Decision details

Members received a report setting out the role of Solent Transport playing a local co-ordinating role in working with Highways England to offset the impact of major works on the M27 during the implementation of the Smart Motorways project (Item 7 in the Minute Book).

Following on from the update from Highways England, Members were taken through the Report.  Members welcomed the investment from Highways England as well as the opportunity to work closely delivering the Smart Motorways Schemes and the wider Highways England Road Investment Strategy projects.  The engagement with Traffic Managers and the formation of a detailed communication plan was also emphasised, as well as the possibility of exploring other funding streams. 

The Committee also noted the potential for additional bus services to alleviate pressure on the road networks during the delivery of the projects, and engagement with local businesses, the Solent LEP and other major stakeholders.  Attention was also drawn to Section 1.4 of the report which highlighted other Highways England RIS 1 schemes and the importance of co-ordinating the delivery of these schemes.

Members agreed to amend slightly the original recommendations within the report to reflect the engagement with the Highways Authorities and the new recommendations are listed below. 

RESOLVED

That:

(a)  The Joint Committee approves Solent Transport carrying out a co-ordinating role across the four Solent Transport highway authorities to engage effectively with Highways England, transport operators, local businesses, the Solent LEP and other major stakeholders to collectively deliver a programme of Travel Demand Management measures during the implementation of Smart Motorways on the M27 and the wider Highways England Road Investment Strategy (RIS 1) projects in the Solent area.

(b)  That Solent Transport submits a bid for funding to Highways England which would propose that Solent Transport manages the Travel Demand Management programme in partnership with Highways England as part of the M27 Smart Motorways project. 

(c)  That Solent Transport engages with the Highways Authorities, to help ensure that effective strategic traffic management is undertaken, and operational resilience of the road network is maintained during a time of significant works on the M27 and surrounding local road network.