Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Environment and Transport, Councillor Rob Humby, has today announced that the County Council will create and lead a new transport strategy for Winchester.
This fresh approach will set a new direction for transport in and around the city. It will mean looking at improving pedestrian and cycle links between key areas, easing congestion, reducing traffic levels, improving air quality and enhancing public transport links.
Councillor Rob Humby said: “Working in close partnership with the City Council, stakeholders and transport providers, we have made significant progress over the last decade with the introduction of park and ride, a city centre 20mph speed limit and measures to support better access by bus, bike and walking. However, with significant housing developments underway in the city and other potential developments in the pipeline, now is the right time to review the progress we have made and set a new direction for Winchester. As well as the city centre itself, we will be looking at improving links between new developments and the city centre, and all of the main corridors leading into it.
“Our ambition is to create a transport system fit for an historic city and a thriving economic hub, which will be able to accommodate a future increase in use but also make Winchester a healthier place to live, work and enjoy the local environment.”
Councillor James Byrnes, Winchester City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Local Economy and Parking, said: “I very much welcome and support the development of a Strategy which will set a clear vision for the future of Winchester in response to the key traffic and transport issues facing our city. This is particularly timely given the major housing and commercial developments planned in Winchester over the next five years and beyond. We will be working closely with our colleagues at the County Council on this project to produce a Strategy which will identify opportunities to enhance the transport infrastructure. The aim is to improve all forms of movement around and through the town, which should help deliver associated benefits in relation to the public realm, congestion, and air quality whilst ensuring of course that we can sustain the long-term economic vitality of Winchester.”
While Hampshire County Council, with its expertise in highway responsibilities will take the lead in this new study, it will work in close partnership with Winchester City Council as the planning and parking authority. Businesses, residents, commuters and transport operators will also have a role to play in helping to shape the future vision for transport in Winchester.
The study is expected to start in September and culminate in a public consultation on a preferred direction next year.
