FO REWO RD

This Strategy, com m issioned by the and East Coast World Heritage Site Steering Group, establishes the fram ew ork that w ill be used for the preparation and delivery of the Policies and Actions necessary for the m anagem ent of access to the Site. A guiding principal in the preparation of the Strategy has been the need to ensure that the Transport sector plays its full part in helping the Site’s conservation.

The private m otor car is the predom inant m ode of travel used to access the Site and its hinterland. By m oving closer to a set of sustainable and integrated transport netw orks for all people, across all m odes of travel, w e can increase the use of alternatives to the m otor car. Doing this in a responsible w ay w ill enable us to continue to w elcom e visitors and local people to the Site and the w ider countryside, at levels w hich they can sustain.

In order for the Strategy to be successful, it w ill be necessary to achieve a high quality level of service provision, inform ation and infrastructure for the m aritim e, public transport and non m otorised m eans of land travel. The Policies and Actions in the Strategy provide the essential guidelines for the w ay forw ard.

An Im plem entation Schedule containing a detailed list of m easures developed in light of these guidelines w ill be included w ith the full version of the Local Transport Plans for Dorset and Devon.

This Transport Strategy is a dynam ic docum ent and it is planned that the sections on car parking and seaborne transport w ill be further developed and added to an updated version, together w ith a report on progress in the achievem ent of the Actions and Measures identified, and progress on any new developm ents, such as use of alternative vehicle fuels. It is expected that this w ill take place during 2006.

A CK N O WLED G EMEN TS A N D CO N TA CT D ETA ILS

This strategy has been w ritten and edited by officers from Dorset and Devon County Councils, the Chairm an of the Transport Working Group and the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Team , w ith considerable initial creative input from other m em bers of the Transport Working Group. The World Heritage Steering Group approved this docum ent in Decem ber 2004, w ith support for its production com ing from Dorset and Devon County Councils. For queries, com m ents or further inform ation, please contact the World Heritage Team on 01305 225101, or jurassiccoast@ dorsetcc.gov.uk. For general inform ation about the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, please go to w w w .jurassiccoast.org.

1 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

CO N TEN TS

1. IN TRO D U CTIO N ...... 3 Background ...... 3 Managem ent of the Jurassic Coast Word Heritage Site ...... 3 Geographical Scope...... 4 Local Transport Plans ...... 4 AONB Managem ent Plans ...... 5 2. EX ISTIN G N ETWO RK S...... 6 Overall Transport Netw ork...... 6 National ...... 6 Additional w alking routes ...... 6 Cycling...... 7 Horse Riding...... 7 Bus Services ...... 7 Rail Services...... 7 Airports ...... 8 Harbours ...... 8 Road Netw ork ...... 8 3. VISIO N , A IMS A N D O B JECTIVES...... 9 Vision for transport on the Jurassic Coast ...... 9 Transport aim s for the Jurassic coast...... 9 Transport objectives for the Jurassic coast ...... 10 4. PO LICIES A N D A CTIO N PO IN TS ...... 11 Modal Hierarchy...... 11 Walking...... 12 Public transport ...... 17 Boats ...... 22 Cycling and horse riding...... 24 Private vehicles ...... 26 Inform ation ...... 29 Appendix 1 World Heritage Transport Working Group ...... 35 Appendix 2 WHS Managem ent Plan objectives and policies...... 36 Appendix 3 LTP objectives...... 38 Appendix 4 AONB Transport Related Policies...... 39 Appendix 5 Further Inform ation on Transport Netw orks ...... 40 Map M1 Jurassic Coast Transport Netw ork...... 52 Map M2 National Cycle Netw ork ...... 54

2 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

1. IN TRO D U CTIO N

B ackground The Dorset and East Devon Coast w as declared as England’s first natural World Heritage Site in Decem ber 2001. This status confers a joint international responsibility on all those w ho m anage, conserve and present the Site to visitors and local people. The Site has becom e com m only know n as the ‘Jurassic Coast’, and the area of interest includes both the designated World Heritage Site (w hich is a narrow strip of undeveloped coast com prising cliff faces, beaches and the Fleet Lagoon), and the w ider area surrounding the Site, including nationally im portant countryside of the Dorset and East Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the settlem ents adjacent to and inland from the Site. These include: • WHS Gatew ay Tow ns: The tow ns and settlem ents that lie im m ediately adjacent to the Site on the coast (Exm outh, , Sidm outh, Beer, Seaton, Lym e Regis, Charm outh, West Bay/, Portland, Weym outh, Sw anage, Wareham ) • Market Tow ns: The tow ns im m ediately inland from the World Heritage Site, such as , Axm inster, Dorchester, Wool. • Anchor Settlem ents: The city of and the Bournem outh//Christchurch conurbation, w hich provide larger infrastructure and accom m odation facilities, such as airports, and larger hotels and conference facilities.

This strategy has been prepared by a specially convened w orking group, under independent chairm anship, and draw s on the input of both the w orking group and a series of consultation w orkshops held during 2004.

Managem ent of the Jurassic Coast Word H eritage Site Responsibilities for m anaging the World Heritage Site and w ork program m es are w idely shared am ongst local authorities, governm ent agencies, private landow ners and businesses, and voluntary and com m unity sector groups. The overall m anagem ent of the Site is guided by the WHS Steering Group, in line w ith an agreed World Heritage Managem ent Plan (WHMP), prepared through w idespread consultation and updated in 2003. The WHMP has been form ally endorsed by the County and District Councils w ithin w hose areas the Site lies, and has been approved by the Secretaries of State for Environm ent, Food and Rural Affairs and for Culture, Media and Sport.

The World Heritage Site Managem ent Plan (1st Revision) contains six key Objectives, Objective Three of w hich is as follow s, and provides the underpinning direction of this transport strategy.

Objective 3: to welcome local people and visitors to the Site at levels which it can sustain, by encouraging those with responsibilities to: a) maintain a network of access on foot to the beaches within the Site where practical b) maintain access to the Site via the South West Coast Path, the rights of way network and other paths c) ensure that provision of public access and information helps to match visitor numbers to the capacity of the Site, and maintains the tranquillity of remote areas d) consider the safety of visitors to the Site as a management issue e) provide for visitor safety through appropriate education initiatives, and management where practicable

3 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005 f) promote viewing of the Site by boat g) provide information on the Site at local, national and international levels which encourages visiting to the Site at levels that it can sustain h) provide high quality information and interpretation about the Site to both local people and visitors at the main access points and within the Gateway Towns i) manage the transport impacts of visitors to the Site.

In addition, the Managem ent Plan also sets out them es and policies on Transport w hich are reproduced in Appendix 1.

The WHMP is im plem ented via a series of core strategies currently com prising: Conservation and Monitoring, Education; Interpretation; Marketing and this – Transport. These strategies form the key m anagem ent tools of the Site, and they encom pass w ork for both the Site, and the w ider geographical area. This aim s to ensure that the World Heritage Site is m anaged in a w ay that is fully integrated w ith the w ider needs of the local econom y, com m unities, and environm ent.

In Decem ber 2003 the World Heritage Steering Group established the World Heritage Site Transport Group to draw up this Strategy. Working under an independent Chair, the WHS Transport Group is m ade up of representatives from organisations w ith a direct interest in accessing the Jurassic Coast. This enabled consultation w ith organisations such as the regional Governm ent Office, Local Authorities, user groups, transport operators, and landow ners (a full list is contained at Appendix 2). The Transport Working Group and its sub-groups m et on seven occasions in 2004 to develop this Strategy.

The Strategy w as adopted by the WHS Steering Group in Decem ber 2004 and com m ended to all delivery agencies for adoption and im plem entation, including Dorset and Devon County Councils in relation to the established Local Transport Plans, and other partners including strategic bodies such as SWERDA and Governm ent Office South West, and local deliverers and operators.

G eographical Scope Throughout this Strategy w herever reference is m ade to the Site, this refers to the exact geographical boundary of the World Heritage Site. The term Jurassic Coast has been taken to include the Site and its im m ediate hinterland, w hich is defined approxim ately as the area bounded: to the north by the Exeter to Waterloo railw ay line, as far as Axm inster, then the A35 Trunk Road to Dorchester, then the Waterloo railw ay line to Poole, and the area south to the coast.

Local Transport Plans This Transport Strategy w ill form a key com ponent of the Dorset and Devon Local Transport Plans, and the w ork of com piling it has been led by officers in the Transport team s of both Councils. Im plem entation of the Strategy w ill be m onitored using targets and perform ance indicators. Both the Dorset and Devon Local Transport Plans currently cover the period 2001 to 2006. Provisional Local Transport Plans covering the period 2006-2011 w ere subm itted to Governm ent in July 2005 w ith the final plans due for subm ission in March 2006. The objectives of the current tw o Local Transport Plans are listed in Appendix 3, along w ith the objectives for the Provisional Devon Local Transport Plan 2006-2011. For m ore inform ation go to w w w .devon.gov.uk/transport

4 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

Key points from the Departm ent for Transport (Full Guidance on Local Transport Plans: Second Edition) in relation to Local Transport Plans are; • Plans m ust contain evidence of a long term strategy w ithin w hich the 5 year im plem entation plan is set • Plans m ust be set in context of regional econom ic and spatial strategies • Plans should focus on the ‘shared priorities’ for transport agreed betw een Governm ent and the Local Governm ent Association. These are; o Tackling Traffic Congestion o Delivering Accessibility o Making Roads Safer o Im proving Air Q uality Other ‘quality of life’ issues’ m ay also be addressed but are not m andatory. • The need for LTPs to focus on accessibility is highlighted by the Governm ent’s requirem ent that Accessibility Strategies are included alongside final Local Transport Plans subm itted in March 2006 • 75% of integrated transport funding for LTPs is to be m ade available by Governm ent on a standard , form ulaic basis For m ore details see w w w .dft.gov.uk

Som e of the m ain issues from the Departm ent for Transport Guidance on Full Local Transport Plans are applicable to the Jurassic Coast WHS Transport Strategy including prom otion of public transport, im proving opportunities for car-free tourism and accessibility.

Finally, the Regional Transport Strategy and the em erging spatial studies for the Exeter sub-region and for the Bournem outh and Poole sub-region w ill also be relevant.

A O N B Managem ent Plans A large part of the countryside that includes and surrounds the Jurassic Coast is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This status under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, 1949, ensures the areas receive statutory protection because of their landscape quality. The hinterland, w ith the exception of the m ain urban areas, and Portland lies w ithin tw o AONBs - the East Devon AONB and the Dorset AONB.

Part IV of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 required AONB local authorities to prepare and publish an AONB Managem ent Plan. These statutory Managem ent Plans have been produced for both AONBs covering the period 2004 to 2009, and the associated Transport Policies under the various topic them es of both AONBs are referred to in detail in Appendix 4.

5 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

2. EX ISTIN G N ETWO RK S

This chapter sum m arises the existing transport servicing the Jurassic Coast. More detailed inform ation on services and background data is contained in Appendix 5.

O verall Transport N etw ork Due to its undeveloped nature, the only access w ithin the Site is on foot via paths and beaches. The w ider Jurassic Coast area contains a range of different access facilities, and is served by road, rail, bus and cyclew ay links. The m ain transport links are show n in Figure M.1. at the end of the docum ent.

There are five prim ary route corridors, broadly on an east-w est orientation: ♦ Walking : South West Coast Path National Trail ♦ Road/B us: A30/A35 and A3052/A35/B3157/A353/352/351 ♦ Rail: Waterloo / Paddington-Exeter, Waterloo-Weym outh Cardiff/-Weym outh on a north-south route ♦ B oat: The sea via harbours and ports betw een Exm outh and Poole ♦ Cycling: National Cycle Netw ork 2

There are various links connecting in a north-south direction.

South West Coast Path N ational Trail The South West Coast Path (SWCP) is a National Trail w hich runs w ithin and alongside the WHS for the greater part of its 95 m ile length.

Prom otion of the South West Coast Path is a high priority w ithin the Jurassic Coast Marketing Strategy, under the banner of ‘A Walk Through Tim e’. For m any parts of the coast the SWCP and the w alking links to it provide the only m eans of access to the Site from the hinterland.

The SWCP is m anaged in East Devon by the East Devon AONB service and in Dorset by the County’s ranger service, Dorset Countryside. The coast path m anagers in Dorset and East Devon are com m itted to the preparation of new Coast Path Corridor Plans, to guide future im provem ents to both access provision, and the features of interest along the path.

Walking provides the m eans of accessing the site w ith the low est environm ental im pact, but capacity is nevertheless an issue that is actively considered by the coast path m anagers. Som e popular sections have infrastructure provided such as surfaced paths and steps. Prom otion needs to be sensitive to the capacity of different sections of the path, and to environm ental and safety considerations. There are som e sections of the coast path that are affected by coastal , causing som e problem s in m aintaining the route.

A dditional w alking routes There is a fairly extensive Public Rights of Way netw ork in both East Devon and Dorset, w ith num erous links to the SWCP.

6 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

In addition there are a num ber of linear routes, including the , the Purbeck Way and Wessex Ridgew ay. Som e of these routes are on perm issive paths, and som e are part bridlew ay.

Cycling The National Cycle Netw ork and links to it w ill provide the m ain cycle access to the WHS. NCN Route 2 passes through the hinterland of the WHS, and is show n at figure M2 at the end of the docum ent.

A num ber of other cycle routes exist, including: ♦ The Buzzard Way (a clockw ise on-road route in East Devon) ♦ The Wessex Way (currently under developm ent), linking Seaton to Axm inster Station, and on to Burnham -on-Sea ♦ The Priests Way (Dorset) ♦ The Rodw ell Trail (Dorset) ♦ The Purbeck Cyclew ay (Dorset) ♦ Ferry Link (linking Sw anage to Poole)

H orse Riding There is a m ore lim ited equestrian netw ork, w ith very m inim al facilities along the coast. Only a short length of bridlew ay exists in East Devon, in the vicinity of the SWCP, although there are m ore linking bridlew ays in Dorset.

B us Services The CoastlinX53 service provides the backbone of the local bus netw ork, linking Exeter to Bournem outh. Introduced in 1998 the service has been expanded through a joint partnership of Devon and Dorset County Councils, along w ith the com m itm ent of the bus operator, First Group, and funding from the Governm ent’s Rural Bus Challenge.

From sum m er 2004, m ost of the journeys are being operated by new low -floor double deck buses in distinctive Jurassic Coast livery, and providing a tw o-hourly service, including on Sundays. Passenger Inform ation Assistants travel on a num ber of peak services, to assist w ith travel and tourist inform ation. Passenger num bers have steadily increased on the service, from 56,000 on the old X53 service in 02/03 to 122,000 I 04/05. The target for passenger trips by 2006 is 130,000 per annum – 130% increase over the three years of the project.

The area is served by a num ber of other bus routes, full details of w hich are provided at Appendix 5 and are show n on Figure M.1. There are clearly som e gaps and poor frequencies in the services, including Sidm outh to Beer. There are a num ber of services that link to railw ay stations along the Coast, although w ith recent changes to the train tim etables, not necessarily to trains. There are no cycle carrying facilities on buses in either East Devon or Dorset.

There are bus stations at Exeter, Exm outh, Bridport, Weym outh and Poole, w ith sm aller interchange facilities available at Sidm outh and Wareham .

Rail Services Exeter, Honiton, Axm inster, Weym outh, Dorchester (South), Moreton, Wool, Wareham , Poole and Bournem outh have direct railw ay links to London (Waterloo), operated by

7 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

South West Trains. Exeter St Davids is also served by the Great Western Line from London (Paddington). Weym outh, U pw ey and Dorchester (West) are additionally linked to Bath, Bristol and Cardiff via Wessex Trains. Exm outh is linked to Exeter St Davids via the Avocet Line.

Tw o privately run heritage railw ay lines serve the area: Sw anage Steam Railw ay and the Seaton Tram w ay. Neither has a m ainline rail connection at present, although both have the potential to do so; and Sw anage Steam Railw ay are at an advanced stage of attem pting to secure the linkage to the rail netw ork at Wareham .

A irports Located at either end of the WHS are Exeter International Airport and Bournem outh International Airport. Both report an increase in inbound visitors using the facilities for accessing the South-West brought about by low -cost operators such as Flybe and Ryanair increasing the range of their destinations in the past year or so.

H arbours Three large ports lie w ithin or adjacent to the WHS at Weym outh, Portland and Poole. The follow ing cross-channel ferry crossings are currently in operation:

• Poole-Cherbourg (Brittany Ferries) • Poole-Jersey/St Malo (Condor - seasonal) • Weym outh-Jersey/Guernsey/St Malo (Condor - seasonal).

Portland Port is developing a grow ing m arket hosting visiting cruise ships. Along the coast there are a num ber of sm aller harbours, including Exm outh, Lym e Regis, West Bay, and Sw anage w ith beach landing potentially available at other locations including Sidm outh and Beer. The harbour at West Bay has been redeveloped allow ing for enhanced launching, m ooring and landing facilities.

The best view s of the WHS are to be found from the sea. A num ber of boat operators have started to exploit this aspect and interpretation packages are under developm ent.

Road N etw ork The closest through route to the Coast is the A30/A35 Trunk Road, linking the Anchor Settlem ents of Exeter and Bournem outh.

Nearer to the Coast and w ithin Devon the m ain road access is provided by the A3052, a County Prim ary Route, running roughly parallel w ith the coast betw een Exeter and the County boundary.

The m ain routes in Dorset are the B3157 from Bridport to Weym outh w ith the corridor of the A353/A352/A351, all County Prim ary Routes linking Weym outh to Sw anage.

Many of the roads that connect these roads to the coast are narrow and unsuitable for large am ounts of traffic. The local netw ork is prone to congestion, especially during the sum m er m onths. Dorset and Devon County Councils are in regular contact w ith local com m unities to discuss m easures w hich can reduce local traffic problem s.

8 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

3. VISIO N , A IMS A N D O B JECTIVES

Through the WHS Transport Working Group a fram ew ork for the Transport Strategy has been developed. This consists of an overall vision, three guiding Aim s and eight Objectives. These are set out below w ith a series of Policies and Action Points being explained in Chapter 4.

The transport vision expands on the overall vision for the World Heritage Site set out in the World Heritage Steering Group’s Fram ew ork for Action:

… that W orld Heritage status in Dorset and East Devon will inspire people to celebrate, appreciate and enjoy the W orld Heritage Site, and safeguard it for future generations in the best possible condition. W e wish to ensure the W orld Heritage Site becomes a vibrant strand of the life of Dorset and East Devon, benefiting local people, visitors and the environment throughout the area.

The following vision for Jurassic Coast Transport has been proposed:

VISION FOR TRANSPORT ON THE JURASSIC COAST

Our vision is that the Jurassic Coast will be a place where high quality and innovative transport choice is a distinctive and high profile part of what we offer visitors and local people.

We will provide fully sustainable and integrated transport networks for all, across all modes of travel, within the constraints of the Site and the wider countryside.

Transport needs and provision will be managed and enhanced to provide for the needs of its communities, to enhance the experience of current and future visitors.

The overriding consideration for all the above being that the Site is conserved and wherever possible enhanced.

TRANSPORT AIM S FOR THE JURASSIC COAST

The following three aims are proposed to implement the vision:

1. To encourage access to the Jurassic Coast in ways which help conserve the Site.

2. To improve the provision, integration and use of sustainable forms of transport, and access opportunities for all.

3. To provide specific and high quality Jurassic Coast information for Public Transport, walking, cycling, horse riding and travel by boat.

9 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

TRANSPORT OBJECTIVES FOR THE JURASSIC COAST

The following eight objectives are proposed, on which policies and action points have been developed:

A. To develop alternative m eans of accessing the Jurassic Coast instead of relying on the use of private cars, w hilst recognising the safety requirem ents of vulnerable road users.

B. To m anage the South West Coast Path and key routes w ithin the adjacent Public Rights of Way netw ork to National Trail Q uality Standards for the benefit of a full range of users and the environm ent.

C. To give increased priority to the im provem ent and m aintenance of both on and off-road w alking, cycling, and horse riding netw orks.

D. To develop a parking strategy throughout the Site w ith a priority placed on conservation of the Site through targeted parking provision, parking restrictions and other form s of m anagem ent.

E. To encourage a co-ordinated approach to the provision of w ell m anaged access of the Site by boat.

F. To im prove provision for those w ith lim ited m obility.

G. To develop a year-round transport netw ork to support an extended tourism season and prom ote car-free visits.

H. To ensure that transport infrastructure, projects and program m es in the Jurassic Coast are carefully designed to respect local character, and contribute to the conservation, and w here possible enhancem ent of the Site, the countryside, and the quality of tow ns and villages.

10 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

4. PO LICIES A N D A CTIO N PO IN TS

This chapter sets out in detail the proposed Policies and Action Points of the Jurassic Coast Transport Strategy.

Modal H ierarchy

As the World Heritage Site com prises the narrow strip of land betw een the m ean low tide line and the top of the cliff face, the Site itself can only be accessed on foot or by boat.

Generally, prom otion of transport should follow the use of the m ost sustainable and environm entally acceptable m odes first, and often follow s the hierarchy of Walking, Cycling, Public Transport, and Private Vehicles. U sually the hierarchy is sequential and w alking and cycling only prom oted if distances are practicable and the quality of experience, in term s of com fort, is high.

How ever w ithin the hinterland of the Jurassic Coast WHS, the terrain is generally hilly and could m ake cycling as a m eans of transport unattractive for the m ost part. It therefore m ay be incorrect to prom ote cycling schem es in advance of Public Transport schem es w hich m ay benefit a larger proportion of residents and visitors alike. How ever som e people w ill w ish to access parts of the Jurassic Coast by bicycle, or on horse. This m ay form a com bination of recreational access, as w ell as access to local services w ithin the Jurassic Coast com m unities.

When considering som e of the holiday parks along the coastline, not necessarily served by public transport or cycle/bridlew ay facilities, all w ould be w ithin reasonable distance of the sea and potential landing areas. Additionally, the best w ay of seeing the Site is from the sea.

There is an overall benefit to visitors and the Jurassic Coast if the form of transport that can be provided is sustainable and is an attraction in its ow n right. Sea borne transport for m ost w ould fall into this category. Boats or sea-borne transport should therefore be considered separately from Public Transport.

For the Jurassic Coast the suggested m odal hierarchy should be

1. Walking 2. Public Transport 3. Boats 4. Cycling and Horse Riding 5. Private vehicles

The follow ing sections deal w ith the policies in the above order, w ith prom otion and inform ation for all, included w ithin one section. At the end there is a table identifying w hich Policies are linked to the Objectives as laid out in the previous chapter.

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WA LK IN G

(Policies W1 – W6)

Pream ble to Policy W1

The prim ary m eans of access for the Site is the South West Coast Path National Trail (SWCP) w hich runs w ithin or beside the WHS for the greater part of its 95 m iles.

National cross som e of the finest landscapes in England. They provide over 2500 m iles of nationally and internationally recognised series of w alks and are the flagships of the rights of w ay netw ork. The Countryside Agency select the Trails using the criteria set out in Paths, Routes and Trails: Policies and Priorities (CCP 226 1990). The routes offer a quality experience for locals and visitors alike.

The tw o AONB team s are currently preparing Integrated Managem ent Plans for the SWCP corridor. The aim of w hich is to co-ordinate landscape related initiatives around a sustainable access netw ork, w hilst taking into account the socio-econom ic needs of local com m unities.

One of the anticipated outcom es of the SWCP corridor m anagem ent plan is to audit potential new routes that provide connectivity to transport nodes.

There are certain sections of the Path, such as betw een Lym e Regis and Charm outh, (w here the path has been significantly affected by landslips) w here there could be an im proved re-alignm ent of the SWCP taking it off road and nearer the coastline. There are other sections of the SWCP w hich are likely to be lost through coastal erosion. Alternative routes should be agreed in advance, to m inim ise effect on the path.

As paths are diverted due to coastal erosion the opportunity should be taken to provide educational m aterial on the geological reasons for the closure, and im prove understanding of the active geology of the area.

When the SWCP w as approved as a National Trail, the route did not include the large urban areas. National Trail route approval is being sought for the SWCP through Exm outh, Sidm outh, Lym e Regis and Sw anage, and this w ill be an ideal opportunity to ensure that the SWCP follow s the best route and is w ell prom oted.

Policy W1 A chieve N ational Trail route approval for the full length of the SWCP w ithin the Jurassic Coast and develop better alignm ents of the SWCP, w here necessary.

A ction Points – W1

• Finalise the high priority re-alignm ents of the SWCP. • Provide positive m essages/interpretation at SWCP diversion points to enhance understanding of coastal instability and coastal land form s. • Achieve National Trail route approval for the SWCP through Exm outh, Sidm outh, Lym e Regis and Sw anage. • Agree alternatives routes for sections of path prone to coastal erosion.

12 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

Pream ble to Policy W2

It is a national aim that all are m anaged to the highest quality in accordance w ith the Countryside Agency’s National Trail Q uality Standards. The Standards refer to not just the route, but include, the trail corridor, services, inform ation and signing.

Their purpose is to provide better value for m oney in planning, m anagem ent and m aintenance of the National Trail netw ork. Application of these standards should increase the enjoym ent of those w ho use the Trails.

The Standards are based upon three m ain principles: i. Enabling as m any people as possible to enjoy access to National Trails. ii. Protecting the ecological, cultural and landscape features of the areas through w hich each Trail passes. iii. Providing sufficient inform ation about the facilities and services that people need to enjoy the route, how ever long they w ish to stay.

There is a SWCP Safety Task Group, w hich has recently published recom m endations for public safety schem es on the SWCP.

Policy W2 The County Councils and the N ational Trust w ill seek to m anage the South West Coast Path and the adjacent rights of w ay netw ork to a high standard, in line w ith N ational Trail Q uality Standards.

A ction Points – W2

• Maintain the SWCP in accordance w ith the SWCP Path Managem ent System and annually agreed targets. • Im plem ent public safety recom m endations from SWCP Safety Task Group.

Pream ble to Policy W3

Som e people m ay not w ant to undertake linear w alks, but prefer circular routes including sections of the SWCP. The developm ent of circular routes linking Coast to hinterland should be im plem ented as a priority.

In addition, linear routes from the SWCP to settlem ents, including Market Tow ns as w ell as Gatew ay Tow ns, w ith easy access to public transport links should be developed.

Policy W3 Provide w alks and connections to the SWCP, especially from Market Tow ns and from public transport nodes.

A ction Points – W3

• Agree circular w alks from the SWCP using w ell m anaged PROW. • Im plem ent new PROW and/or perm issive routes to link w ith villages and facilities inland and publicise through the SWCP w ebsite.

13 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

Pream ble to Policy W4

In addition to the SWCP, the area has a good range of Public Footpaths. These have been signed to varying am ounts by the tw o County Councils.

In 2004 the Departm ent for Transport published “Walking and Cycling: an action plan”. The docum ent sets out the shorter-term , 42 practical steps w hich the Governm ent and partners w ill take w ith the aim of increasing levels of cycling and w alking. The docum ent highlights the fact that

“Walking and cycling are good for our health, good for getting us around, good for our public spaces and good for our society. For all of these reasons we need to persuade more people to choose to walk and cycle more often.”

U nder the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 the tw o County Councils had a duty to establish statutory Local Access Forum s as w ell as preparing and publishing Rights of Way Im provem ent Plans (ROWIPs).

The role of the Local Access Forum s is to im prove public access to land for the purposes of open-air recreation and enjoym ent. The Forum s include m em bers appointed to represent land m anagers and ow ners, users of land and those w ith other interests. The Forum s w ill be a key source of advice on access issues but w ill also consider w ider strategic issues such as the Rights of Way Im provem ent Plan (ROWIP).

The ROWIP includes an assessm ent of the extent to w hich Local Public Rights of Way (LPROW), footpaths, bridlew ays, cycletracks and restricted byw ays, m eets the present and likely future needs of the public. In addition it highlights the opportunities that LPROW could provide for exercise, recreation and enjoym ent of the area and the ease of accessibility for people w ith vision and m obility im pairm ents.

The ROWIP includes a statem ent of action for the m anagem ent of rights of w ay and for securing an im proved netw ork of rights of w ay. The ROWIP m ust be produced by Novem ber 2007 and be review ed after not m ore than 10 years. The Devon ROWIP w as published in Septem ber 2005.

Specifically on PROW the action plan identifies that from 2005, the DfT w ill integrate ROWIPs in England into the local transport planning process.

During the consultation process for the WHS Marketing Strategy, concern w as expressed that the condition of som e rights of w ay w as not good, and that this w as a potential im pedim ent to the enjoym ent of w alking.

Betw een 2002 and 2005 w as engaged on a Public Service Agreem ent w ith governm ent relating to im proved access to the countryside. The target w as to achieve 90% of the total length of footpaths (and bridlew ays), being classified as easy to use by March 2005 and this w as successfully accom plished. (The classification of ‘easy to use’ is defined by objective criteria for assessing the national Best Value Perform ance Indicator against the County Surveyors Society m ethodology). Devon is now engaged on a new Public Service Agreem ent related to prom otion of access to the countryside.

14 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

Throughout the Jurassic Coast com m unities, volunteers assist in the m aintenance of the PROW netw ork. In Devon, the County Council runs the Parish Paths Partnerships Schem e w hich encourages com m unity involvem ent and enjoym ent of public rights of w ay, through the local parish councils.

Dorset County Council runs a schem e creating Parish Rights of Way Liaison Officers (PROWLO’s). The PROWLO’s have to look after the Definitive Map for the Parish and take note of any creations, diversions, extinguishm ents etc. They also encourage the active involvem ent of voluntary groups including schools to look after their local netw ork of paths.

Both County Councils prom ote the Adopt-a-Path schem e, encouraging volunteers to regularly w alk, ride or cycle a path of their choice, report any problem s such as faulty stiles or gates, carry out m inor clearance of overgrow th, and undertake w aym arking.

The m aintenance of the m ost heavily used sections of paths leading to popular destinations, could be enhanced by adoption of the ideals of the quality standards for the National Trails.

Policy W4 Seek to m aintain the rights of w ay netw ork w ithin the Jurassic Coast area to a high standard com m ensurate w ith use and taking into account the environm ent and scientific issues.

A ction Points – W4

• Identify priority paths for action. • Efforts are m ade to prevent illegal use, w here there are no vehicular rights (and w here there is a dem onstrable problem ). • Im plem ent recom m endations from the ROWIP.

Pream ble to Policy W5

As w alking provides the m eans of accessing the site w ith the low est environm ental im pact, provision of better pedestrian access in the Jurassic Coast area should be encouraged. How ever w ith large parts of the hinterland of the Jurassic Coast being designated as AONB, care needs to be taken in schem e developm ent so as not to intrude unnecessarily on the landscape, and to m atch schem e design to the character of the countryside.

Footpaths form part of the rights of w ay netw ork, and are generally not adjacent to a highw ay, w hereas footw ays are sections of path directly adjacent to a carriagew ay.

Policy W5 Provide w here appropriate new footw ays and or footpaths w here these w ould facilitate pedestrian access to the WH S, settlem ents, facilities, attractions and features of interest.

A ction Points – W5 • Creation of new footpaths identified through the ROWIP. • Design of paths to be in keeping w ith the character of the countryside.

15 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

Pream ble to Policy W6

The topography of the coastal area and the surrounding countryside m akes access difficult for those w ith any form of reduced m obility. This is as equally applicable to any form of disability, as to the old and infirm , and to parents w ith pushchairs.

With over 28% of the population of East Devon and Dorset coastal area being over 65 years of age, and w ith 48% of visitors to the South West (staying for m ore than six nights) travelling w ith children, there are a significant proportion of people w ho could be considered as having reduced m obility.

For physically disabled people there is a Shop Mobility schem e in Dorset and starting up in East Devon. Leisure Mobility is available in Dorset and additionally Riding for the Disabled have active groups w ithin Dorset but not East Devon.

It is not practicable to provide access for all, everyw here throughout the Jurassic Coast, due to the undeveloped and rem ote character of large parts of the Site. How ever w here opportunities do exist to provide access for all, they should be given a high priority, such as the w ork at Orcom be Point in Exm outh.

On existing PROWs, stiles and kissing gates can be an obstruction to those w ith lim ited m obility. Wherever possible, the least restrictive option of a gap should be used, and any unnecessary furniture rem oved. Clearly w here livestock or illegal access control is necessary, then a gate w ould be required. How ever, in locations w here paths can be accessed by people using personal m obility vehicles or w heelchairs, kissing gates and stiles should be rem oved and replaced w ith easy opening gates. Consideration also needs to be given to ensure that there are adequate existing parking facilities near to the paths.

There are also opportunities for local hire facilities to offer all terrain buggies and to develop full Leisure Mobility allow ing access to view points of the Coast.

Transport initiatives linked to other Disability Discrim ination Act m easures should be encouraged.

Policy W6 Provide access for those w ith lim ited m obility, w here practicable.

A ction Points – W6

• On the SWCP and feeder paths im plem ent im provem ent schem es to enable access by those w ith lim ited m obility w herever possible. • Applications for new stiles and kissing gates should initially be refused. • Encourage the developm ent of leisure m obility on the Coast. • Investigate and im plem ent im provem ent schem es for lim ited m obility provision on the seafronts.

16 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

PU B LIC TRA N SPO RT

(Policies P1-P8)

Pream ble to Policies P1 to P5

The Jurassic Coast is acknow ledged as an area w here it is difficult to develop new com m ercial public transport services.

How ever, dem and to access the area is expected to increase, and this presents an unusual opportunity for a rural area to develop new passenger m arkets.

The m ain Jurassic Coast arterial route is now served by the high quality CoastLinX53 bus service. How ever, other routes w ill be less straightforw ard to develop because services that are able to reach m any coastal destinations w ill be based on a sm aller and m ore dispersed passenger m arket. Also the interconnections betw een coastal locations and the ‘near coast’ com m unities and visitor attractions etc, w ill require a high degree of flexibility to serve the m arket and cope w ith operational constraints. All types of public transport w ill need to be able to cope w ith the effects of congestion, particularly w here the lack of road space prevents the use of engineered solutions, such as bus lanes.

Managing access to the Jurassic Coast using public transport w ill in large part call on the developm ent and im provem ent of local public transport services. How ever, railw ay stations, regional airports and ferry ports w ill play a m ajor part in offering public transport options for accessing the Jurassic Coast for journeys w hich originate outside the sub regional area. It is expected that public transport interchange points of this type w ill rely heavily on the high quality m arketing literature produced to standards laid dow n in the Jurassic Coast Marketing Strategy. All such literature w ill reference the public transport links.

The O perational Issues: Managing access to attractive coastal locations presents challenging operational issues: o The topography prevents conventional through-routing of services in m any areas; o Narrow country roads are difficult for buses to negotiate and safely stop for passengers; o The ‘stretching’ of seasonal dem and w ill be outside the operators control and w ill take tim e to develop, and there are additional costs associated w ith stim ulating passenger m arkets (e.g. subsidising pilot project services). o Contem porary flexibly operated bus services w ill need to overcom e the problem of ‘drop out zones’ affecting radio and m obile telephone com m unication.

The O pportunities: o The successful and high quality CoastLinX53 bus service has set the benchm ark standard for all other Jurassic Coast public transport. Successful im plem entation of the WHS Managem ent Plan w ill attract visitors and form new public transport m arkets w hich w ill help to sustain new services. o The conservation m essage w hich is fundam ental to m arketing the Jurassic Coast translates easily into the m arketing of public transport. o The developm ent of m obile phone technology and the rem oval of restricted operating constraints for bus services are enabling the design of bespoke public transport services.

17 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005 o Com m unity transport initiatives offer significant opportunities to develop new public transport options in the Jurassic Coast. o Currently com m unity transport provision in the area is at low levels and can be described as older style com m unity buses and specialist Dial-a-Ride type schem es. How ever, in association w ith com m unity transport operators, opportunities exist to develop a m ore flexible approach to operating public transport services, particularly in rural areas. o Com m unity transport schem es are increasingly able to operate to serve w ider m arkets and add com plem entary public transport services to the netw ork. e.g., low er volum e specialist services, such as those serving the needs of night tim e return journeys, young people living in rural areas, w alkers, cyclists, and other vulnerable users, such as people having to negotiate country roads w ithout footw ays. o The public transport proposals in this Strategy are based on jointly serving local com m unities and visitors. This fundam ental approach w ill underpin the developm ent of specialist com m unity transport services in areas w here com m ercial operations w ill find it m ore difficult to m eet dem and. o In the context of developing dem and responsive public transport services; com m unity transport is expected to play an ever increasing role w ithin the Jurassic Coast. o The large num ber of Jurassic Coast com m unities and the close proxim ity of vibrant m arket tow ns present year-round public transport opportunities to sustain the grow th of new services.

Policy P1 D evelop existing public transport netw orks to achieve the high quality benchm ark standard set by the CoastLinX 53 service.

A ction Points – P1

• Develop a com prehensive netw ork of public transport services. • Establish quality partnerships to im plem ent new public transport services. • Form partnerships w ith groups of public transport operators to share the risks of investm ent aim ed at im proving new and existing services. • Incorporate high quality public transport services w ithin Jurassic Coast m arketing and interpretative m aterial to build confidence and ensure a high quality perception and experience. • Adopt a broader view of public transport operators to include providers of all form s of public transport, for exam ple: rail, large bus, sm all bus, taxi, and sea craft.

Policy P2 Stim ulate and prom ote the developm ent of high quality public transport services for Jurassic Coast visitors and residents, having regard for the high expectations of existing and new public transport users.

A ction Points – P2

• Actively prom ote the developm ent of new public transport services designed to provide a realistic alternative to private car use using large and sm all vehicle options.

18 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

• Design new and com plem entary public transport services to serve existing com m unities and visitors to m axim ise the revenue opportunities and ensure long term financial sustainability. • Encourage public transport services w hich are striving for high quality by recognising them w ithin the Jurassic Coast brand. • Deploy technology w hich provides real tim e inform ation about all vehicle locations in association w ith operators throughout the Jurassic Coast. • Provide a local journey booking and real tim e journey inform ation service in partnership w ith public transport operators. • Ensure that local traffic m anagem ent schem es co-ordinate w ith Jurassic Coast transport service provision.

Policy P3 Prom ote the early introduction of public transport provision w hich is accessible to all.

A ction Points – P3

• Prom ote the early introduction of accessible vehicles and the provision of other carefully designed accessible infrastructure in keeping w ith the location, kerb heights, ram ps etc. • Provide full access for all at key interchange points.

Policy P4 Stim ulate the integration of public transport services.

A ction Points – P4

• Work tow ards long distance public transport services interconnecting local service journeys such as large and sm all vehicle based services. • Work w ith public transport operators and visitor attractions to achieve through- ticketing and pricing solutions, including prom oting and supporting the use of technology. • Seek the establishm ent of a Bus Q uality Partnership for the Jurassic Coast • Evaluate the linkage and feasibility of integrating sea borne excursions w ith a public transport netw ork. • Continue the w ork to re-instate the Sw anage railw ay connection to the rail netw ork.

Policy P5 Encourage new Jurassic Coast public transport services by deploying pilot services in partnership w ith Jurassic Coast stakeholders.

A ction Points – P5

• Identify areas to pilot high quality and flexible public transport services using the potential to develop new public transport m arkets as the m ain criteria. • Seek the support and operational expertise of public transport operators to design and deploy pilot services.

19 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

Pream ble to Policy P6

In April 2003 The Tourism Com pany w as com m issioned to prepare a Marketing Strategy w hich w ould ‘provide a single, coherent m arketing approach for the effective and sustainable developm ent of the Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site’.

The resulting strategy w as based on an assessm ent of m arkets and products, consideration of current m arketing activity and an investigation of the m arketing of other World Heritage Sites. Consultation w as held w ith over 25 local organisations currently or potentially involved w ith the m anagem ent and m arketing of the Site.

The Marketing Action Plan lists a set of actions to im plem ent the Marketing Strategy, w ith em phasis of the Marketing Strategy is on prom oting visits out of season, increasing the spend per head of those w ho com e to the area, and m axim ising the proportion of this spending that is retained in the local area.

When considering how the Transport Strategy can w ork w ith the Marketing Strategy to enable this com m on action, consideration has to be given to developing the public transport provision to give a high quality all year round service. This could be staged so that initially the im provem ents are to the shoulder m onths, w ith an extension into the w inter/all year round service. These im provem ents w ould be at the heart of delivering both Strategies.

Policy P6 Im prove the public transport provision w ithin the Jurassic Coast to provide a quality all year round service.

A ction Points - P6

• Identify and extend the season on sum m er only bus services. • Im prove frequency on key services throughout the year.

Pream ble to Policy P7

Som e cyclists m ay not w ish to cycle on circular routes, but follow linear routes integrating w ith public transport. In addition those visitors or residents w ho travel by train and bus m ay w ish to bring a bicycle w ith them to access the Jurassic Coast area.

Bikes can be carried on all train operating com panies w ithin the East Devon and Dorset area, as this is a requirem ent of the franchise agreem ent, although all com panies have different policies. SW Trains have recently consulted on their cycling policy, the proposals indicating that a reduction in bike carrying on their trains is likely. The Strategic Rail Authority has also recently consulted on the developm ent of a new policy on cycling. Additionally in East Devon and Dorset there are no bike carrying facilities on scheduled bus services.

Consideration needs to be given to a dem and responsive transport provision for the carrying of bikes, possibly in conjunction w ith cycle hire com panies based in Exeter, Sidm outh, Seaton, Weym outh, Wareham and Sw anage.

20 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

Policy P7 Encourage the developm ent of m ethods of transporting bicycles.

A ction Point – P7

• Investigate the feasibility of a dem and responsive transport provision for the carrying of bikes, possibly in conjunction w ith the cycle hire com panies.

Pream ble to Policy P8

At the Public Transport consultation w orkshop for the production of this Strategy, the issue of the lack of coach parking w ithin the Jurassic Coast area w as raised, principally in relation to the conflict that m ay result betw een the buses and coaches w ithin the larger urban environm ents, e.g. Weym outh. The need for adequate coach parking needs to be developed in conjunction w ith a coach driver’s handbook, indicating “coach friendly” routes w hich are suitable for all size of coaches including m inibuses, but still providing view s out over the coast. This should avoid coaches using inappropriate roads, e.g. Peak Hill at Sidm outh. Consideration also needs to be given to tourist attractions along the Coast identifying those accessible by differing sized vehicles.

Policy P8 Identify coach friendly routes along the Jurassic Coast, w ith parking provision w here appropriate.

A ction Points – P8

• Identify and prom ote suitable routes for different size of coaches. • Assess existing provision of coach parking, and suppressed dem and. • Produce a coach drivers handbook for the Jurassic Coast. • Provide targeted interpretation and inform ation on the WHS.

21 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

B O A TS

(Policies B1 – B2)

Pream ble to Policy B 1

U ndoubtedly, boat trips offer one of the best w ays to see the World Heritage Site and during the busy sum m er m onths boats could potentially provide an excellent transport service, w ith the added benefit of being an attraction in their ow n right.

There are a num ber of operators w ho already offer varying degrees of service at Exm outh, Branscom be, Beer, Lym e Regis, West Bay, Charm outh, Weym outh, Lulw orth, Sw anage, Wareham , Poole and Bournem outh. There are cruises, guided trips, w ater taxis, m ackerel fishing, school trips, som e self-hire, and high speed adrenalin trips.

Large boats accom m odating 100+ passengers operate from Exm outh and Poole / Bournem outh, w ith all other boats being lim ited to 10 or 12 passengers. One exception is the last sea-going paddle steam er in the w orld, The Waverley, w hich visits the Coast out of the season offering cruises from m any piers along the coast betw een Weym outh and Poole.

Boats are licensed by the Marine and Coastguard Agency to travel varying distances along the coast, out to sea, carry set passenger num bers, and operate at certain tim es.

There are a num ber of points along the coast w here lim its apply restricting how far any one boat can travel; principally these are and St Aldhelm ’s Head. Currently, only one local operator has the size of boat that can navigate Portland Bill.

Weather is clearly the m ajor problem associated w ith w ater borne transport as all trips depend on favourable w eather conditions. In addition, all operators are restricted to the period from 1st April to 31st October.

To further com plicate m atters, landing areas are in various private and public ow nerships, and the length of Coast is covered by six District Authorities (Exeter City Council, East Devon District Council, West Dorset District Council, Weym outh & Portland Borough Council, Council and the Borough of Poole) as w ell as the tw o County Councils. Portland Port Ltd accom m odates inbound cruise liners.

In addition, sailing is a fairly extensive recreational activity w ithin the area, w ith m arinas at Weym outh and 15 sailing clubs along the coast. Activities include, dinghy cruising, dinghy racing, m otor boating, personal w atercraft, pow erboat racing, sportsboat RIBs, w indsurfing, yacht cruising and yacht racing.

The MV Freedom , w hich is based at Weym outh, allow s sea excursions for those in w heelchairs. Provision w ould be im proved by better landing facilities.

Policy B 1 Encourage, a w ell m anaged access to the Site by boat.

A ction Points - B 1

• Provision of interpretation points at launching sites. • Develop a Code of Conduct for boat ow ners and operators. 22 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

Pream ble to Policy B 2

It is clear from the short sum m ary above on boats that the existing provision is very fragm ented. What is not clear is w hether an effective boat transport netw ork could be established for the Jurassic Coast, and w hether it is econom ically and environm entally viable.

Policy B 2 D eterm ine w hether a transport netw ork of boats can be provided.

A ction Points - B 2

• Determ ine w hether there is a potential m arket for developing a m arine infrastructure focused in the first instance on tourists and the indigenous population. To capture the im agination of potential and existing service operators through a public-private sector partnership to produce a w orkable developm ent plan to the m utual benefit of all concerned, including potential sources of funding. • Exam ine the potential infrastructure of the landing facilities along the Jurassic Coast for the developm ent of m arine related transport by boat. • Evaluate the linkage and feasibility of integrating sea borne excursions w ith a public transport netw ork. • Investigate w hether or not to proceed w ith future phases of w ork in connection w ith this project.

23 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

CY CLIN G A N D H O RSE RID IN G

(Policies C1-C2)

Pream ble to Policy C1

Policy W4 covered the m aintenance of the rights of w ay netw ork generally, and included therefore, the m aintenance of bridlew ays and byw ays as w ell as footpaths. In addition to the com m unity involvem ent footpaths, both for cycle paths and the British Horse Society (BHS) for bridlew ays, assist w ith voluntary m aintenance.

The developm ent of National Cycle Netw ork Route 2 offers opportunities to develop the cycling segm ent of transport in the Jurassic Coast. The route w ill take in m uch of the Jurassic Coast using a m ixture of off-road and on-road sections. Coastal view s are not possible along the route’s entire length but it still offers a good opportunity to experience the WHS using a sustainable form of transport.

In addition, linear routes to settlem ents and attractions w ith easy access to public transport links should also be prom oted.

The BHS hope to prom ote a sim ilar linear route for horse riders. A route has been identified through Dorset, and East Devon linking Bicton to . Bicton is one of the m ain easterly points for accessing Woodbury Com m on w ith its links to the exposed Budleigh pebble beds. The route is currently not prom oted and som e im provem ents could be m ade particularly to som e of the road crossings/junctions. How ever the route does offer som e spectacular view s over the Jurassic Coast hinterland and horse riders prefer routes w hich are not directly on the cliff edges. The Ride U K Bicton to Studland route w ould be equally suitable for cyclists as riders.

Bridlew ay provision is m ore extensive in Dorset than in East Devon, and outside the urban areas, there are few off-road cycle routes. All the paths/ routes have been signed to varying am ounts by the County Councils.

The BHS prom ote a num ber of circular horse riding routes, utilising bridlew ays and U nclassified County Roads, in Dorset only. Developing such routes w ould help link the Coast to its hinterland.

Policy C1 Provide routes for cycling and horse riding especially from Market Tow ns and from public transport nodes.

A ction Points – C1

• Com pletion of NCN Route 2. • Develop cycle routes linking public transport nodes to the Coast. • Provision of horse riding routes.

24 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

Pream ble to Policy C2

With large parts of the WHS lying w ithin both the East Devon and Dorset AONB, provision of new transport corridors w ould need to be carefully assessed. Different m odes such as horse riding, cycling and w alking should not be considered in isolation, but as part of an overall access approach.

Horse riders and w alkers have equal rights on bridlew ays. Historically, cyclists have been asked to give w ay to other users (Section 30, Countryside Act 1968) so that pedestrians or horse riders are not startled by the sudden appearance of cyclists on off- road routes. In reality there is little evidence of actual conflict occurring. For those w ith lim ited m obility, bridlew ays generally offer a better route than footpaths, due to the lack of stiles etc, the w idth of path, and generally easier levels.

Invalid carriages can be used on footpaths, pavem ents, bridlew ays and pedestrian areas at a m axim um speed of 4 m ph. They are not perm itted for use on cycle tracks or on cycle lanes, although they can be used on roads.

The Disability Discrim ination Act 1995 (DDA) brought in a range of requirem ents for service providers to prevent discrim ination against disabled people. Although Local Highw ay Authorities are not recognised as service providers at present they should aim to com ply w ith Part III of the DDA. Part III of the DDA is based on the principle that disabled people should not be discrim inated against (through non-provision of services or a different level of provision) by service providers w hen accessing everyday services that others take for granted.

If any new off-road tracks are to be created, consideration should be given to create m ulti-use paths to allow access for all users.

Within the Dorset and East Devon areas there are a num ber of disused railw ay lines w hich m ight have the potential for being developed as m ulti-use paths, or indeed re- opened for use by tram , light rail or heavy rail. The re-use of these old transport corridors w ould not be as intrusive to the landscape as the creation of new m ulti-use routes.

Policy C2 Provide new m ulti-use paths w here these w ould facilitate non- vehicular access to the WH S, settlem ents, facilities and attractions.

A ction Points - C2

• Investigate redundant transport corridors to determ ine the potential use as m ulti- use paths. • Encourage the creation of m ulti-use paths identified through the ROWIP.

25 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

PRIVA TE VEH ICLES

(Policies V1-V3)

Pream ble to Policy V1

The WHS Managem ent Plan principles relating to sustainable transport states: o visitors should be encouraged to use alternatives to the car to visit the Site w herever feasible… o facilities for car-borne visitors to the Site should not be provided if they w ould lead to an unacceptable increase in car usage to visit the Site and its surroundings…

It is clear how ever, that the private car w ill still be used as a m ajor form of transport in the Jurassic Coast area. What is equally clear in term s of conservation is that w here alternatives to the car could be m ade available they should be accom m odated.

Som e pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders feel particularly vulnerable on the narrow country lanes that m ake up the m ajority of the road netw ork w ithin the Jurassic Coast. There are very few off-road sections of cycle path in Dorset or East Devon, and a shortage of bridlew ays particularly in East Devon. This, coupled w ith the hilly terrain of the Coast area, could m ake riding an unattractive option. For w alkers, m ost of the rural road netw ork does not include footw ays and the provision of such facilities is often im practicable due to cost or environm ental constraints. Alternatives using the existing transport corridors need to be investigated.

The Q uiet Lanes schem es pioneered by the Countryside Agency w ere based on com m unity involvem ent w hich encouraged a change in user behaviour, an area-w ide direction signing strategy to re-route traffic, and Q uiet Lane netw ork signing. The result is m inor rural roads that have been adapted for safer shared use by w alkers, cyclists, horse riders and m otorised vehicles. Q uiet Lanes aim to m aintain the character of m inor rural roads.

U sage of rural roads in the m anner of the Q uiet Lanes projects should be encouraged to facilitate a greater use of the roads in a safe m anner and allow the sm all sections of bridlew ays and the footpaths to be linked up, but still perm itting the roads to be used by private cars.

The Dorset AONB Partnership has produced a scoping report w hich w ill lead to the production of rural roads protocols.

Policy V1 Encourage the safe use of rural roads.

A ction Point – V1

• Encourage the tw o Highw ay Authorities to initiate pilot Q uiet Lanes schem es. • The Local Highw ay Authorities, w orking closely w ith the AONB Partnerships, should develop a rural roads protocol to protect and enhance the character of the countryside.

26 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

Pream ble to Policy V2

A Parking Strategy for the Jurassic Coast w ill be fundam ental to the delivery of the entire Transport Strategy. Providing alternative transport to private car use w ill need to be underpinned by further regulating the parking provision. There w ill also be a need to seek com m on standards of parking controls, including cost, throughout the Jurassic Coast area.

A Parking Strategy for an area as large and diverse as the Jurassic Coast, and w hich has the m eans to directly affect access is beyond the scope of this overall Transport Strategy. How ever, the key issues are as below , and reflected in Policy V2.

Parking in som e areas of the Jurassic Coast is currently the lim iting factor on the capacity of som e attractions and locations. Where the capacity is less than the dem ands on the location, indiscrim inate parking can and does result. The consequence is dam age to the natural and built environm ents, and congested netw orks, w ith subsequent delays for public transport.

The positive m anagem ent of this parking provision should assist in conservation of the Site and its hinterland, but needs to be carefully balanced betw een the needs of the local com m unities and visitors. Parking restrictions should be introduced w hen there can be show n to be clear benefits to the m ovem ent of public transport, cyclists, riders and pedestrians, and w ith the consideration that on-street parking does reduce traffic speeds.

The Strategy also needs to balance the provision of free (or very low cost) car parking as an incentive for people to park up and use public transport, alongside the use of parking charges as a key com ponent for dem and m anagem ent. Park and Ride should be considered for appropriate areas of the Coast w here congestion occurs at peak tim es. How ever, any use of parking charges should be correctly publicised to inform the m otorist as to how the revenue is re-invested into the Jurassic Coast.

The Parking Strategy also needs to consider them es w here a degree of com m onality betw een locations w ould assist the m otorist. There are different charges and seasonal charging periods betw een various Local Authorities and private car parks. Disabled “Blue Badge” holders are treated differently betw een the various Local Authorities and privately ow ned car parks, as to w hether charges apply. Different signing also exists along the Coast creating som e confusion to the disabled m otorist.

Policy V2 D evelop and im plem ent a Parking Strategy for the Jurassic Coast.

A ction Points – V2

• Identify funding to com m ission detailed research for the Parking Strategy. • Prepare a Parking Strategy taking into account the follow ing key issues: o Assess existing and projected parking dem and w ith Jurassic Coast-w ide recom m endations on the use of parking to m anage access. o Assessm ent of public transport to identify key areas for potential parking restrictions; including congested areas and areas of high dem and. o Coordination of parking controls w ith traffic m anagem ent schem es. o Contribution to the costs of traffic m anagem ent by private m otorists, and particularly visiting m otorists. 27 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

o Com m on approach to: · Charging · Re-use of parking revenue · Enforcem ent · Discouragem ent of free parking in areas of high dem and o Investigation of Park & Ride. o Encouragem ent of long stay ‘park up’. o Provision of coach parking and drop off facilities. o Parking charges linked w ith public transport. o Coordination of parking strategies am ongst all stakeholders. o Publicity regarding re-investm ent of parking revenue.

Pream ble to Policy V3

There are a num ber of attractions w ithin the area, som e of w hich are w orking very closely w ith public transport providers. Som e how ever are not. One of the larger attractions in the area claim s on their w ebsite that…

“For those of you who can, why not jump in the car? Click the icon for a map and a list of directions.”

… w ith no m ention of the fact that the CoastLinX53 bus stops right outside their attraction.

All attractions should be encouraged as a m inim um to prom ote non-car based travel options w here these are available. The attraction should be encouraged to adopt travel plans, for both visitors and em ployees. This could be carried out for individual attractions or in conjunction w ith the local com m unity or w ith other attractions w here this is appropriate.

Policy V3 Prom ote the Transport Strategy to tourist attractions and accom m odation providers in the area, encouraging them to adopt its aim s and objectives w here appropriate and develop and im plem ent travel plans to their sites.

A ction Points – V3

• Encourage attractions and accom m odation providers to prom ote non-car based travel options w here these are available. • Encourage attractions and accom m odation providers to develop and im plem ent travel plans.

28 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

IN FO RMA TIO N

(Policies I1-I9)

Pream ble to Policy I1

The South West Coast Path National Trail (SWCP) is the backbone of access to the Site. It is proposed that the SWCP be prom oted along the WHS under the banner “A Walk Through Tim e”. A Tourism Working Group Sub-Group is developing a prom otional cam paign for this piece of w ork.

Policy I1 Prom ote the SWCP as a key m eans of accessing the WH S.

A ction Points - I1

• Maintain inform ation on footpath access on the official SWCP w eb site and the Jurassic Coast w ebsite, and ensure the tw o sites are linked. • Work closely w ith the SWCP Team and the coast path m anagers on co-ordinated prom otional activities. • Link prom otion of the SWCP into prom otional activities for w alks and events organised through the Dorset and East Devon AONB services and the local authority tourism departm ents and tourism partnerships.

Pream ble to Policy I2

Continuity signing of the SWCP through the tow ns in particular and som e villages, needs to be m ade clearer to users, w ithin the added constraints that in m any tow ns there is individual and locally distinctive signing. The addition of the Acorn logo on existing signs/street furniture w ould not be intrusive.

In bringing and m anaging the SWCP to National Trail standard, additional inform ation about destinations and accurate distances should be added at the principal access points. This should include links from /to other rights of w ay, and public transport nodes.

Policy I2 Im prove the signing of and to the SWCP through the tow ns and villages of the Jurassic Coast.

A ction Point - I2

• Im plem ent SWCP signing schem es for all non-signed settlem ents, ensuring careful design in relation to the quality and character of the urban environm ent, and existing signage and landscaping.

29 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

Pream ble to Policy I3

Circular w alks have been designed and prom oted in parts of the Jurassic Coast, providing alternatives for people not w anting to undertake a linear route. These include nine w alks specifically prom oted by the on their properties. The developm ent of such routes to help link the Coast to its hinterland should be im plem ented and inform ation m ade available as a priority. In addition, linear routes to settlem ents and attractions w ith easy access to public transport links should also be prom oted.

There are also strong them es that relate inland w alks to the Coast. The Dorset Im portant Geological/Geom orphologic Sites Group (DIGS) has developed for West Dorset tw o sets of w alks leaflets, entitled “Beneath your feet”. The w alks explore am ongst other places the Estate and cover the them es of geology in the landscape and local stone and local character.

Policy I3 Prom ote circular w alks and connections to the SWCP, especially from Market Tow ns and from public transport nodes.

A ction Points - I3

• Com plete an audit of potential new circular and linear routes to the World Heritage Site, providing connectivity to transport services, and in line w ith the interpretation them es for the Site and the capacity of the countryside to accom m odate public access. • Prom ote circular w alks to and from the SWCP using w ell-m anaged rights of w ay and other public paths, and publicise through the SWCP and Jurassic Coast w ebsites – including via dow nloadable route details and m aps. • Provide appropriate interpretation m aterial about the paths including geology and the landscape, and links to other them es. • Encourage the use of these routes by local guides and organisations able to lead them ed w alks about the World Heritage Site. • Act in conjunction w ith the SWCP team , Rights of Way m anagers and AONB services to ensure that the routes offered are designed and prom oted in a joined-up w ay to m utual benefit.

Pream ble to Policy I4

The developm ent of NCN Route 2 offers opportunities to develop the cycling segm ent of transport in the Jurassic Coast. The linear route w ill take in m uch of the Jurassic Coast hinterland, using a m ixture of off-road and on-road sections. Cycling prom otional m aterial produced by local authorities and others should refer to the Site and exploration of it using Route 2 and spurs, and additionally the actual opening of Route 2 should be actively prom oted in association w ith the Jurassic Coast. Such prom otion should also highlight the provision of infrastructure for cyclists, including secure cycle parking.

Targeted prom otion of horse riding is also required, including facilities and bridlew ays and a proposed long distance route envisaged by Ride U K and the British Horse Society. In addition in Dorset the BHS prom ote a num ber of circular horse riding routes, utilising bridlew ays and U nclassified County Roads. 30 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

Policy I4 In conjunction w ith the Marketing Strategy prom ote cycling and riding as a m eans of accessing the Jurassic Coast.

A ction Points - I4

• Prom ote NCN Route 2 as a m eans of accessing the Jurassic Coast. • Prom ote the Ride U K route from Studland to Bicton w hen it is com pleted. • Encourage prom otion of cycling and horse riding facilities and routes to take account of the World Heritage Site.

Pream ble to Policy I5

Public transport prom otional inform ation w ithin the Jurassic Coast is currently available in the form of tim etables, and through public transport m aps for West Dorset and Purbeck, and via tw o specially designed leaflets on the Jurassic Coast by Bus or Boat. Traveline is consistently prom oted as the m ain source of advice over the telephone.

Prom otion of travelling needs and inform ation should be targeted to the different travelling m arkets, be creative and interesting, and be effectively distributed. A visitor travelling from abroad w ill have different needs to that of a local day tripper. In addition to providing stand-alone inform ation on public transport, incorporation of this inform ation into the prom otion of events needs to becom e a m atter of course.

The long-distance routes to the Site provide im portant opportunities to prom ote public transport access to the Site, through the concept of m arketing the Jurassic Coast as a ‘car-free’ destination w here it is possible to take a holiday w ithout the need to drive. The operators of the long-distance train and bus links are key partners in this.

Prom otion of public transport needs to inform and go hand-in-hand w ith im provem ents to the services. The transport interchange points, and in particular bus stations, bus stops, train stations need to be m ade as attractive and inform ative as possible, and, provided it is appropriate in term s of the local character, be connected to phone or electronic inform ation system s.

Policy I5 To actively encourage increased use of public transport.

A ction Points - I5

• Provide and effectively distribute quality inform ation about public transport via the w eb, electronic com m unication, printed m aterials and Traveline. • Ensure that all activities, w alks and events prom oted in connection w ith Jurassic Coast provide clear inform ation on relevant public transport services. • Market the Jurassic Coast as a car-free destination through long distance transport providers, (rail, sea, and air) on the basis of prom oting the integrated com ponents of the public transport netw ork. • Work tow ards ensuring that all key transport interchange points are safe, convenient, and able to receive a m obile phone signal for journey booking and tim etable inform ation purposes, w ith consistent standards betw een Dorset and Devon.

31 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

Pream ble to Policy I6

Providing access that recognises the special needs of disabled or less m obile people is a high priority of this Strategy. Prom otion of the different opportunities for access needs to recognise a range of differing needs and capabilities am ongst the com m unity. Inform ation should be provided to users on services and facilities, and local conditions, such as surfaces and gradients, to allow users to m ake an inform ed decision on the suitability of the path based on their ow n capabilities.

Equally good inform ation needs to be provided on the accessibility to specific sites and attractions, including those w ith special provision, so that users can plan their visits in an inform ed w ay.

Policy I6 Provide inform ation about access facilities so users can judge their suitability and plan their visits.

A ction Point - I6

• Produce and prom ote high quality inform ation on the accessibility of the services, infrastructure and attractions associated w ith the Jurassic Coast, and dissem inate this inform ation effectively via the w eb and appropriate publications.

Pream ble to Policy I7

Signing plays a m ajor part in enabling visitors to safely find their w ay around the area, on the m ost suitable roads and routes. It has been identified that the approach to signage is currently different betw een Dorset and Devon, and that a consistent approach to signage in relation to the Jurassic Coast needs to be delivered.

The design and use of traffic signs are controlled under regulations, the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002, for w hich the Departm ent for Transport is responsible.

The Highw ays Agency controls signs on the Trunk Road Netw ork. In the Jurassic Coast area, this includes M5, A30, A35 and A31, the policy being set out in Traffic Signs To Tourist Attractions And Facilities In England TD52/04.

Devon and Dorset County Councils control signs on the local road netw ork and set their ow n local policy on brow n signs. Currently the tw o policies vary leading to an anom aly in standards betw een the tw o County Councils in the w ay that attractions and facilities are signed from the local road netw ork.

The brow n tourism signs guidelines have recently been updated by the Highw ays Agency, w hich has resulted in both County Councils review ing their ow n policies on the provision of brow n tourism signs.

The designation of World Heritage Site confers a status w hich reflects quality at a w orld class level. Consideration should therefore be given to perm itting those attractions w hich have a recognised quality accreditation to be eligible for brow n tourism signs.

32 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

Consideration should also be given to encouraging attractions and facilities requesting brow n tourism signs to have a Green Travel Plan in place, or prom ote alternatives to the car to access their prem ises.

Policy I7 Ensure that the tw o County Councils adopt a com m on policy for brow n tourism signing, taking into account the w orld class quality of the WH S.

A ction Points - I7

• Encourage the tw o County Councils and the Highw ays Agency to adopt a com m on and co-ordinated policy w ith regard to brow n signing. • Investigate the potential to use the World Heritage Em blem , or Jurassic Coast brand to signify facilities and attractions associated w ith the Site. • Consider tying the provision of brow n signage to attractions achieving dem onstrable quality and operating green transport plans.

Pream ble to Policy I8

Boundary signing along the m ain roads entering the tw o AONBs has taken place. Sim ilar signs w elcom ing visitors to the Jurassic Coast could be used. How ever, the World Heritage Site Managem ent Plan clearly states that:

“Signage of the Site from the road network using the World Heritage emblem should not be carried out unless it can be shown that possible resulting increases in traffic will be within the capacity of the road network. Signage that promotes increased car-based day visits should be particularly avoided “

Again, a consistent approach from both County Councils is required on the m anagem ent of the erection and positioning of the signs on roads. Consideration should be given to having the signs at stations, interchanges and harbours/landing stages as w ell as the entry roads to Gatew ay Tow ns.

Policy I8 D evelop guidelines for “Welcom e” signs to ensure that they are used at appropriate, sym pathetic and consistent locations w ithin the Jurassic Coast.

A ction Points - I8

• Produce and im plem ent consistent designs for w elcom e signs for use in both Dorset and Devon, in relation to entrance signs to Gatew ay Tow ns and Jurassic Coast boundary signs. • Ensure the designs of signs are of high quality and appropriate to their setting and the character of the surrounding landscape or tow nscape.

33 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

Pream ble to Policy I9

East Devon District Council has branded the A3052 as the “East Devon Way”. Consideration should be given to branding other roads to provide inform ation to the traveller, although not in a w ay that w ould increase car based visits.

During the 1980’s Devon County Council consulted and introduced the Devon Road Netw ork strategy. One of the principle objectives of the Strategy w as to encourage use of the higher category routes by a positive signing policy.

The signing policy distinguishes the different grades of road using the national signing system for m ain roads, and a unique coloured border system for m inor roads e.g. signs for connector roads (defined as being access routes to sm all villages and other significant traffic generators) have brow n borders.

Policy I9 Encourage the tw o County Councils to adopt a com m on policy w ith regard to route identification.

A ction Points - I9

• Consider the opportunity for nam ing discrete stretches of road that provide access to the World Heritage Site, providing that this w ould not generate inappropriate levels of traffic. • Provide co-ordinated road signage to indicate the best routes and distances betw een WHS Gatew ay Tow ns. • Consider how key road infrastructure and signage can be designed to respect the character of the tow ns and countryside.

34 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

A ppendix 1 World H eritage Transport Working G roup - Term s of Reference

The World Heritage Site Managem ent Plan provides for the creation of Working Groups as part of the m anagem ent structure. The WHSG on the 12 Decem ber 2003 requested that a specific Transport Working Group be established, under an independent chairm an. The follow ing Term s of Reference for the Working Group w ere approved by the Steering Group on 12 March 2004.

Purpose of the Group The WHTrWG is a group w ith locally based m em bership, tasked w ith providing ideas and advice on the integration of site m anagem ent and sustainable transport issues, in line w ith the Objectives, and Policies of the Managem ent Plan for the World Heritage Site. In particular the Working Group is tasked w ith the preparation of a Transportation Strategy for approval and adoption by the Steering Group and the subsequent recom m endation of projects for incorporation w ithin the Fram ew ork for Action and the m onitoring of their im plem entation.

Reporting Arrangements The Working Group w ill be advisory and non executive and w ill report to the World Heritage Steering Group for approval and adoption of its recom m endations.

Chairing of the Group This w ill be agreed by the WHSG. This office w ill be held for a term not exceeding tw o years and w ill be subject to review and reappointm ent by the Steering Group. It is also open to the Working Group to recom m end and the Steering Group to agree a Vice Chairm an. The Chairm an w ill be appointed to be a m em ber of the Steering Group.

M embership of the Group The m em bership of the Group w ill be as agreed by the WHSG and review ed w hen necessary, but at least every tw o years.

Sub Groups The WHTrWG w ill be em pow ered to set up sub groups of its m em bers to assist w ith particular projects e.g. public transport provision, DDA com pliance and to co-opt other appropriate persons into such sub-groups as appropriate.

Frequency of M eetings The Working Group w ill m eet as and w hen required, but norm ally on a quarterly basis in advance of the Steering Group m eeting. The venue w ill be as determ ined by the Working Group.

M inutes Form al m inutes w ill be m ade of each m eeting and reported to the Steering Group. Such m inutes w ill be approved by the Chairm an at the beginning of the follow ing m eeting follow ing discussion by the Working Group.

World H eritage Transport Working G roup – Mem bership

Mem bership of the Working Group and those parties w ho have helped shape this Strategy included:

AONB Officer Dorset Exeter International Airport Stagecoach AONB Officer East Devon First Bus Sustrans British Horse Society Freight Haulage Association Sw anage Railw ay Bournem outh International GOSW SW RDA Airport Major Landow ner – Clinton West Dorset District Council Confederation of Public Devon Estates Wessex Trains Transport National Trust Weym outh and Portland Countryside Agency Portland Port Authority Borough Council Devon County Council Purbeck District Council Wilts and Dorset Bus Com pany Dorset County Council South West Coast Path WHS Tourism Working Group East Devon District Council South West Trains

35 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

A ppendix 2 World H eritage Site Managem ent Plan objectives and policies

World Heritage Site Managem ent Plan (1st Revision) W orld Heritage Site Objective 3: to welcome local people and visitors to the Site at levels which it can sustain, by encouraging those with responsibilities to:

a) maintain a network of access on foot to the beaches within the site where practical b) maintain access to the Site via the South W est Coast Path, the rights of way network and other paths c) ensure that provision of public access and information helps to match visitor numbers to the capacity of the Site, and maintains the tranquillity of remote areas d) consider the safety of visitors to the Site as a management issue e) provide for visitor safety through appropriate education initiatives, and management where practicable f) promote viewing of the Site by boat g) provide information on the Site at local, national and international levels which encourages visiting to the Site at levels which it can sustain h) provide high quality information and interpretation about the Site to both local people and visitors at the main access points and within the Gateway Towns i) manage the transport impacts of visitors to the Site.

Managem ent Policies in relation to the Transport elem ent are as follow s

P43 Continued public access to beaches w ithin the Site w ill be encouraged, in co- operation w ith public and private landow ners.

P44 The County Councils, w ith the assistance of the Countryside A gency, and in co- operation w ith relevant landow ners w ill m aintain the South West Coast Path N ational Trail to the relevant national standards.

P45 D orset County Council and Weym outh and Portland B orough Council w ill continue to w ork to secure com pletion of the South West Coast Path N ational Trail through the inclusion of a route on Portland.

P46 The County Councils w ill seek to m aintain the w ider rights of w ay netw ork to a high standard, in line w ith national recom m endations by the Countryside A gency.

P48 O utside of statutory harbours, site m anagers w ill continue to discourage com m ercial or intensive operation of fast m otorised craft from beaches w ithin the Site, and seek to provide for and control these activities in appropriate areas w ithin the frontages of the ‘G atew ay Tow ns’.

P49 Contact w ill be m aintained w ith regulators of airborne traffic to m onitor, and discourage inappropriate levels of airborne leisure traffic.

P50 The carrying capacity of the Site, and the road and access netw ork serving it w ill be the prim e considerations in m anaging visitor num bers w ithin the Site. Care w ill be taken to ensure that public inform ation provided about the Site through World H eritage Site status w ill m aintain visiting levels w ithin the carrying capacity of the Site.

P51 Site m anagers w ill be encouraged to develop consistent locally specific indicators of carrying capacity w ithin the Site. These w ill provide a basis for m onitoring visitor activity, and relating m anagem ent practices w ithin the Site as a w hole.

P52 A n active approach to visitor m anagem ent w ithin the Site and the surrounding countryside w ill continue to be supported, particularly through the w ork of the relevant countryside m anagem ent services. The resources available for visitor m anagem ent w ill need to be sufficient to ensure that it is effective.

36 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

The stated principle in relation to sustainable transport is that a) Visitors should be encouraged to use alternatives to the car to visit the Site w herever feasible. Tourist and other inform ation provided to visitors prior to and during their visits should em phasise the full range of transport choices that exist. b) Facilities for car-borne visitors to the Site should not be provided if they w ould lead to an unacceptable increase in car usage to visit the Site and its surroundings. New tourist developm ent should, w here possible, encourage sustainable m odes of transport and lim it grow th of car-based travel. c) Signage of the Site from the road netw ork using the World Heritage em blem should not be carried out unless it can be show n that possible resulting increases in traffic w ill be w ithin the capacity of the road netw ork. Signage that prom otes increased car-based day visits should be particularly avoided. d) Im proved facilities for cycling and w alking to the Site should be provided. Options w hich should be evaluated include prom oting cycle and w alking routes betw een accom m odation centres and the coast using quiet roads and bridlew ays, provision of links to the National Cycle Netw ork, and provision of cycle parking facilities at stations, in tow ns and at access points to the coast path. e) Effective signage of cycling and w alking routes to the Site out from the m ain tow ns, villages, bus and rail stations is required, including full approval and signage of the route of the South West Coast Path National Trail through all tow ns and villages. f) Public transport betw een accom m odation centres and the rural coast w ithin the Site w hich m eet the needs of visitors and locals should be encouraged w here feasible. g) Greater access to the Site by train should be encouraged. Where stations lie outside the m ain gatew ay tow ns then linking bus services should be provided and integrated w ith the train tim etable. Reconnection of coastal tow ns to the rail netw ork should be supported w here feasible. h Sea transport links along the coastline should be provided w here feasible, and integrated w ith public transport. Sea travel should be recognised as providing the best view s of the Site. i) Visits to the Site by international visitors arriving by sea and air, and then using non-car transport to go to the Site should be encouraged. j) Visitor inform ation and interpretation about the Site should particularly em phasise access and activities w hich do not require use of the car. k) Inform ation and educational activities should be designed, w here possible, to increase the length of stay of visitors w ithin different local areas of the Site. l) Interchange facilities at the Gatew ay Tow ns should be provided w here possible, linked to prom otion of alternatives to car transport. m ) Public transport tim etables should be w ell-publicised and clear, and integrated w ith inform ation on the other form s of access to the Site.

P61 The County Councils w ill co-ordinate the production of the Local Transport Plans, taking account of the sustainable transport principles w ithin the World H eritage Site Managem ent Plan.

Other Policies w hich have “Transport” them es, include, under Objective 1, to conserve the geology and geom orphology of the site.

P32 The port authorities w ill continue to conduct their activities w ithin the statutory requirem ents of national legislation, taking into account geological conservation issues w here these are relevant.

P33 The im plem entation of positive conservation m anagem ent w ithin the estate of Portland Port is particularly supported w here it w ill enhance the setting of the Site.

P34 Representation of the geological interests w ithin the Site w ill be encouraged w ithin the Portland H arbour Consultative Com m ittee and future review of the Portland H arbour Managem ent Plan.

37 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

A ppendix 3 LTP objectives

Dorset Local Transport Plan 2001-2006

Objectives 1. a prosperous and com petitive D orset through transport policies and actions w hich help the developm ent of a robust and sustainable econom y, w hile m inim ising the im pact on the environm ent.

2. a beautiful and protected D orset through policies and actions w hich w iden travel choices and protect Dorset's environm ent.

3. a fair and inclusive D orset through policies and actions w hich aim to provide accessibility for all and w hich give priority to m eeting the transport needs of the disadvantaged.

4. a safe and healthy D orset through policies and actions w hich aim to help the achievem ent of national and local targets

5. a prudent and responsible D orset through policies and actions w hich m ake the best use of resources, recognise global responsibilities and give a lead to others.

6. a planned and integrated D orset through policies and actions w hich support and give effect to sustainable and integrated strategies.

Devon Local Transport Plan 2001-2006

Objectives 1. Integrated Transport To integrate all form s of transport w ith the Devon Structure Plan and Local Plans leading to a better, m ore efficient transport system . 2. Safety To ensure that travel can be undertaken safely by all m odes. 3. A ccessibility To im prove accessibility to w ork, facilities and services for all, especially for those w ithout access to a car. 4. Econom y To m axim ise the contribution of sustainable transport netw orks to an efficient econom y. 5. Environm ent To protect the natural environm ent and historic heritage of Devon. 6. H ealth To encourage healthier lifestyles through prom otion of w alking and cycling. 7. Lifelong Learning To im prove and enhance access by sustainable transport to schools, colleges and cultural destinations. 8. Social Exclusion To m eet the transport needs of all social groups and contribute to com m unity needs. 9. Tourism To integrate tourism and public transport to give visitors a w ider choice of m odes.

Devon Local Transport Plan 2006-2011: Provisional objectives

1. Tacking Traffic Congestion 2. Delivering Accessibility 3. Making Roads Safer 4. Im proving Air Q uality 5. Im proving Recreation, Leisure and Tourism 6. Prom oting Health and Well-being 7. Im proving Public Spaces

38 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

A ppendix 4 East D evon A O N B Transport Related Policies

9.1 Landscape L4 Work to ensure developm ent has regard for the purposes of AONB designation and does not dim inish the historic and landscape character of the area.

9.3 A ccess, recreation and tourism A1 Encourage and support the provision of high quality physical access and the on-going m anagem ent of key recreational routes. A3 Support and encourage the developm ent, m anagem ent and enhancem ent of the rights of w ay/highw ay netw ork for safe use by the w idest possible range of users. A4 Encourage and support the developm ent of sustainable tourism and recreational opportunities w ithin the AONB in partnership w ith others. A5 Develop m onitoring and research that serves to quantify and assess the recreational and tourism activity in the AONB.

9.5 Transport T1 Prom ote the developm ent of high quality integrated transport services and initiatives. T2 Ensure sustainable transport opportunities are prom oted in AONB literature. T3 Work to ensure the need to have regard to the purposes of AONB designation in road and transport schem es w ithin the AONB. T4 Prom ote public transport linkages and access opportunities to the w ider countryside around villages and tow ns adjacent to and w ithin the AONB.

9.6 Com m unity and culture C2 Work w ith others to strengthen com m unity resources, services and facilities w ithin the AONB. Dorset AONB Managem ent Plan – Transport related policies.

5.2 Landscape L14. Identify opportunities for the conservation of tranquil areas in the AONB.

5.9 A ccess and Recreation AR1. Developm ent of a Rights of Way Im provem ent and Access developm ent plan to guide sustainable access provision. AR2. Identify opportunities for im proving the provision and quality of access links to the open countryside. AR3. Seek to “join up” access and recreation provision w here possible to increase options for user. AR4. Prom ote the provision and benefits of access and recreation. AR5. Develop and prom ote a netw ork of rural roads, quiet lanes and greenw ays to enhance recreation in the AONB.

5.10 Tourism T2. Develop and support m easures that reduce car dependency of visitors to the AONB in order to alleviate congestion and environm ental concerns.

5.11 Transport TR1. Support the developm ent of options for greater transport choice. TR2. Develop and prom ote a fully integrated transport system that fulfils the needs of residents and visitors to the AONB. TR3. Support and develop initiatives that change priorities for road use on rural roads, m aking them safer for non-car users. TR4. Ensure that road design, delivery, signage and m aintenance are sym pathetic to the special character of rural roads and the AONB. TR5. Prom ote local services and choices that reduce the need to travel. TR6. Ensure that the environm ental and visual im pact of car parking is m inim ised in the AONB.

5.12 People, Jobs and Services PJS4. Support and prom ote m easures to reduce road accidents and casualties.

39 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

A ppendix 5 Further Inform ation on Transport N etw orks

South West Coast Path – N ational Trail

A recent economic tourism impact study looked at four corridors on the South West Coast Path. One of these, to Bridport, falls inside the JCWHS area. The results of the study showed that:

For 65.4% of accommodation providers within the Sidmouth – Bridport corridor, the SWCP was seen as either a relatively important or huge selling point to their visitors. In terms of mean average duration of stay, SWCP walkers stayed 2.69 nights in each place whilst on the Sidmouth corridor the average stay was longer (3.54 nights). In terms of annual income derived purely from the SWCP, the average value for the four coastal corridors was 15.21% . In the Sidmouth corridor this was 11.4% . The overall economic value attributed to the SWCP per annum was estimated as: West Dorset £5,750,502 East Devon £6,643,995 Purbeck £1,170,141

Data supplied by Dorset County Council and Devon County Council.

Since Decem ber 2003 counters have been installed at various locations on the SWCP w hich it is hoped w ill produce m eaningful data over the longer term . In addition, at Orcom be Point a loop to record w heelchair m ovem ents w as also installed in the sum m er 2004. Locations w here heavy usage has resulted in erosion can be obtained from the results of the SWCP surveys of 2002 and 2003.

Ten locations have been identified in East Devon and Dorset as having surface problem s caused in part by heavy usage.

• one just to the east of Orcom be Point (low priority) • four are located on the stretch of path from Lym e Regis to the U ndercliff (three m edium and one high priority) • three are located just w est of Lulw orth Cove (one m edium and tw o low priority) • one located just w est of Durlston Head (very low priority) • and finally one just to the south-w est of (high priority)

The SWCP w ebsite has recently been re-launched and includes w alks based on linear routes, w alks linking to public transport and circular w alks from the SWCP.

Walking There are extensive footpath netw orks in both Dorset and East Devon including the SWCP National Trail in the coastal parishes.

Devon County Council has recently engaged on a Public Service Agreem ent w ith governm ent relating to im proving access to the countryside. The target w as to achieve 90% of the total length of footpaths (and bridlew ays), being classified as easy to use by March 2005. For exam ple a route failed if it w as not properly signed from the public highw ay, or if a hand hold is m issing from a stile. All the footpaths w ithin the coastal area w ere inspected, and although 14% failed at inspection, im provem ents have since taken place to bring the m ajority up to standard by March 2005.

Devon now has a further Public Service Agreem ent relating to prom otion of access to the countryside w hich w ill com m ence in October 2005. Targets deal w ith usage, provision of inform ation and health schem es.

Devon County Council also runs the Parish Paths Partnerships Schem e w hich encourages com m unity involvem ent and enjoym ent of public rights of w ay. Devon County Council is

40 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005 w orking in partnership w ith Parish/Tow n Councils, landow ners and local voluntary groups. The m ain aim is to im prove the condition of the local rights of w ay and keep them open and used properly.

Dorset County Council runs a schem e creating Parish Rights of Way Liaison Officers. The PROWLO’s have to look after the Rights of Way Definitive Map for the Parish and take note of any creations, diversions, extinguishm ents etc. The PROWLO also encourages the active involvem ent of voluntary groups including schools to look after their local netw ork of paths and publicises the rights of w ay netw ork through the parish m agazine, village pub, village hall, or any village event.

Both County Councils prom ote the Adopt a Path schem e, encouraging volunteers to regularly w alk, ride or cycle a path of their choice, report any problem s such as faulty stiles or gates, carry out any m inor clearance of nettles and bram bles and w aym arking.

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW) placed a new duty upon both highw ay authorities to prepare and publish Rights of Way Im provem ent Plans (ROWIPs).

The ROWIP w ill be an assessm ent of the extent to w hich Local Public Rights of Way (LPROW) - footpaths, bridlew ays, cycle tracks and restricted byw ays - m eets the present and likely future needs of the public. In addition, LPROW can provide a facility for exercise, recreation and enjoym ent of the area and the ease of accessibility for people w ith vision and m obility im pairm ents.

The ROWIPs include a statem ent of action for the m anagem ent of rights of w ay and for securing an im proved netw ork of rights of w ay. The ROWIPs m ust be produced by Novem ber 2007 and w ill be review ed after not m ore than ten years.

Both Authorities have set up Local Access Forum s w hich are advisory bodies to the County Councils on m atters included in the ROWIP and provide an im portant link for anyone interested in the ROWIP.

Counts In March 1999, a count w as taken of pedestrians arriving at Exm outh Railw ay Station. This show ed that 1377 people (15% elderly and 10% children), over a 12 hour period, w alked to and out of the station. This figure included 14 cyclists.

A survey carried out on Exm outh seafront in 1996 and again in 2001, counted the pedestrians using the seafront (betw een Alexandra Terrace and Carlton Hill) In 1996 a 12 hour count (Wednesday, August) show ed that 9670 w alked on the seafront (1660 elderly, 2649 children), w ith interestingly only 7925 vehicle m ovem ents recorded for the sam e period. In 2001 (Thursday, August) in the sam e location, show ed that 4654 w alked on the seafront (1158 elderly, 1208 children). The drop in num bers for the second survey is m ore likely to be an indication of the w eather on the day although both surveys recorded the w eather as “fine”.

In 2001 (Monday, July) a survey w as undertaken on Seaton seafront w hich show ed 8986 pedestrian m ovem ents (6% elderly 21% children).

Cycling and Riding National Cycle Route 2 goes through the hinterland of the Jurassic Coast. Plans are being developed for m ore off road sections. Currently how ever the off- road sections are lim ited to o Exm outh to Budleigh o Bridport to West Bay o Martinstow n to Dorchester

41 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

No cycling statistics are currently available for the cycle routes in East Devon or Dorset; how ever counters w ere installed in Decem ber 2003, on both the Exm outh to Budleigh cyclew ay, and on the Exm outh Station to NCN2 link. The survey on Exm outh Seafront in 1996 show ed 136 cyclists.

A num ber of cyclew ays exist or are under developm ent o The Buzzard Route (an on road cycle route) o Exm outh valley Routes (under developm ent) o Sidm outh to Feniton Station (proposal) o Sidm outh to Sidford “The Byes” (under developm ent) o Wessex Way, Burnham -on-Sea to Seaton, via Axm inster Stn (under developm ent) o Dorchester to Portland o Purbeck Cyclew ay o Link

Cycles can be carried on all rail com panies w ithin the East Devon and Dorset area, although all com panies have different policies. First Great Western perm its a m axim um of six cycles per train, Virgin a m axim um of four, Wessex trains a m axim um of tw o and South West Trains is subject to space on the train. In East Devon and Dorset there are no bike carrying facilities on buses.

Cycle hire facilities are available in Exeter, Sidm outh, Weym outh, Wareham and Sw anage.

In Dorset there are a num ber of BHS prom oted horse riding routes, part on Bridlew ay but also on road, a few of w hich are in the vicinity of the Jurassic Coast.

Route Length (km ) Eggardon & Pow erstock Ride 20 Little Bredy, Bridehead & Sea Ride 16 Hardy's Monum ent Ride 11 Church Know le Valley Ride 19 The Old Harry Rocks Ride 27 Heritage Coastal Ride East Knighton to Holw orth 21

Ride U K, is a BHS initiative prom oting long distance bridle routes, w ith associated horse bed & breakfast. The Chalk and Cheese route is currently under developm ent in Dorset linking the Coast at Lym e Regis along the Wessex Ridgew ay.

No horse riding counts are available for either Dorset or East Devon. How ever a survey carried out by the BHS in 1997 show ed that in the coastal parishes of East Devon, there w ere over 1500 horse riders, w ith a higher than average density of 3 riders per square km dem onstrating the im portance of this particular group of people. Although the survey is 8 years out of date, it is considered to be representative of the current situation. In addition to a num ber of riding and pony clubs, there are also Riding for the Disabled Associations active in the area at Axm inster, Bovington, Bridport, East Holton, Lytchett, and Weym outh

Riding Stables located in the Hinterland of the Jurassic Coast are located at

˚ Heatherw ays Stables, Dalditch Lane, ˚ Oxenw ays Western Riding, Mem bury, Budleigh Salterton Axm inster ˚ Devon Sport Horse, Feniton Court, ˚ West Bexington (Bram don Trekking) Feniton ˚ Weym outh (Weym outh Riding Centre) ˚ Devenish Pitt Riding School, Farw ay, ˚ Portland (Windm ill Stables) Honiton ˚ Wareham (Lulw orth Equestrian Centre) ˚ Beer (Stovar Long Lane Riding School) ˚ Corfe Castle (Rem pstone Stables)

42 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

There are Livery Stables at;

Bruckland Livery, Higher Bruckland Farm , , Axm inster, Moreton Stables, Moreton, Wareham , Dorchester

B us Services The CoastLinX53 service provides the backbone of the local bus netw ork, linking Exeter to Bournem outh. Introduced in 1998 the service has been expanded through a joint partnership of Devon and Dorset County Councils, along w ith the com m itm ent of the bus operator, First Group and funding from the Governm ent’s Rural Bus Challenge.

Follow ing a successful Rural Bus Challenge an im proved tim etable and interim vehicles w ere introduced in June 2003. Since May 2004 four new low -floor double deck buses in a distinctive Jurassic Coast livery have been introduced. They have coach type seats and provide for extra capacity at busy tim es.

Additionally First Group agreed to extend the service from Weym outh to Poole on a com m ercial basis. Devon and Dorset County Councils have agreed to fund 50% of the capital cost of an additional bus to allow this extension to happen and allow a m ore reliable tim etable to be introduced.

Since June 2003 passenger num bers on the re-launched service have consistently exceeded expectations 56,000 on the old X53 service in 02/03 to 122,000 in 04/05. The target for passenger trips by March 2006 is 130,000 per annum ; a 130% increase over the three years of the project.

A new tim etable leaflet and suggested days out leaflets have been produced to further prom ote the service. The first phase of infrastructure im provem ents has also been com pleted w ith new branded bus stops betw een Sidford and Lym e Regis.

In conjunction w ith the local new spapers a com petition w as organised to nam e the new buses after features and people associated w ith the Jurassic Coast. The w inning nam es w ere, Mary Anning, Jack Rattenbury, Portland Bill, Lost World, Jurassic Journey and .

Due to the large num ber of visitors using the service Passenger Inform ation Assistants w ere introduced on certain popular journeys during sum m er 2004 in order to help w ith travel and tourist inform ation. In conjunction w ith tim etable changes, they are helping im prove reliability during the busy sum m er period.

CoastLinX 53 Passenger Figures

Passenger Growth - CoastLinX53

16000 14000 12000 10000 2002/03 8000 6000 2003/04 4000 2000 0

t r l e ly s r r e r ry y h ri y n u u e e b e a r rc p a u J g b b b u a a M J u m to m m n ru A A te c e e a b M p O v c J e e o e F S N D

Other bus services w hich operate in the Jurassic Coast area are listed in the follow ing table, w ith indications of the frequency of the service. Services w hich link to railw ay stations are indicated by an *

43 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

No. Route > 5 1- 4 < Seasonal journeys journeys daily a day a day X53 Exeter – Sidford – Beer – Seaton – Lym e Regis – Bridport – x – Weym outh – Wool *- Wareham * – Poole* - Bournem outh 52 Exeter – Newton Poppleford – Sidm outh X X54 Exeter – Sidford – Seaton – Axmouth - Colyton x 57 Exeter – Topsham – Exm outh* X 56 Exeter – - Exm outh X 60B Exeter – Exeter Airport – * - X 379 Exeter – Exeter Airport – Ottery St Mary – Honiton* - Sidm outh X X67 – Lym e Regis – Seaton - Sidm outh X S 157 Exm outh* – Budleigh Salterton – - Sidm outh X 357 Exm outh* - Budleigh Salterton X 340 Sidm outh – Sidford – Sidbury – Honiton* X 382 Sidm outh – Tipton St John – Ottery St Mary – Feniton* - X Whimple* 899 Sidm outh – – Beer – Seaton – Lym e Regis x 690 Axm inster* – Hawkchurch – M arshwood – Thorncombe - X Bridport 31 Axm inster* – Lym e Regis – Bridport – Dorchester *– x Weym outh 885 Seaton – Colyford – Colyton – Axm inster* X 903 Seaton – Colyford – Colyton – Axm inster* – Chard - x 1 Weym outh*-Fleet-Abbotsbury S 45 Bridport- X 61 -Abbotsbury-D orchester* X 110 Bridport-Swyre-D orchester* X 210 Litton Cheney-Bridport X X21 Bournem outh-Bridport-Seaton S 10 D orchester*-Weym outh* X 184 Weym outh*-Salisbury* X X81 Salisbury*-Sw anage S 4 Weym outh*-Preston X 35 Gillingham -Sw anage S 236 X25 Portland – -Wool* S 237 Gillingham -Weym outh S X88 Bridgew ater-Bridport-Weym outh* X S 1 Weym outh*-Portland 1A Weym outh*-Portland Bill S X10 Portland-D orchester* X 30 Lulworth Cove-Weym outh* S 103 D orchester*-Lulworth Cove-Wool*-Bovington X 142- Poole*-Wareham *-Sw anage X 144 150 Bournem outh*-Sw anage X 275 Sw anage--Wareham X X20 Bournem outh*-Weym outh* S X55 Weym outh*-Bournem outh* X P4 Weym outh-London X NE Weym outh/Sw anage-Bournem outh*-London X 035 NE Weym outh-Bournem outh*-Birmingham-Liverpool X 304 NE Bournem outh*-Weym outh-Bristol-Blackpool X

44 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

No. Route > 5 1- 4 < Seasonal journeys journeys daily a day a day 333 NE ( + various to) – Exeter – Bridport – Weym outh – X x 315 Bournem outh* (+ various to Eastbourne)

* Railw ay Station

A nchor settlem ent G atew ay Tow n Market Tow n Other

Dorset County Council produces tw o Public Transport m aps including the tim etabling inform ation covering the WHS area, for the Purbeck area and the West Dorset area. Devon County Council publishes a booklet w ith all the tim etable inform ation for the East Devon area and a Devon Bus Map.

Rail Services Exeter, Honiton, Axm inster, Weym outh, Dorchester (South), Moreton, Wool, Wareham , Poole and Bournem outh have direct railw ay links to London (Waterloo), operated by South West Trains. Exeter St Davids is also served by the Great Western Line from London (Paddington). Weym outh, U pw ey and Dorchester (West) are additionally linked to Bath, Bristol and Cardiff via Wessex Trains. Exm outh is linked to Exeter St Davids via the Avocet Line.

Tw o privately run heritage railw ay lines serve the area: Sw anage Steam Railw ay and the Seaton Tram w ay.

A irports Located adjacent to the Anchor Settlem ents at either end of the WHS are Exeter International Airport and Bournem outh International Airport. The destinations served by both the airports are tabled on the follow ing page.

Bournem outh International Airport w as used by 476,000 passengers in 2003 of w hich 97,000 (20% ) w ere inbound. It is predicted that this w ill rise to 525,000 for 2004. The inbound passengers w ere principally from Prestw ick, Girona (Barcelona) and the Channel Islands.

Exeter International Airport w as used by 392,000 passengers in 2003/04. Of w hich 50% of the bookings on the Belfast, Edinburgh and Glasgow originated at the other end of the route.

The num bers could change significantly if even one low cost carrier w ere to open a route, the passenger num bers could grow by 100,000.

D estinations served by B ournem outh and Exeter International A irports

British/Irish Alderney, Belfast City, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Guernsey, Isles of Scilly, Jersey, Leeds/Bradford, Liverpool, Newcastle

International New York, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Barbados, Bourge (Bulgaria), Toronto, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Tenerife, Corfu, Crete, Dubrovnik, Pula (Croatia), Larnaca, Paphos, Chambery, Lyon, Paris, Dinard, St Brieuc, Amsterdam, M ilan, Pisa, Sardinia, Sicily, Turin, Verona, M adeira, M ajorca, M enorca, Ibiza, M alta, Bergen, Faro, Rhodes, Alicante, Barcelona M alaga, M urcia, Valencia, Geneva, M onastir, Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman.

H arbours/Ports The m ajor port w ithin the WHS is Weym outh/Portland and lying just outside and to the east is Poole Harbour. For passenger transport the m ain destinations are Guernsey, Jersey, and

45 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

Cherbourg, w ith sum m er only sailings to St Malo. There is how ever only a lim ited inbound passenger traffic.

Along the coast there are a num ber of sm aller harbours, including Exm outh, Lym e Regis and West Bay, w ith landing facilities available at som e other locations.

The best view s of the WHS are to be found from the sea and as a consequence there are a num ber of operators w ho are already offering various degrees of service, at Exm outh, Branscom be, Beer, Lym e Regis, West Bay, Charm outh, Weym outh, Lulw orth, Sw anage, Wareham , Poole and Bournem outh. There are cruises, guided trips, w ater taxis, m ackerel fishing, school trips, som e self hire, and high speed adrenalin trips. One boat operating out of Weym outh is equipped for the disabled.

An inform ation leaflet regarding the location and contact details for the boat operators has been produced ‘Jurassic Coast By Boat’ as w ell as inform ation packages on the WHS for the operators.

Safety at sea is the responsibility of the individual operators under the regulation of the Maritim e Coastguard Agency.

There are different classes of passenger boats som e of w hich are sum m arised in the table below .

Class D escription Passenger Ships engaged on International Voyages I Ships engaged on voyages any of w hich are long international voyages. II Ships engaged only on voyages any of w hich are short international voyages. Passenger Ships not engaged on International Voyages II(A ) Ships engaged on voyages of any kind other than international voyages, w hich are not ships of Classes III to VI(A) as defined in the Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ship Construction: Ships of Classes III to VI(A)) Regulations 1998 III Ships engaged only on voyages in the course of w hich they are at no tim e m ore than 70 m iles by sea from their point of departure and not m ore than 18 m iles from the coast of the U nited Kingdom , and w hich are at sea only in favourable w eather and during restricted periods; IV Ships engaged only on voyages in Category A, B, C or D w aters; V Ships engaged only on voyages in Category A, B or C w aters; VI Ships engaged only on voyages w ith not m ore than 250 passengers on board, to sea, or in Category A, B, C or D w aters, in all cases in favourable w eather and during restricted periods, in the course of w hich the ships are at no tim e m ore than 15 m iles, exclusive of any Category A, B, C or D w aters, from their point of departure nor m ore than 3 m iles from land; VI(A ) Ships carrying not m ore than 50 passengers for a distance of not m ore than 6 m iles on voyages to or from isolated com m unities on the islands or coast of the U nited Kingdom and w hich do not proceed for a distance of m ore than 3 m iles from land; subject to any conditions w hich the Secretary of State m ay im pose. N otes Category A is narrow rivers and canals w here the depth of w ater is generally less than 1.5 m etres;

Category B is w ider rivers and canals w here the depth of w ater is generally m ore than 1.5 m etres and w here the significant w ave height could not be expected to exceed 0.6 m etres at any tim e;

46 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

Class D escription Category C is tidal rivers and estuaries, large and deep lakes and lochs w here the significant w ave height could not be expected to exceed 1.2 m etres at any tim e;

Category D is tidal rivers and estuaries w here the significant w ave height could not be expected to exceed 2.0 m etres at any tim e.

"restricted period" m eans a period falling w holly w ithin the follow ing lim its- (i) from the 1st April to 31st October, both dates inclusive; and (ii) betw een one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset in the case of ships fitted w ith navigation lights conform ing to the collision regulations and betw een sunrise and sunset in the case of any other ships;

“sea” does not include any w aters of Category A, B, C or D.

Existing boat operators At Exm outh there is an operator w ith a 100+ passenger boat, cruising the Jurassic Coast every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the sum m er. On alternate w eeks this boat lands at Sidm outh, although no form al landing facilities exist. The sam e operator provides cruises all year round. In addition there is a w ater taxi service operating betw een Exm outh and Daw lish Warren on the w estern side of the Exe estuary.

One operator w orks out of Branscom be providing m ackerel fishing trips and short cruises from the beach, and just along the coast at Beer, tw o operators offer coastal pleasure trips, as w ell as m ackerel fishing.

From Lym e Regis there are a total of seven operators, offering school trips (1), self-hire boats from The Cobb to Charm outh(1), fishing trips (1), coastal cruises, w ith local tales (2), and scenic cruises (4). West Bay currently has three operators, tw o operating scenic cruises, and the other operating a w ater taxi to Lym e Regis.

An operator w ith a glass bottom ed boat operates in the Fleet Lagoon, and at Weym outh Harbour, tw o operators offer scenic cruises one a ferry service to Portland, and one a boat specifically equipped for the disabled for trips along the Coast.

At Lulw orth Cove a fast RIB offers rides to , and from Sw anage a pleasure boat offers a boat trips exploring the local history, w ildlife and geology of the Purbeck Cliffs.

Finally in the Poole area there are principally tw o operators offering scenic trips along the Coast both operating boats w ith carrying capacities of 200 plus passengers. There are how ever a num ber of other operators running trips including one offering free trips for the disabled around Poole Harbour.

In addition the last sea going paddle steam er in the w orld, the Waverley, visits the Coast during Septem ber offering cruises from various locations.

In the 2004 season the Waverley m ade 14 cruises, visiting Bournem outh (14), Sw anage (13) and Weym outh (7).

A coastal defence schem e started in Lym e Regis in April 2005. This is a 2 year project costing £20m (including East Cliff) and although this w ill not affect the harbour, it w ill extend the rocks. Therefore there m ay be potential for additional landing facilities from 2007 albeit sum m er only.

47 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

West Dorset District Council is com m itted to a regeneration schem e at West Bay w hich includes a New Harbourm asters office and Coastguard prem ises. An interpretation display is planned together w ith possibly an inform ation/m ulti purpose room . Included w ill be new public toilets and facilities for visiting yachtsm en pow er, w ater, show ers etc. Works on this are planned to com m ence in the autum n of 2005 w ith a 12 m onth com pletion date. WDDC is separately looking into the possibility of providing a diesel fuelling facility and a sew erage pum p out station and possibly a pontoon by the existing passenger steps in the inner harbour. The facilities are principally to attract private vessels not com m ercial operators, but w hen the new outer harbour is opened, operators w ill be able to land and em bark passengers at all states of the tide, although charges w ill be m ade.

There are capacity issues at Weym outh Harbour w ith no m ore berths being available. Som e dredging of part of the harbour could increase capacity.

Recreation

Sailing is an im portant recreational activity along the Coast, w ith 15 yacht and sailing boat clubs (details sum m arised below ), together w ith m arinas at Weym outh.

Sailing Clubs

Exe Pow er Boat and Ski Club (Exm outh) RNSA Portland Branch Exe Sailing Club (Exm outh) Castle Cove Sailing Club (Weym outh) Sidm outh Sailing Club Royal Dorset Yacht Club (Weym outh) Beer Sailing Club Weym outh & Portland Cruising Association Axe Yacht Club (Axm outh) Weym outh Sailing Club Lym e Regis Pow er Boat Club Harbour Challenge (Poole) Lym e Regis Sailing Club RNLI Boat and Sailing Club (Poole) Portland Castle Sailing Club

Som e of the lim itations on the use of the boat as transport, disregarding any infrastructure concerns, are the conservation protection that affect the Coast.

Along the w hole length of the Site the m ajority of the coastline is SSSI status, covered by the follow ing designations:

Exe Estuary and the Fleet Budleigh Salterton Cliffs Otter Estuary Shore to Sidm outh South Dorset Coast Sidm outh to Beer Coast Purbeck Ridge (East) Axm outh to Lym e Regis U ndercliffs Studland Cliffs West Dorset Coast

Within Devon, English Nature has indicated that by its very nature, m uch of the foreshore, w hich is m ade up of m obile shingle, does not support species sensitive to disturbance. Specific considerations include:

· In the East Devon section of the site there are no beaches w here ground nesting birds such as ringed plovers or terns are know n to nest so disturbance of these is not an issue. NB This m ay not be the case on the Dorset side and should be confirm ed by English Nature in Dorset. · There are som e sm all areas of sub-tidal and inter-tidal reef and rock platform along the East Devon section of the Coast - these could potentially be dam aged by boat landing/m ooring. It is unlikely that an operator w ould chose voluntarily to land in these locations w hen the shingle beaches provide a m uch easier option. How ever, if a code of conduct is produced then it should include the avoidance of such areas for landing/m ooring. This w ould also 48 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

apply to boats w hich m ay w ish to drop anchor off-shore - they should avoid any hard rock/reef areas of seabed. · A potential problem w hich m ay arise if the boats are used to drop people off along previously inaccessible areas of coast w ould be the creation of new pathw ays connecting the shore to the coast path. In m any areas the cliffs w ill prevent this but it could becom e a problem in som e of the low er, soft cliff areas (e.g. the Axm outh to Lym e Regis U ndercliffs) w here it could lead to erosion dam age as w ell as being a considerable Health & Safety risk. As a general rule therefore, it should be recom m ended that people are not set dow n in locations other than those w hich have an existing route connecting them to the SWCP. · A further concern could be the provision of direct access to sensitive fossil locations w hich could lead to an increase in dam aging in situ searching for fossils by the general public. It is not easy to see how this m ight be prevented by a voluntary code for boat handlers and m ay need to be m onitored as trips by boat increase. · There are a num ber of dive facilities along the coast and w recks, som e of w hich are scheduled.

Road N etw ork Within Devon the m ain road access is provided by the A3052, a County Prim ary Route running roughly parallel w ith the coast betw een Exeter and the County boundary.

The m ain routes in Dorset are the B3157 from Bridport to Weym outh w ith the corridor of the A353/A352/A351, all County Prim ary Routes; linking Weym outh through to Sw anage.

Further inland is the A30/A35, Trunk Road, linking the Anchor Tow ns of Exeter and Bournem outh.

Many of the roads that connect these roads to the coast are narrow and unsuitable for large am ounts of traffic. The local netw ork is prone to congestion, especially during the sum m er m onths.

Car Parking - O ff Road More evaluation w ork of parking provision is required for the Jurassic Coast Transport strategy; as is referenced in the m ain docum ent: Below is som e exam ple data:

Tow n N o. of car Long Stay Short Stay PSV/H G V D isabled parks* Spaces Spaces

Exm outh 11 1056 458 56 Budleigh Salterton 3 438 84 0 8 Sidm outh 5 + 1 293 319 12 17 Beer 2 511 0 0 7 Seaton 3 324 206 9 9 TO TA LS 2622 1067 77 65

A parking study of Exm outh w as carried out during 2003.

Prior to that, East Devon District Council com m issioned a report on the car parks in Sidm outh during the sum m er of 1999. The objective of the study w as to assess future parking dem and. The conclusion of the report w as that Sidm outh w ould face three distinct parking problem s in the future, nam ely:

• General excess dem and in the peak holiday period; • Shortage of central short stay parking for m uch of the year and acute in August; • On-street parking in High Street and Fore Street, being obstructive to pedestrians and a cause of accidents.

49 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

The problem s are how ever largely restricted to short stay, tow n centre in the peak six w eek sum m er holiday period.

In addition, in East Devon there is som e historic data, from a survey carried out in the sum m er of 1979, relating to the usage of Sandy Bay, Ladram Bay, Peak Hill, Branscom be Mouth and Beer Head.

There w as at the tim e a question m ark over the accuracy of the data for both Sandy Bay and Ladram Bay. How ever it is clear that the Peak Hill Car Park (free), w as used prim arily for short stay purposes (average on a Wednesday 30 m inutes and Sunday 45 m inutes), w here as the Car Parks at Branscom be and Beer Head w ere used m ore heavily by long (>2 ½ hour) stay parkers. How ever there is no reason to believe that this trend has not continued.

Parking – O n Street Of the on street parking the only useful inform ation in East Devon relates to Orcom be Point at Exm outh – the closest point to the start of the WHS. The m achines here for 2003/04 produced an incom e of £44,000 from approxim ately 70,000 tickets sold. Theoretically therefore, at least 57,000 of those tickets (81% ) represent people staying for an hour or less. How ever, this could potentially be a problem of enforcem ent, rather than length of stay.

Parking - Park and Ride Norden Park and Ride on the Sw anage Railw ay line, opened in 1996 has about 500 spaces, and reaches capacity during the busiest holiday periods.

A num ber of tow ns in Dorset operate m arket-day Park & Ride services

A Park & Ride and Tourist Bus operated in 2000 in Beer for a lim ited period betw een 24-30 June (International Sailing Cham pionships) and 12-28 August (the Beer Festival).

The usage of the bus w as low :-

D ates Tickets Sold Revenue (£) Cost (£) Subsidy (£) 24-30 June 360 180 834 654 12-28 August 434 217 1883 1636

The low patronage could have been partly caused by the lack of tim e to set up the actual operation once decisions w ere m ade on dates etc.

Park & Ride w as also considered by the Sidm outh parking report in 1999. How ever the conclusion w as that it w as unlikely that Park & Ride w ould be viable for Sidm outh if it had the follow ing characteristics

• Parking capacity w as less than 500 cars (based on econom ic viability of case studies , Dartm outh and St Ives). • Parking w as readily available in the tow n centre. • An unacceptable frequency w as operated (m ore than every 10 – 15 m inutes).

In addition the report noted that for the service to be successful it w ould have to be free or very cheap. Another conclusion w as that a Park & Ride service operates at its best w hen there is only one approach road to the tow n, w hich is clearly not the case in Sidm outh. In addition the excess dem and on tow n centre parking, even w ith high grow th and w ith on street parking rem oved from High Street and Fore Street, show ed a potential shortfall of less than 400 for short term parking.

50 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

Car O w nership

With the exception of a few urban areas, very little of the Jurassic Coast has a low index of m ass deprivation (IMD). How ever, considering the generally rural area there are a significant proportion of non car ow ning households.

No. of No. w ithout Area Households car (2001) (2001) East Devon 55,011 9,819 17.8% West Dorset 40,510 6,837 16.9% Weym outh and Portland 27,156 7,052 26.0% Purbeck 18,804 2,931 15.6% South West Region 2,085,984 421,517 20.2% England 20,451,427 5,488,386 26.8%

51 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

Map M1 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Links

Map 1 of 3

Map 2 of 3

52 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

Map 3 of 3

53 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005

Map M2 National Cycle Netw ork: Existing and proposed routes along the Jurassic Coast

54 Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Transport Strategy September 2005