A fine sunny autumnal day greeted the arrival of over 60 members attending the Transport Symposium on 24th November 2005 at Colden Common Park; a full-house with many late-applicants unfortunately turned away. The occasion was a not-to-be-missed chance to learn more about our changing environment outlined in emerging plans for transport in Hampshire, including discussion and questions on:

• The emerging 5-year Local Transport Plan (LTP)
• Progress with our anti-clutter campaign
• Proposed Masterplan for Southampton International Airport

Local Transport Plan

The Transport Campaign Group (TCG) had produced detailed responses to the draft LTP on key topics that are an integral part of the plan, and in so doing, had identified CPRE priorities and suggested how the plan can be developed to meet CPRE aspirations. Most of our issues were addressed by Alan Tilly (HCC Environment- Policy) to a receptive audience.

In response to questions on tranquillity, signage and light pollution it was accepted by Hampshire County Council for the first time in our hearing that "roads in the countryside are an integral part of the landscape", and further, they are of the opinion that there "needs to be closer linkage between engineering, safety staff and their landscape counterparts". This is very good news and particularly so when it was revealed that staff training has started and that funding has been set aside this year for a pilot scheme (A32) to analyse landscape and clutter problems and set policies in place.

Anti-Clutter Campaign

It seemed natural after this revelation, for CPRE to open up discussion on anti-clutter measures to improve road safety, and to minimise the impact of unnecessary and intrusive signage on country roads. Tim Cheesebrough (Safety Engineering Team (HCC) agreed that improvements are possible and, accordingly, the County Council had suspended some signage projects while they consider the adoption of new design guide lines and landscape impacts.

Southampton Airport Expansion

The Managing Director, David Cummings, in outlining BAA's 25-year plan for expansion of Southampton Airport suggested that passenger numbers on a "predict and provide" basis, would quadruple and aircraft movements almost treble by 2030. This assertion has been challenged by CPRE on the likely grounds of increasing taxation on aviation travel and increases in the price and availability of fuel. It was inevitable that questions should centre on aspects of routeing, aircraft noise, pollution and the capability of the road system.

Of particular concern was the effects vehicular traffic will have on the already over-loaded (39%) Junction 5, M27. Similar reservations to those raised by CPRE and the audience have been highlighted by Eastleigh Borough Council in their response to the plan.

The growth in passenger traffic in and around Southampton and the continuing overwhelming use of the private car to the airport is of grave concern. There is an unequivocal accepted need for improved public transport in Hampshire. The use of rail has to be increased four-fold and outside traffic managed better before BAA can claim Southampton Airport to be a multi-model hub.

Head Office

Paul Hamblin of CPRE National Office outlined campaign issues currently under review and included in his presentation an overview of current thinking on the environmental impact of transport generally on the landscape.

All concerned agreed that the Symposium was a successful event and gave the speakers and members much food for thought while they chatted over a Buffet featuring locally-produced foods.

May 2006