The need for better transport networks is one of the most important issues for people in Britain. As well as the environment, quality of life and the ease with which we can get from A to B, transport has a major role to play in the long-term economic prosperity of the UK and in the regeneration of key target areas.
To enable Government to deliver better transport and plan for the future, it has commissioned a number of major transport studies across England. These will look at current transport challenges and issues, how they might change over time and how they might best be addressed to serve the needs of people, businesses and the environment.
SoCoMMS is one of these studies. It focuses on a diverse transport network which extends along the South Coast in a 150-mile arc between Southampton and Ramsgate in East Kent. The study aims to make recommendations for a long term strategy to address passenger and freight transport movement needs on the key transport corridor along the south coast.
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Terms of Reference (PDF file 69k)
The overall aim of this study, as defined within the Study Brief is to:
'identify and investigate congestion, safety and environmental problems of transport along the south coast between Southampton (Hants.) and Ramsgate (Kent); and to propose measures aimed at resolving these problems and improving access to and between regeneration areas and other areas of economic activity'.
The Study Brief then goes on to suggest that:
'In order to achieve this aim, the study must consider the strategic role of the transport systems (road, rail and sea borne) in this corridor and make recommendations for an over-arching strategy, together with associated implementation plans to address the transport problems along the corridor. This strategy must take into account local, regional, national and international objectives and planning policies'.
Finally, the study brief sets a series of detailed objectives that the study is expected to satisfy. These are the need to:
- make recommendations for an over-arching strategy to guide the future development of the transport systems on the South Coast Corridor;
- consider and recommend specific local measures on sections of the A27 which have been the subject of previous road scheme proposals and their interrelationship with the overall strategy for the South Coast and produce up to eight local action plans for specific sections of the corridor;
- develop plan(s) to address the most urgent strategic and local transport problems across all modes, looking in particular at opportunities for modal transfer, whilst ensuring that all measures are consistent with the strategy;
- produce a feasible implementation programme which identifies potential constraints to implementation, including funding and legislative consideration;
- identify what further work may be necessary to progress particular measures contained within the implementation package; and
in addition to
- work closely with, and be directed by, the Project Steering Group at all stages of the study; and
- inform and engage with all interested parties in both determining issues and problems and in formulating optimal solutions and strategies.
The study will include a consideration of travel by road, rail, short sea shipping and other modes for both passenger and freight services. The study area should include (but not necessarily be limited to) the M27, A27, A259, rail and other public transport routes along the coast including links to Ashford and East Kent.
The study will consider the strategic role of the transport system in the corridor and of the sections in it within the broad context of land use planning, transport and ther policies, taking into account the regional, national and international dimensions. The study will also carry out a review of the current and future transport problems within the study area which may inhibit the transport system from fulfilling its role, drawing on previous work undertaken wherever possible. It should identify and assess options, and make recommendations on an over-arching strategy for the corridor, including the objectives or requirements which should be included within a revised regional transport strategy. Measures necessary to deliver the strategy should be identified, and recommendations made on a potential implementation programme. The study will also identify any additional work necessary to refine its proposals.
The study will also consider previous proposals for bypasses at Wilmington, Selmeston and Arundel, consider the transport-related problems in these locations, identify and assess the options available for resolving these problems, and make recommendations specific to these sections of route.
In all its work, the study should have regard to economic, social and environmental impacts, as well as the effects on those areas in need of regeneration. Wide participation and consultation will be required in identifying and assessing problems and options. Options should be assessed using the New Approach to Appraisal and Guidance on the Methodology for Multi-Modal Studies.
The outcome of the study will:
a) make recommendations on the strategic role of the transport system in the corridor and an overarching strategy that enables the strategic role to be fulfilled, including the objectives and requirements which should be included within a revised regional transport strategy, Development and Local Transport Plans;
b) Make recommendations on identified sections of the network, in particular indicated above;
c) Identify constraints on implementation, including funding and legislative considerations;
d) Identify what further work may be necessary to refine its proposals; and
e) Make recommendations on a potential implementation programme.
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Phase 1 Commissioning- (April/May 2001)- the first phase of the study focuses on confirming details of the study.
Phase 2 Understanding current problems and issues (April to August 2001)- this period of the study focuses on reviewing all relevant information for the study, undertaking additional surveys as appropriate. All available data will be collated and analysed. An initial participation and consultation process will be undertaken through a series of workshops to identify transport related problems in the area. A 'Strategic Corridor Model' will be developed.
Phase 3 Understanding Future Problems and Issues (May to September 2001)- this stage will develop forecasts of future travel in the corridor to assess future problems and consulting on Potential Solutions (September - October 2001) - once the identification of base year and future transport problems is complete, there will be a consultation process to identify potential solutions that the study should assess.
Phase 4 Strategy Development and Appraisal (September 2001- January 2002) having completed the identification of transport-related problems, and with the benefits of the public participation, new surveys and a 'Strategy' model, it will be possible to identify and appraise different strategy options.
Phase 5 Consultation on the Emerging Strategy (May to June 2002) - a third stage of public participation will be held in Spring 2002. This will present the emerging strategy and the results of all the assessment work that has been undertaken. The consultation will include a travelling exhibition which will tour the corridor.
Phase 6 Local Action Plans- (January to May 2002)- having agreed the overall strategy, work can be focussed on the development of Local Action Plans. Each plan will have local objectives defined in reference to the overall transport Strategy for the Corridor.
Phase 7 Refinement and Reporting (May to September 2002)- The final stage of the project will seek to refine and complete the Corridor Transport Strategy and the Local Plans. Accompanying the recommendations will be an implementation plan.
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