The Winchester Town Access Plan - TrustNews Dec 10
The Winchester Town Access Plan (TAP) is a set of aims and priorities which seek to improve the way people can reach facilities and services spread throughout the town. The Plan along with other documents and policies will guide transport development within Winchester over the next 20 years. The TAP has been developed by Hampshire County Council in partnership with Winchester City Council and was the subject of public consultation between 20th September and 28th November.
The four key aims of the Access Plan are:
- To ensure that the vitality and resilience of the local economy is strengthened by planning for movement and access which is economically and environmentally sustainable.
- To lead a transition to cycling, walking, public transport and low-carbon modes of travel including low emission private and commercial vehicles.
- To enhance the social and cultural wellbeing of Winchester by providing access for all.
- To reduce the negative effects of transport on residential neighbourhoods and the town’s historic environment, particularly in relation to air quality and the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.
The Trust responded to the consultation and whilst it has supported these aims it has made a number of comments on the more detailed proposals and priorities in the plan. The response was prepared by the Trust’s Policy Committee and approved by the Trust Council.
This is the latest in a number of consultations about traffic and access in Winchester and we have had considerable success in influencing policy over the years. The Trust is particularly pleased with the recent work to improve the High Street and looks forward to similar improvements in The Square.
For over 20 years the Trust has pressed for the provision of park and ride to relieve the city centre of traffic and welcomes the new provision of 800 spaces at Winchester South. However traffic relief will not be achieved unless there is a reciprocal reduction of parking in the central area. We are therefore now urging the local authorities to reduce traffic generation within the one-way system by releasing some of the car parks for residential or commercial development.
We are also pressing for the speed of traffic to be reduced and strongly support proposals for 20mph speed restrictions in central and residential areas.
Many other issues were addressed and the full response can be read on the Trust’s website, http://www.cityofwinchestertrust.co.uk. A link is also provided to the Town Access Plan.