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SOUTH
PENNINES INTEGRATED TRANSPORT STRATEGY
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Essential element of strategy
One of the main SPITS’ objectives is ‘to limit traffic growth on roads (other than A628 ) within the South Pennines.’ The limitation of traffic growth is an essential element of the SPITS strategy as a whole, but can only be achieved in conjunction with other measures, both in the surrounding urban areas and within the SPITS area itself. The PPTF has agreed that traffic restraint measures should go hand in hand with the necessary infrastructure measures to cope realistically with remaining levels of travel demand. For example, it is not suggested that traffic restraint be introduced on roads which may divert traffic on to the A628, until the necessary improvement works are carried out on that route.
The A6/A52/523 Area Traffic Restraint Study
The Highways Agency has already carried out accident remedial works and imposed speed limits on the A6 and A52/523 routes, and is proposing to study the prospect of further traffic restraint measures on these routes, including the scope for enhanced public transport provision and Park & Ride schemes to improve modal choice. Following work by consultants, the proposal is now to extend the work through a sub group of the Forum in order to look holistically at the area including and between the two routes, and also consider the effects upon surrounding areas. The study is to include:
Pilot measures would be taken forward through the Local Transport Plan mechanism, involving Cheshire, Derbyshire, Greater Manchester, Staffordshire and Derby City. Three regional offices of DETR, the Highways Agency, Countryside Agency, District Councils and Police Authorities would also be involved in the study.
The intention is then to work in other parts of the South Pennines Region in the light of experience of the pilot area, subject to other capital schemes progressing.
Upper Derwent Road User Charging Scheme
This scheme has been devised by Derbyshire County Council, and although not part of the original SPITS’ proposals, it is included as a relevant example of a traffic restraint measure within the SPITS area.
The Upper Derwent Valley, in the heart of the National Park, is a popular tourist destination, being within easy reach of the conurbations of Greater Manchester, South and West Yorkshire, and the Midlands. The main attractions are the three Derwent reservoirs, situated off the A57. Despite the existence of bus services to the valley, the majority of visitors arrive by car, causing road congestion, damaging the environment and blighting the landscape.
Over the last two years, visitor numbers to the valley have been suppressed because of major engineering works to the dams and approach roads. These have now finished. Despite the building works, about 100,000 vehicles per year have been recorded visiting the valley at weekends and Bank Holidays. This can be expected to increase substantially.
The Road User Charging proposal is intended to:
It is envisaged that the scheme will initially operate only at weekends and Bank Holidays, when demand is greatest. Initially, the collection of the charge will be kept simple; a manually operated system would probably be sufficient in the early stages.
A small working group, comprising parish councils, National Trust, National Park, Severn Trent Water, Derbyshire County Council and DETR representatives, has been established and meets on a monthly basis to progress the project. Work is being undertaken to determine how transport in the surrounding area should be improved prior to the introduction of charging. An enhanced bus service has already been introduced, connecting with trains on the nearby Sheffield-Manchester line. A publicity and public relations strategy is being developed.
A comprehensive monitoring exercise has been undertaken during 2000’s peak tourist season to complement previous data on visitor travel patterns. It is hoped that, following improvements to local public transport and infrastructure, and the necessary legislation being improved, that charging can commence in February 2001.
Situation as at December 2000
The Transport Act 2000 gives an option for local authorities to charge drivers. Designs will now be prepared for the proposed upper Derwent Valley Road User Charging Scheme on Derwent Lane, which leads from the A57 to Fairholmes Visitor Centre and the Ladybower and Derwent reservoirs, and feedback gathered from potential users. The Upper Derwent scheme is the first of six nationwide to start being developed and the only one planned for a rural area.
The Department of the Environment, Transport and Regions (DETR) has provided the funds of £400,00 to ensure a comprehensive choice of travel is available to all visitors. Work has recently started on a new cycle lane at the side of the A57 and other projects will be developed during 2001 including: