: It is proposed that works • Halton’s Children and Young People would be undertaken during 2007/08. • Safer Halton ✓ Action Proposed if Bid Fails: Should this bid by Merseytravel be unsuccessful then the viability of the scheme would be in jeopardy as the funding burden on the partner organisations would be too great. The effect of not implementing this link would be wide reaching in terms of the capacity of the

134 135 8.0 COMPLIANCE WITH LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN CRITERIA

Criteria Section/Appendix Reference Containing Evidence

8.1 INTRODUCTION Analysis - The Plan is built on a sound analysis of local The Government has identified six criteria, which it believes transport problems and opportunities. are essential for successful transport planning. Each of the six The Government will in particular look for evidence that: main criteria is divided into sub-criteria and these will be used to assess the quality of each local transport authority’s • The Plan contains appropriate analysis relating not only to Sections: 3.1.1, 3.1.3, 3.1.4, 3.1.5, 3.2.2, 3.2.3, 3.2.4, LTP2. existing local transport problems, but also to possible 3.3.3, 3.3.4, 3.4.2, 3.4.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3.1, 4.3.2, 4.3.3, emerging problems, and to opportunities to deliver a 4.3.4, 4.3.5, 4.4, 4.4.1, 4.4.2 and 4.4.3, Appendix 1: PTS better quality of life to local communities. No. 1 Sections 1.1, 1.1.1, 1.1.2 and 1.1.3, PTS No. 2 EVIDENCE OF COMPLIANCE (TABLE 22) Sections 2.1.2, 2.1.3, 2.3.1, 2.3.2 and 2.5, PTS No. 5 Section 5.1, PTS No. 7 Sections 7.1 and 7.3, PTS No. 8 Criteria Section/Appendix Reference Containing Evidence Sections 8.1.1, 8.1.3, 8.1.4 and 8.1.6, PTS No. 9 Sections 9.1, 9.4.3, 9.4.4, 9.4.5, PTS 10 Section 10.1, PTS No. 14 Context - The consistency of a plan’s objectives, targets Section 14.1, PTS No. 15 Section 15.1, 15.5, Appendix and programmes with the wider policy and planning 2, Appendix 3, Appendix 4 and Appendix 5. context. The Government will in particular look for evidence that: • The Plan's analysis of problems and opportunities is fully Sections: 2.1, 2.2, 3.0, 3.1.1, 3.1.3, 3.1.4, 3.1.5, 3.2.2, informed by the existing evidence base, including the past 3.2.3, 3.2.4, 3.2.5, 3.3.2, 3.3.3, 3.3.4, 3.4.2, 4.2, 7.1, 7.2 • The Plan reflects the long-term vision of local authorities Sections: 1.3, 3.1.11, 3.1.12, 3.2.11, 3.3.11, 3.4.10, experience of the Plan authorities and others. and 7.4, Appendix 1: PTS No. 1 Sections 1.1, 1.1.1, serving the plan area, and a long term local transport 3.4.11, 4.2, 4.3.5 and 7.0. 1.1.2 and 1.1.3, PTS No. 2 Sections 2.1.2, 2.1.3, 2.3.1, strategy consistent with that vision. 2.3.2, 2.5, PTS No. 5 Sections 5.1 and 5.4, PTS No. 7 Sections 7.1, 7.3 and 7.5, PTS No. 8 Sections 8.1, 8.1.1, • The delivery programme, and LTP objectives and targets, Sections: 1.2, 2.2, 2.3 and Diag 1 and 2, 3.0, 3.1.1, 8.1.3, 8.1.4, 8.1.6, PTS No. 9 Sections 9.4.3, 9.4.4, 9.4.5, are consistent with the full range of local policy aims and 3.1.2, 3.2.2, 3.2.9, 4.3.1, 4.3.5, 5.0, Tables 8, 11 and 12, PTS No. 10 Section 10.1, PTS No. 11 Section 11.4, PTS objectives and the outputs of the wider local corporate 5.4.1, 5.4.2 and 5.5, Appendix 1: PTS No’s 1 to 18. No. 12 Sections 12.1, PTS No. 14 Section 14.3, PTS No. planning framework (eg corporate plans, community 15 Sections 15.1, 15.4, PTS No. 16 Section 16.4, PTS No. strategies and Best Value performance plans). 17 Section 17.4.1, 17.4.2, Appendix 2, Appendix 4 and Appendix 5. • The Plan will influence, and will therefore be broadly Sections: 3.2.2, 4.1.3, 4.3.2, 4.4, 4.4.1, 4.4.2, 4.4.3, 7.1, consistent with, other decisions of local authorities in the 7.4, Appendix 1: PTS No. 1, Sections 1.1, 1.4 and 1.6, • The Plan's analysis avoids making assumptions that are See above references, which provide the evidence. area covered by the LTP - for example, in housing, PTS No. 2 Sections 2.2.1, 2.3.2, 2.4, 2.5 and 2.6, PTS No. not necessarily supported by evidence. planning, economic development, education and social 5 Sections 5.1 and 5.4, PTS No. 6 Sections 6.1 and 6.6. services. • The Plan’s analysis is informed by consideration of the full Section: 1.1, 2.2, 3.0, 3.1.4, 3.2.2, 3.2.3, 3.2.4, 3.3.3, range of people, communities, public services and 3.3.4, 3.4.2, 3.4.3, 4.3.5, 4.4, 4.4.1, 4.4.2, 4.4.3, 7.1, • The Plan is broadly consistent with, and will influence the Sections: 3.1.2, 3.4.1, 4.3.1, 4.3.2, 4.3.3, 5.5 and Tables businesses affected by the Plan. 7.4, 7.5, Appendix 1: PTS No. 1 Section 1.1, 1.1.1, 1.1.2, development of, spatial planning and economic 11 and 12, 7.1 and Table 18, Appendix 1: PTS No. 1 1.1.3 and 1.5, PTS No. 2 Sections 2.1.2, 2.1.3, 2.3.2, development strategies produced at the regional level. Section 1.1, PTS No. 2 Sections 2.2.1, 2.3.2, 2.5 and 2.6, 2.4.1, 2.5, PTS No. 3 Section 3.5, PTS No. 4 Section 4.5, PTS No. 4 Section 4.1, PTS No. 5 Section 5.1, 5.4 and PTS No. 5 Section 5.5, PTS No. 6 Section 6.5, PTS No. 7 5.6, PTS No. 9 Section 9.1. Section 7.5, PTS No. 8 Section 8.5, PTS No. 9 Section 9.5, PTS No. 10, Section 10.5, PTS No. 11 Section 11.5, • The Plan is consistent with relevant national-level policies - Sections: 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.5, 3.2, 3.2.2, 3.2.5, 3.3.1, PTS No. 12 Section 12.5, PTS No. 13 Section 13.5, PTS in particular as they relate to strategic transport networks 3.3.2, 3.3.5, 3.4.1, 4.2, 5.5 and Tables 11 and 12, 6.0 No. 14 Section 14.5, PTS No. 15 Section 15.5, PTS No. and their users, the environment, sustainable communities, and Tables 13, 14, 15 and 16, 7.1 and Table 18, 7.2 and 16 Section 16.5, PTS No. 17 Section 17.5, PTS No. 18 and economic development. Table 19, 7.3 and Table 20, 7.4 and Table 21, 7.5, Section 18.5, Appendix 3, Appendix 4. Appendix 1: PTS No’s 1,2,3,5,9,10,11,17 and 18. • The Plan addresses problems and opportunities across the Sections: 3.1.1, 3.1.4, 3.2.1, 3.2.4, 3.3.1, 3.3.4, 3.4.2, full range of transport modes used in the area - including 3.4.3, Appendix 1: PTS No’s 1, 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 16 and 18. car travel, walking, cycling, public transport, taxis and private hire travel, distribution of freight, the use of public service vehicles, coach travel, motorcycling, wheelchair use and horse riding.

136 137 Criteria Section/Appendix Reference Containing Evidence Criteria Section/Appendix Reference Containing Evidence

• The Plan makes appropriate use of analytical techniques Sections: 3.1.4, 3.2.3, 3.3.3, 3.4.2, 6.0, 7.1, Appendix 1: • The Plan demonstrates how the Network Management Sections: 3.1.4, 3.1.7, 3.1.9, Appendix 1: PTS No. 7 (eg modelling and accessibility planning), and air quality PTS No. 5 Section 5.1, PTS No. 7 Section 7.3, Appendix duty will be implemented in a way that will maximise the Sections 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, 7.6. assessment. 2, Appendix 3, Appendix 5. value of existing transport networks.

• The Plan demonstrates that the environmental impact of Sections: 2.2, 5.7, Appendix 3. • The Plan is not just a capital investment plan, but Sections: 3.1.4, 3.2.4, 3.3.4, 3.3.9, 3.3.10 and Table 6, Plan schemes and policies has been fully considered and demonstrates how opportunities will be taken to improve 3.3.11, 3.4.2, 3.4.3, 3.4.8, 5.2 and Table 8, 5.4.1 and that the LTP will take opportunities to improve the transport outcomes through the effective use of revenue Tables 9 and 10, 5.4.2, 5.9, 5.10, Appendix 1: PTS No. 7 environment (eg through the inclusion of selected analysis budgets. Sections 7.4, 7.6. produced in support of a Strategic Environmental Assessment.) • The Plan is framed in a way that is consistent with a Sections: 3.1.10 and Table 1, 3.2.10 and Table 2, 3.3.10 realistic view of funding from all sources - including the and Table 6, 3.4.9 and Table 7, 5.1, 5.2 and Table 8, Maximinsing Value from Resources - The Plan will 'planning guidelines' provided by the Department - and 5.3.1, 5.3.2, 5.3.3, 5.3.4, 5.3.5, 5.3.6, 5.3.7, 5.3.8, 5.4.1 deliver the best possible results, given the likely availability does not contain unfounded aspirations. and Table 10, 5.4.2, 5.8, 5.9, 5.10. of public funds and the current state of infrastructure and transport services. • The Plan will implement a robust and effective approach Sections: 5.1, 5.10. The Government will in particular look for evidence that: to budgeting, the control of costs, and the securing of partnership funding from non-LTP sources. • The Plan’s analysis has sought to identify and prioritise the Sections: 3.0, 5.5 and Table 11, 5.9 and Table 12, 7.1 local transport policies and schemes that would deliver the and Table 18, 7.2 and Table 19, 7.3 and Table 20, 7.4 Involvement - The effectiveness of consultation and best possible value for money. and Table 21. involvement of stakeholders in local transport. The Government will in particular look for evidence that: • Every opportunity will be taken to make the best use of Sections: 3.1.1, 3.1.3, 3.1.4, 3.1.7, 3.2.4, 3.2.7, 3.2.9, existing assets, both to avoid the need for new or 3.2.10 and Table 2, 3.2.11, 3.3.7, 3.4.6, 7.2, 7.4, • The Plan has been developed with the full and active Sections: 2.2, 3.0, 3.1.2, 3.1.5, 3.1.9, 3.2.2, 3.2.3, 3.2.4, upgraded infrastructure and to maximise the benefits of Appendix 1: PTS No. 1 Section 1.4, PTS No. 2 Section participation of all relevant tiers of local government and 3.2.9, 3.3.2, 3.3.4, 3.3.9, 3.4.1, 3.4.2, 3.4.3, 3.4.4, 3.4.5, new or upgraded infrastructure. 2.4, PTS No. 3 Section 3.4, PTS No. 4 Section 4.4, PTS all relevant departments or divisions within local 3.4.6, 3.4.7, 3.4.8, 3.4.9, 3.4.10, 4.3.5, 7.3, Appendix 1: No. 5 Sections 5.4, 5.4.1, 5.4.2, 5.4.3, PTS No. 6 Section authorities. PTS No. 2 Sections 2.4.1, 2.4.6, PTS No. 4 Sections 4.1, 6.4, PTS No. 7 Section 7.4, PTS No. 8 Section 8.4, PTS 4.6, PTS No. 5 Section 5.4, PTS No. 13 Section 13.1, PTS No. 9 Section 9.4, PTS No. 10 Section 10.4, PTS No. 11 No. 14 Section 14.5, PTS No. 16 Section 16.1, PTS No. Section 11.4, PTS No. 12 Section 12.4, PTS No. 13 17 Sections 17.1, 17.2, 17.3, 17.4, 17.5, 17.6, Appendix Section 13.4, PTS No. 14 Section 14.4, PTS No. 15 4. Section 15.4, PTS No. 16 Section 16.4, PTS No. 17 Sections 17.4.1, 17.4.2, PTS No. 18 Section 18.4, • The Plan has been developed in a way that fully addresses Sections: 2.2, 4.3.1, 4.3.2, 4.3.3, 4.3.4, 4.4, 4.4.1, 4.4.2, Appendix 2, Appendix 5. local transport needs and opportunities across 4.4.3, 7.1, 7.4, Appendix 1: PTS No. 1, PTS No. 2 administrative boundaries. Sections 2.1.2, 2.4.1, 2.5, 2.6, PTS No. 5, PTS No. 6 • The Plan would maintain assets in a cost-effective way, Sections: 1.2, 3.1.4, 3.1.8, 3.1.9, 5.2 and Table 18, 5.3.2, Section 6.1.3, PTS No. 7 Sections 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, PTS No. 9 and that asset maintenance will be informed by LTP 5.3.3, 5.3.4, 5.3.5, 5.3.6, 5.3.7, 5.4.1 and Tables 9 and Sections 9.1, 9.4, 9.6, PTS No. 11 Sections 11.5, 11.6, objectives and targets 10, 5.4.2, 5.5 and Table 11, 5.9 and Table 12, 6.3 and PTS No. 14 Sections 14.5, PTS No. 18 Sections 18.6, Tables 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, Sections 7.2, 7.4, Appendix 1: Appendix 4. PTS No. 2 Section 2.1.3, 2.3.1, 2.4.1, 2.6, PTS No. 3 Sections 3.4, 3.6, PTS No. 7 Sections 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, • The Plan has been developed with the active involvement Sections: 2.2, 2.3 and Diag 3, 3.0, 3.1.4, 3.2.1, 3.2.4, 7.5, 7.6, PTS No. 9 Sections 9.4.1, 9.4.3, 9.4.5, 9.6, PTS of a wide range of interested local stakeholders - including 3.2.9, 3.3.4, 3.3.9, 3.3.11, 3.4.11, 4.2, 4.3,1, 4.3.3, No. 11 Sections 11.4, 11.6, PTS No. 14 Sections 14.1, companies delivering transport services, other local 4.3.5, 5.1, 5.3.6, 5.10, 7.1, 7.2, Appendix 1: PTS No. 1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, 14.5, 14.6, PTS No. 15 Sections 15.1, businesses, local public services, local communities and PTS No. 2 Sections 2.2.1, 2.4.2, 2.5, 2.6, PTS No. 5, PTS 15.2, 15.3, 15.4, 15.5, 15.6, PTS No. 18 Sections 18.4, special interest groups - and where possible makes use of No. 7 Sections 7.5, 7.6, PTS No. 10 Sections 10.1, 10.5, 18.6, Appendix 5. existing consultative and planning bodies (eg Local 10.6, PTS No. 11 Sections 11.5, 11.6, PTS No. 14 Section Strategic Partnerships, Rural Transport Partnerships). 14.5, PTS No. 16 Section 16.5, Appendix 2, Appendix 3, • The Plan adequately considers (in the context of local Sections: 3.1.4, 3.1.7, 3.1.8, 3.1.9, 3.1.10 and Table 1, Appendix 4. circumstances) a range of potential options for delivering 3.1.11, 3.2.4, 3.2.9, 3.2.10 and Table 2, 3.3.4, 3.3.9, congestion, pollution and road safety benefits through 3.3.10 and Table 6, 3.4.3, 5.3.5, 5.3.8, 5.8, 7.4, • The Plan's policies and schemes with impacts on strategic Sections: 2.2, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, Appendix 1: PTS No. 1, managing demand for travel by road and influencing Appendix 1: PTS No’s 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 16, transport networks have been developed with the other PTS No. 2 Section 2.2.3, PTS No. 5 Sections 5.1, 5.5, 5.6, travel behaviour. 17, 18. responsible agencies (eg the Highways Agency, other DfT PTS No. 9 Sections 9.4.1, 9.4.3, 9.6, PTS No. 14 Section delivery agencies, rail industry bodies, freight operators, 14.5 operators of coach services).

138 139 Criteria Section/Appendix Reference Containing Evidence Criteria Section/Appendix Reference Containing Evidence

Performance Management - The robustness and quality • The Plan convincingly addresses current and emerging Sections: 1.1, 1.2, 2.2, 2.3 and Diag 2, 3.0, 3.1.1, 3.1.2, of the process for setting and monitoring local targets congestion problems using a range of policy tools (or 3.1.3, 3.1.4, 3.1.5, 3.1.6, 3.1.7, 3.1.8, 3.1.9, 3.1.10 and and trajectories. The Government will in particular look provides convincing evidence that there are no such Table 1, 3.1.11, 3.1.12, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3.1, 4.3.5, 4.4, 4.4.1, for evidence that: problems), and ensures that the need to address 4.4.2, 4.4.3, 5.1, 5.2 and Table 8, 5.3.2, 5.3.3, 5.3.4, congestion levels is addressed by the wider local policy and 5.3.5, 5.3.6, 5.3.7, 5.3.8, 5.3.9, 5.4.1, 5.5 and Table 11, • The Plan targets have been set in a way that reflects the Sections: 1.2, 6.1, 6.3 and Tables 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17. planning agenda. 6.1, 6.3 and Tables 13, 14, 15, 16, 7.1 and Table 18, 7.2 transport aims and objectives of the local authority or and Table 19, 7.3 and Table 20, 7.4 and Table 21, 7.5, authorities involved, and the wider policy and planning Appendix 1: PTS No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, context, instead of (for example) a pre-determined 14, 16, 17, 18, Appendix 2, Appendix 5. transport investment programme. • The Plan convincingly addresses current and emerging air Sections: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.2, 2.3 and Diag 2, 3.0, 3.1.1, • Development of the Plan has brought about a robust Sections: 6.1, 6.2. quality problems - especially those in Air Quality 3.1.2, 3.1.3, 3.1.4, 3.1.5, 3.1.6, 3.1.7, 3.1.8, 3.1.9, system for reviewing LTP targets to ensure they are, and Management Areas - that are related to local transport (or 3.1.10 and Table 1, 3.1.11, 3.1.12, 3.4.1, 3.4.2, 3.4.3, will remain, realistic and challenging. provides evidence that there are no such problems), and 3.4.4, 3.4.5, 3.4.6, 3.4.7, 3.4.8, 3.4.9 and Table 7, ensures that local transport related air quality problems 3.4.10, 3.4.11, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3.1, 4.3.5, 5.5 and Table 11, • The Plan’s targets will measure outcomes directly, or Sections: 6.1, 6.3 and Tables 13, 14, 15 and 16. are addressed by the wider local policy and planning 5.9 and Table 12, 6.3 and Tables 13, 15, 16, 7.1 and measure outputs demonstrably related to outcomes. agenda. Table 18, 7.2 and Table 19, 7.3 and Table 20, 7.4 and Table 21, Appendix 1: PTS No. 1 Section 1.2, PTS No. 2 • The Plan will include all relevant mandatory targets and Sections: 6.1, 6.3 and Tables 13 and 16. Section 2.2, PTS No. 3 Section 3.2, PTS No. 4 Section indicators. 4.2, PTS No. 5 Section 5.2, PTS No. 6 Section 6.2, PTS No. 7 Section 7.2, PTS No. 8 Section 8.2, PTS No. 9 • The Plan targets will be accompanied where possible by Sections: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 and Tables 13, 14, 15. Section 9.2, PTS No. 11 Section 11.2, PTS No. 12 Section year-by-year trajectories, and a robust process will be in 12.2, PTS No. 13 Section 13.2, PTS No. 14 Section 14.2, place for setting these trajectories and monitoring PTS No. 17 Section 17.2, PTS No. 18 Section 18.2, performance against those trajectories. Appendix 3.

• The Plan targets identify how the targets will be achieved, Sections: 6.3 Table 16. • The Plan will convincingly deliver better road safety Sections: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.2, 2.3 and Diag 2, 3.0, 3.3.1, the key risks to the achievement of the targets, and how outcomes, especially for vulnerable road users, through a 3.3.2 and Table 3, 3.3.3 and Table 4, 3.3.4, 3.3.5, 3.3.6, those risks will be managed. range of policy tools, and ensures that the road safety 3.3.7, 3.3.8, 3.3.9, 3.3.10 and Table 6, 3.3.11, 4.2, 4.3.5, objectives are addressed by the wider local policy and 5.2 and Table 8, 5.3.1, 5.3.2, 5.3.3, 5.3.5, 5.3.9, 5.5 and Priorities - The extent to which the identified shared planning agenda. Table 11, 5.9 and Table 12, 6.3 and Tables 13, 14, 15, priorities, and the identified quality of life issues, have 16, Appendix 1: PTS No’s 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, driven the development of the LTP delivery programme, 15, 17 and 18. objectives and targets. The Government will in particular look for evidence that: Sections: 1.1, 1.2, 2.2, 2.3 and Diag 2, 3.0, 3.1.5, 3.2.5, • The Plan policies and schemes will demonstrably take all 3.3.5, 3.4.4, 4.2, 4.3.3, 4.3.4, 4.3.5, 5.2 and Table 8, reasonable opportunities to deliver: • The Plan contains evidence that the developing Sections: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.2, 2.3 and Diag 2, 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 5.3.2, 5.3.4, 5.3.6, 5.3.8, 5.5 and Table 11, 5.9 and Table accessibility strategy will deliver accessibility objectives, 3.2.3, 3.2.4, 3.2.5, 3.2.7, 3.2.8, 3.2.9, 3.2.10 and Table • sustainable and prosperous communities 12, 7.1 and Table 18, 7.2 and Table 19, 7.3 and Table 20, and will ensure those strategies and objectives are 2, 3.2.11, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3.1, 4.3.2, 4.3.3, 4.3.5, 4.4, 4.4.1, • enhanced, 'people-friendly' public spaces 7.4 and Table 21, 7.5, Appendix 1: PTS No. 1 Section 1.2, addressed by the wider local policy and planning agenda. 5.2 and Table 8, 5.3.2, 5.3.3, 5.3.4, 5.3.5, 5.3.6, 5.3.7, • protection and enhancement of landscapes and PTS No. 2 Section 2.2, PTS No. 3 Section 3.2, PTS No. 4 5.3.8, 5.4, 5.4.1, 5.5 and Table 11, 5.9 and Table 12, 6.1, biodiversity Section 4.2, PTS No. 5 Section 5.2, PTS No. 6 Section 6.3 and Tables 13, 14, 15, 16, 7.1 and Table 18, 7.2 and 6.2, PTS No. 7 Section 7.2, PTS No. 8 Section 8.2, PTS • enhanced personal security Table 19, 7.3 and Table 20, 7.4 and Table 21, 7.5, No. 9 Section 9.2, PTS No. 10 Section 10.2, PTS No. 11, Appendix 1: PTS No. 1-18 (including Table 1 Links), • healthier communities Section 11.2, PTS No. 12 Section 12.2, PTS No. 13 Appendix 2. • fewer transport-related noise problems Section 13.2, PTS No. 14 Section 14.2, PTS No. 15 • progress towards climate change objectives Section 15.2, PTS No. 16 Section 16.2, PTS No. 17 Section 17.2, PTS No. 18 Section 18.2.

140 141 9.0 GLOSSARY OF TERMS ANNEX 1.0 FINANCIAL FORMS

This section includes the financial forms The Silver Jubilee Bridge Complex OMPLIANCE NDEX Partnership WIFT – Widnes International Freight 8.2 C I LTP-F1, F2, F3 and F4. The figures Terminal and Associated Bridges Major To assist in the assessment process, we NTCC – National Traffic Control Centre included within LTP-F1 for the year Maintenance have reproduced the criteria and WIRD – Widnes International Rail Depot 2003/04 are final outturn expenditure. NTT – Neighbourhood Travel Team indicated against each of the sub- Outturn figures for 2004/05 are The funding profile for this Major criteria those sections of our LTP2 provisional. NWDA – North West Development Maintenance Scheme throughout the which confirm compliance with the Agency period of the plan is as follows: requirements. Table 22 below details Expenditure and schemes delivered in • 2006/07 - £4,615,000 this work. OMU – Outstation Monitoring Unit 2005/06 are estimated outturn figures (Traffic signals) as work ongoing. • 2007/08 - £5,854,000

PHV - Private Hire Vehicles • 2008/09 - £5,451,000 THE CAPITAL PROGRAMME FOR • 2009/10 - £3,148,000 PSA – Public Service Agreement 2006/07 TO 2008/09 • 2010/11 - £3,581,000 APR - Annual Progress Report RTPI – Real Time Passenger Information Estimates of expenditure are shown for AQMA –Air Quality Management Area System the period 2006/07 to 2010/11 and are These figures are based on the cost estimates contained in Appendix 5: CKSI - Children Killed & Seriously PTS – Primary Transport Strategy based upon the Planning Guidelines for Injured Local Transport Capital. Silver Jubilee Bridge Complex RSET &P – Road Safety, Education, Maintenance Strategy Report. These CSS – County Surveyors Society Training & Publicity estimates were then converted to estimates for the respective years of DfT - Department for Transport ROPS - Residents Only Parking Scheme MAJOR SCHEMES implementation using the FORVOP index. DSA – Driving Standards Agency SAS – Surface Access Strategy The Mersey Gateway Throughout the period of LTP2 DSRFP – Ditton Strategic Rail Freight The estimate for 2006/07 includes SCRIM – Sideways force Coefficient significant funding will be required for Park £571,000 for works not implemented Routine Investigation Machine the Mersey Gateway until financial in 2005/06. closure in 2009 when the project will GMPTE – Greater Manchester Passenger SEA – Strategic Environmental be handed over for private financing. Executive Assessment This scheme will be supported by £3,780,000 of funding from the Block GTS – Ground Transport Strategy SJB – Silver Jubilee Bridge Expenditure is forecast as follows: (Manchester Airport) Allocation for Maintenance. SLI – Slight Injuries • 2006/07 - £4,680,000 LSC – Learning & Skills Council • 2007/08 - £4,090,000 SOA – Super Output Areas HAMP – Highway Asset Management • 2008/09 - £3,130,000 Plan SRA – Strategic Rail Authority • 2009/10 - £4,100,000 HSPB – Halton Strategic Partnership TAMP - Transport Assessment Board Management Plan From 2009 onwards costs will reduce to staffing costs only. JRSO – Junior Road Safety Officer TCG - Taxi Consultative Group

KSI – Killed & Seriously Injured TRL Transport Research Laboratory

LED – Light Emitting Diode UKPMS – United Kingdom Pavement Management System LJLA – Liverpool John Lennon Airport UTMC - Urban Traffic Management LTA – Local Transport Authority Control

LTP – Local Transport Plan UDP – Unitary Development Plan

LTP1 – Local transport plan (2001/02- VMS – Variable Message Signing 2005/6) VOSA – Vehicle and Operator Services LTP2 – Local Transport Plan (2006/7 – Agency 2010/2011) WCML – West Coast Mainline (Rail) MFQP – Merseyside Freight Quality

142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 Large print and other formats of this document are available without charge by telephoning 0151 424 2061 ext. 3129 or writing to:

Halton Borough Council Environment Directorate Rutland House • Halton Lea • Runcorn • Cheshire WA7 2GW

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