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HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL GROWTH, INFRASTRUCTURE, PLANNING & THE ECONOMY CABINET PANEL 8 OCTOBER 2020 AT 2.00PM PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON THE DRAFT EAST AND SOUTH EAST GROWTH AND TRANSPORT PLANS (E & SE GTPs)

Report of the Director of Environment & Infrastructure Author: - Trevor Brennan, Strategy & Programme Manager, East Herts & Broxbourne (Tel: 01992 658406 ) Executive Member: - Derrick Ashley, Environment, Planning and Transport

Local Members: - Cllr Dee Hart, Cllr Lesley Greensmyth, Cllr Dave Hewitt, Cllr Tim Hutchings, Cllr Paul Mason, Cllr Mark Mills-Bishop (covering Broxbourne District) and Cllr David Andrews, Cllr Eric Buckmaster, Cllr Ken Crofton, Cllr Bob Deering, Cllr Jeff Jones, Cllr Jonathan Kaye, Cllr Graham McAndrew, Cllr Andrew Stevenson, Cllr Colin Woodward and Cllr John Wyllie (covering East Herts District) 1. Purpose of report 1.1 To present the draft East and South East Growth and Transport Plans (GTPs)

and the conclusions of the supporting Strategic Environmental Assessment and Equality Impact Assessment to the Cabinet Panel for consideration.

1.2 To recommend that Cabinet Panel note the consultation dates and strategy

for the Plans. 2. Summary

2.1 The GTPs are part of a new suite of spatial transport strategies, that propose

objectives and packages of transport interventions that seek to support economic growth, housing and jobs whilst promoting quality of life and environmental objectives. The GTPs translate the Local Transport Plan (4) (“LTP4”) into local delivery plans and are driven by evidence and an understanding of the main challenges for transport and growth within geographically defined areas.

2.2 The Eastern GTP (EGTP) covers the towns of Bishop’s Stortford and

Sawbridgeworth, and key transport links between these towns and to surrounding areas. The South East GTP (SEGTP), developed alongside the EGTP covers the towns of Hertford, Ware, Hoddesdon, Broxbourne,

Agenda Item No.

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Cheshunt and Waltham Cross. The EGTP and the SEGTP are aligned in focus and packages of interventions and are complementary in nature.

2.3 Each plan consists of a portfolio of documents, including:

The EGTP Prospectus (Appendix A) and SEGTP Prospectus (Appendix B) provide the main document for consultation with a summary of the proposals for each area.

The EGTP Interventions Paper (Appendix C) and SEGTP Interventions Paper (Appendix D) provide more details of the proposed packages of schemes and projects, along with a summary of the plan objectives, challenges and process, and scheme appraisal matrices as appendices.

A number of existing evidence packs (detailing housing and transport information) have been used to support the development of the GTP’s.

2.4 The GTPs have been developed by Hertfordshire County Council supported

by AECOM and in partnership with the district and borough councils (including East Herts, Broxbourne, Essex, Uttlesford and Enfield). Several workshops have been held during the development of the GTPs with the local county councillors, relevant Executive Members and district council Portfolio Holders to inform their development. District planning officers have also been closely involved in the development process.

2.5 A Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) and Equality Impact

Assessment (EqIA) have been developed and will be included alongside the draft GTP documents for public consultation.

2.6 The draft GTPs are now ready to go to public consultation. A draft Consultation

Communications Strategy has been produced and is presented as Appendix E. A twelve-week public consultation is planned from October to December 2020.

2.7 The views of stakeholders and the public and the findings of the SEA and

EqIA will be considered in the finalisation of the EGTP and SEGTP. Subject to the outcome of the consultation, it is planned to bring back for consideration the full and final EGTP and SEGTP to CLG, GrIPE Cabinet Panel and Cabinet in Summer 2021.

2.8 It is proposed that the historic Urban Transport Plans (UTPs) and Area

Transport Plans which are covered by the GTPs will be superseded once the GTPs are adopted.

2.9 The draft GTPs focus at a more strategic level than existing UTPs, taking a

different approach to understanding the underlying causes of transport issues and propose packages of complementary schemes rather than localised interventions, recognising the challenges of planned growth in this part of the county.

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2.10 They have also been developed in line with the current Local Transport Plan (4) with a focus on measures to improve access by sustainable modes of transport rather than focussing on traditional highway capacity improvements.

3. Recommendations 3.1 That the Cabinet Panel considers and notes the draft GTPs Prospectus and

Intervention papers (Appendices A, B C and D), the draft Consultation Communication Strategy (Appendix E), the draft SEA’s (Appendix F and G) and Equality Impact Assessments (Appendix H and I).

3.2 Cabinet Panel is asked to note the proposed twelve-week public consultation

for the draft GTPs Prospectus, Intervention papers and SEA’s, which will be from October to December 2020.

4. Background 4.1 The County Council has adopted the LTP4, which sets the overarching

transport policy for the county. LTP4 sets the foundations for a ‘step change’ in transport in the county with a new transport user hierarchy, enhanced public transport connectivity and shift towards sustainable (non-car) modes in the interest of a creating a more resilient transport network for the future.

4.2 The county is anticipating significant housing and employment growth over the coming decades, as per the districts’ Local Plans. In the area covered by the East & South East Growth and Transport Plans of Hertfordshire, the current adopted and emerging local plans would see an estimated 20,000 new homes being built up to 2031.

4.3 In the past, Urban Transport Plans were developed for individual towns or urban areas, mainly proposing relatively local, small-scale improvements to the highway network. However, this approach does not allow for a strategic approach or consideration of wider challenges for transport across areas which, with development growth, will see high levels of movement and potentially changes in the patterns of travel demand. A new approach to spatial transport planning has therefore been required to better respond to these challenges and support the County’s and districts’ growth objectives and recognising the new direction of Local Transport Plan 4 and wider county council policy framework.

4.4 The draft GTPs are ambitious and intended to work alongside the districts’

Local Plans to establish a programme of transport infrastructure improvements at key locations and corridors. The GTPs are seen as a tool to support bids for external funding and to guide liaison and dialogue with transport partners including Highways England and Network Rail, which would be a prerequisite for the delivery of some of the schemes proposed.

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5. The draft East and South East Growth and Transport Plans Main Proposals

5.1 The GTPs set the following 6 objectives:

1. Connected - Improved transport connections between and within urban and rural locations and services to support economic activity, education, access to services and the development of new jobs and homes.

2. Reliable - Improved network resilience and journey time reliability for all

users, so that transport networks and services provide consistent and dependable journeys throughout the day.

3. Accessible - Provide improved transport networks by all modes, including

public transport services, to increase the choice available to transport users and reduce barriers to prosperity, development and growth.

4. Attractive Place - Enhance the function and character of East and South

East Hertfordshire’s neighbourhoods and public locations to support vibrant communities and preserve and enhance the local environment and quality of life.

5. Efficient - Make the most efficient use of resources and technology by

reducing the need to travel and enabling a shift to more sustainable modes of travel.

6. Healthy and Safe - Promote measures to improve safety and reduce the

negative impacts of motorised travel, in particular private car travel; to reduce the harm caused to public health, the environment, and to minimise safety risks.

5.2 The draft EGTP proposes 37 Packages and the draft SEGTP proposes 40

packages comprising multiple interventions, including some significant larger scale schemes as well as smaller scale projects focusing on locations. In some cases, different potential approaches are presented for some of the scheme concepts. Where this is the case a preferred approach is generally indicated based on the fit of the approach relative to the plan’s objectives. It is envisaged that the maximum benefit sought by the GTPs will be achieved only if all the interventions within a Package are implemented. The packages of schemes and projects are summarised in Table 1 for the EGTP and Table 2 for the SEGTP and further detail is available in section 4 of the GTPs Prospectus (Appendix A & B).

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Table 1. Summary of Eastern GTP scheme Packages

Package 1 – Informed Route Choices for Drivers

Aim A connected, smart and intelligent network of Variable Message Signs at key locations which provide useful, up-to-date information to motorists travelling into and within Bishop’s Stortford, and to other road users of network conditions such as incidents, journey times, delays, car parking availability and recommended routes

Main aspects

Variable Message Signs located at key junctions on an outer cordon of the town (around the bypass) to capture trips entering the town from surrounding areas

Package 2 – Town Fringe Bus Service Optimisation

Aim Optimising bus services between the south and south-western fringes of Bishop’s Stortford (including the Bishop’s Stortford South development) and the town centre/railway station (and beyond) by providing bus priority at congested locations, enhanced service frequencies and modified routes

Main aspects

Amendment of bus service 508, 509 and/or 510 to route through the proposed Bishop’s Stortford South development

Amendment and enhancement of bus service 386 to become a semi orbital service connecting Bishop’s Park, Oriole Way, St Michaels Mead, Bishop’s Stortford South development and the town centre/rail station

Intelligent bus-actuated traffic signals on B1383 London Road to reduce delays for services and bus priority on Whittington Way in addition to a sustainable transport northern access/egress at Bishop’s Stortford South making bus a mode of choice for new residents

Package 3 – Thorley Bus Accessibility

Aim Improving access to the 308 service in the Thorley area in order to increase its attractiveness as an alternative to the car for journeys to the town centre and railway station

Main aspects

Bus service 308 route amended to route via B1004 Great Hadham Road to reduce walk times to the nearest bus stop for people living in the Oriole Way area of the town

New/improved footway, crossing and waiting facilities at the bus stop west of Sainsbury’s on Friedberg Avenue

Package 4 – Western Edge Sustainable Travel Choices

Aim New and improved walking and cycling routes on quieter and safer roads between homes, schools and shops in the western part of Bishop’s Stortford

Main aspects

20mph speed limit on all roads in Bishop’s Park and Oriole Way areas

Signed and improved cycle route between St Michael Mead through Northern Parkland, across the B1004 Great Hadham Road, through Oriole Way area, through Stortford Park to Hillmead School and through Bishop’s Park area to the Tesco supermarket

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Voluntary one-way system for parents/guardians to follow when dropping off children at Hillmead School (promoted on the school website)

Package 5 – Cycle to the Station

Aim A core cycle route between Thorley and Havers neighbourhoods and the railway station

Main aspects

Upgrade of the footpath running alongside the Bus Link between Villiers-sur-Marne Avenue and Piggotts Way to facilitate cycle movements

A signed off-road cycle route along Elizabeth Way

A signed on-road cycle route along Havers Lane with off-road crossing provision at a modified South Road-Southmill Road junction

Package 6 – North South River Corridor

Aim A rejuvenated and better connected and more accessible River Stort to provide an attractive north-south corridor for walking and cycling trips between Bishop’s Stortford North, the town centre and Rushy Mead

Main aspects

Upgrade to the tow path alongside the River Stort, wide enough to accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists as well as seating and other landscape improvements

New / improved links to key routes crossing the river including Station Road, London Road and The Causeway which are step-free and well sign-posted

A more uninterrupted route providing seamless journeys on foot and by bike

Package 7 – Eastern Cycle Corridor

Aim Improve connectivity to the station and town centre by bike from eastern and north-eastern parts of Bishop’s Stortford by providing new signposted off-road routes, or on-road on quieter roads, with cycle parking at key destinations

Main aspects

New off-road cycle route alongside the A1250 Dunmow Road

Improved link between Thorn Grove and Beldams Avenue

Improved crossing on London Road adjacent to the station to facilitate cycle movements

Package 8 – Northgate Primary School Mode Choice

Aim More restrictive parking, improved footway access and a new crossing to make journeys on foot to Northgate Primary School more attractive

Main aspects

Complete removal or (at least) a reduction in parking bays and implementation of new/extended parking controls close to the school entrance

Widened footway adjacent to the school entrance

A new signal-controlled crossing on A1250 adjacent to the sports club

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Package 9 – Manor Field Primary School Mode Choice

Aim Enhanced footway links and crossing facilities to make journeys on foot to Manor Fields Primary School more attractive and increased parking controls to reduce the attractive and convenience of car travel

Main aspects

New/improved footway links between the northern part of St Michaels Mead and Manor Fields Primary School via the Northern Parkland

Improved crossing on Penningtons adjacent to the school access

Extended double-yellow line restrictions on Friedberg Avenue

Package 10 – Bishop’s Stortford South and the B1383 Corridor

Aim Bus and cycling given greater priority and dedicated infrastructure within a congested corridor so that they become more preferred modes of travel between the town centre, railway station, the Bishop’s Stortford High School and proposed Bishop’s Stortford South development

Main aspects

A re-routed bus service 508, 509 and/or 510 through the proposed Bishop’s Stortford South development

A re-routed 386 bus service at AM and PM peak times with increased frequency via the proposed Bishop’s Stortford South development and along the B1383 London Road

Intelligent bus actuated signals which can detect approaching buses and amend traffic signals to allow buses to get through quicker

Package 11 – Goods Yard Development

Aim A package of interventions, some of which form part of the Goods Yard planning application, to help ensure the large-scale town centre housing-led development is attractive, accessible and sustainable, and that its transport impact is appropriately mitigated and opportunities to facilitate more sustainable travel are maximised

Main aspects

A new link road through the proposed Goods Yard development which is either open to all traffic at all times or has restrictions in place for certain vehicles, to help manage traffic flow levels around the local network and relieve some pressure at the Hockerill junction once new development is in place

An enhanced bus interchange to reduce severance for pedestrians and cyclists between the station and the town centre and to improve waiting facilities

A new pedestrian/cycle bridge alongside the existing Station Road bridge over the River Stort, with links to an improved River Towpath, to enhance linkage between the town centre and railway station

Package 12 – Havers-Town Centre Low Car Corridor

Aim Building upon its proximity to the town centre and walkable and cyclable distances, reduced speed limits and improved infrastructure

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through the Havers area will make walking and cycling a more attractive mode choice

Main aspects

Improved footway provision at the junction between Scott Road and Apton Road

A signed off-road cycle route along Elizabeth Road and on-road provision along Havers Lane

Cycle parking provision at the Apton Road car park

Package 13 – Northgate End Multi-Storey Car Park Access and Connectivity

Aim A new multi-storey car park serving Bishop’s Stortford town centre with enough access for vehicles which does not disrupt the surrounding highway network and good quality and accessible footway links to enable people to enter/exit the car park and cross the A1250 Link Road. Safely and efficiently

Main aspects

A new multi-storey car park (replacing existing surface-level parking) with access/egress onto A1250 Link Road plus a reconfigured access/egress to the Waitrose supermarket via a new signal-controlled junction and a signal-controlled T-junction placing the existing small roundabout at Northgate End-A1250 Link road/Hadham Road

Package 14 – Cycle into the Centre

Aim Attractive, signed cycle routes and safe, secure parking for bicycles at convenient locations on key gateway routes into the town centre

Main aspects

Clusters of covered cycle stands on North Street, Bridge Street, South Street, Acton

Road and Windhill capturing cyclists as they travel towards the main shopping area on key gateway routes

Footway/crossing improvements at the junction of Windhill and Bells Hill

Towpath improvements approaching the town centre

Package 15 – Town Centre Traffic Movements

Aim Re-prioritising roads in and around the town centre with new one-way restrictions, banned turns at junctions and closure of the main shopping street to through traffic to reduce the dominance of car travel within the heart of the town centre

Main aspects

New one-way system applied to High Street, North Street and potentially Bells Hill

Part time or full-time closure to through-traffic movements along sections of South Street and Potter Street

Package 16 – M11 Junction 8

Aim Improve M11 Junction 8 as a key gateway to Bishop’s Stortford and Stansted Airport to reduce traffic delays and congestion

Main aspects

Shorter-term interim improvements to the existing M11 Junction 8 signal-controlled gyratory to reduce delays

Longer-term enhancements to help facilitate expansion at Stansted Airport and surrounding housing development growth including in Uttlesford district (Essex)

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New cycle route between Bishop’s Stortford, Birchanger and Stansted Airport (an extension of a new route being investigated by Highways England and Essex County Council)

Package 17 – Bishop’s Stortford-Stansted Airport Cycle Connectivity

Aim A new cycle route linking Bishop’s Stortford and Stansted Airport which minimises conflicts with traffic and facilitates a healthier way for employees to get to and from work at the airport

Main aspects

A signed off-road cycle route between Parsonage Lane and the A120, connecting with off-road cycle facilities on Parsonage Lane and along the A1250 towards central Bishop’s Stortford

A signal-controlled crossing for cyclists to safely get from one side of the A120 to the other (as part of a junction upgrade)

A signed on-road route along Birchanger Lane between the A120 and Birchanger village

Package 18 – Town Centre Traffic Congestion Management

Aim Directly tackle traffic congestion levels within the town centre area through highway interventions which seek to reduce delays by re-prioritising movements at junctions and providing alternative routes away from areas of traffic congestion

Main aspects

Changes to the Hockerill Junction which could include the banning of some turning movements to enable more traffic to pass through the junction.

A new link road through the proposed Goods Yard development which is either open to all traffic at all times or has restrictions in place for certain vehicles, to help manage traffic flow levels around the local network and relieve some pressure at the Hockerill junction once new development is in place.

Package 19 – All Saints Primary, Summercroft Primary, Birchwood High School Mode Choice

Aim Signed, safe and attractive cycle routes along Parsonage Lane fed by improved links to the west and to the south of Bishop’s Stortford

Main aspects

Signed off-road cycle route along the full length of Parsonage Lane with raised speed tables at each junction it crosses between the B1383 and A1250

Signed cycle route to the west of the railway line via Cannons Close

Signed off-road cycle route along the A1250 Dunmow Road

Package 20 – Prioritising Pedestrians and Cyclists in the Town Centre

Aim Reclaiming streets for pedestrians and cyclists within the heart of the town centre with restrictions and reduced road space for motorised vehicles

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Main aspects

Permanent or part-time closure to through-traffic on South Street and Potter Street (except for access and buses)

Clusters of cycle stands on key corridors leading into the main shopping area

Attractive and unified wayfinding signage at key locations within the town centre area

Package 21 – Enhanced Footway Routes to St Joseph's and St Mary's Catholic Schools

Aim Footway enhancements to increase walking to St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School and St Mary’s Catholic School from the immediate local area

Main aspects

Footway improvements on Woodhall Grove, The Nobles, Bylands Close, Wentworth Drive, and Ward Crescent/Scott Road including primarily new dropped kerbs

New footway between B1004 Great Hadham Road and Woodhall Grove on the eastern side of Villiers-Sur-Marne Avenue

Widened footway approaches to the signal-controlled crossing outside St Joseph’s Primary School

Package 22 – Town Centre Parking Management

Aim Measures to address car parking across Bishop's Stortford town centre, including optimising the current supply of spaces and making it easier for motorists to find an available parking space

Main aspects

Improve parking accessibility for disabled users by implementing disabled spaces at Basbow Lane

Consider the installation of short stay EV rapid charging points in Jackson Square, Northgate End and Link Road to improve parking accessibility for EV users and promote sustainable transport

Introduce new tariff system, EV charging provision, motorcycle parking, parent and child parking, and signage and a range of town centre car parks

Package 23 – B1004 Rye Street Sustainable Travel Corridor

Aim Measures to increase walking and cycling along Rye Street

Main aspects

Improve pedestrian crossing facilities on the B1004

Upgrade bus stop facilities to improve safety and access to bus services

Package 24 – Northwest Bishop’s Strotford

Aim Monitoring of travel behaviours at new developments and dealing with congestion on the A120

Main aspects

Mitigation at the A120/B1383 junction to address congestion

Ongoing monitoring of travel behaviours as development in north-west Bishop's Stortford is built-out

Package 25 – Bishop's Stortford - Stansted Airport / Great Dunmow / Braintree Corridor

Aim Measures to enhance connectivity between Bishop's Stortford, Stansted Airport, Great Dunmow and Braintree by public transport

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Main aspects

Improve inter-urban bus provision and bus priority on routes into towns

Alleviate congestion on the A120 around Braintree

Improve provision of electric vehicle charging points at key locations between Bishop's Stortford and Stansted Airport / Great Dunmow / Braintree to promote an uptake in electric vehicle use

Package 26 – Bishop's Stortford - Stansted Mountfitchet / Elsenham / Saffron Walden Corridor

Aim Improvements to public transport services and cycle routes, and promotion of sustainable travel modes between Bishop's Stortford and towns/villages to the north towards Saffron Walden

Main aspects

Improve cycle parking provision at key locations between Bishop's Stortford and Stansted Mountfitchet / Elsenham to promote cycling uptake.

Promote the available public transport services and active travel routes

Upgrade bus stop facilities to improve safety and access to bus services

Package 27 – Bishop's Stortford-Cambridge Corridor

Aim Improvements to public transport services, promotion of sustainable travel modes and travel demand initiatives targeting journeys between Bishop's Stortford and Cambridge

Main aspects

Improve public transport provision between Bishop's Stortford and key locations around Cambridge including Addenbrooks and Granta Park.

Improve provision of electric vehicle charging points at key locations

Package 28 – Bishop's Stortford - Hertford / Ware Corridor

Aim Multi-modal measures to improve connectivity between Bishop's Stortford, Hertford and Ware, particularly by sustainable modes of travel

Main aspects

Delivery of the A120 Little Hadham Bypass

Promote the available public transport services and active travel routes to encourage an uptake in sustainable travel

Mitigate rat running through the B1004 via Much Hadham and Widford

Package 29 – Prioritising Pedestrians and Cyclists

Aim Measures to increase walking and cycling across Sawbridgeworth

Main aspects

Improvements to the A1184/West Road/Station Road junction incorporating better facilities for pedestrians and cyclists

Improved cycle provision on Bell Street

Improved walking and cycling provision to facilitate walking and cycling between West Rd and A1184

Package 30 – Town Centre Traffic Movements

Aim Measures to reduce the impact of traffic in Sawbridgeworth

Main aspects

Revision of speed limits to slow traffic down and make it easier for people to cross the road on foot

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Increase walking and cycling mode share by restricting access to Bell Street at peak hours

Improve provision of electric vehicle charging points at key locations in Sawbridgeworth to promote an uptake in electric vehicle use

Package 31 – Sawbridgeworth Station Accessibility and Connectivity

Aim Measures to improve access to Sawbridgeworth station by sustainable travel modes

Main aspects

Revision of speed limits to slow traffic down and make it easier for people to cross the road on

Improve pedestrian crossing facilities outside the railway station

Increasing walking and cycling mode share through improved crossing provision at Station Rd/ Bullfields/ Knight St junction

Package 32 – Enhanced Footway and Cycleway Routes to schools

Aim Improved pedestrian and cycle access to Mandeville Primary School and Leventhorpe School and Leisure Centre

Main aspects

Footway/ cycleway on West Road

Increase walking and cycling mode share by improving crossing arrangements on the A1184

Package 33 – Cambridge Road Sustainable Travel Corridor

Aim Improvements in sustainable travel in the north of Sawbridgeworth

Main aspects

Improve pedestrian access to/ from the development at Northfield House

Improve bus stop facilities on Cambridge Road

Package 34 – London Road Sustainable Travel Corridor

Aim Better public transport provision in the south of Sawbridgeworth including better links towards Harlow and the Gilston Park development

Main aspects

Improved bus service provision towards the Gilston Park development and Harlow

Signalisation of A1184/High Wych Road junction

Package 35 – Harlow Highway Measures

Aim A range of highway improvements to reduce congestion and improve connectivity in northern Harlow (including measures promoted by Essex County Council and those associated with the planned Gilston Park development)

Main aspects

A new River Stort crossing

Widening of the existing Fifth Avenue river crossing to incorporate bus priority

Package 36 – Harlow Sustainable Travel Measures

Aim A range of sustainable travel measures to support the Garden Town masterplan, including the Gilston Park development

Main aspects

New north-south and east-west Sustainable Travel Corridors incorporating bus priority and improved walking/cycling links

Improved access to Harlow Town railway station, including a new northern access

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Package 37 – M11 Junction 7

Aim Improvements to M11 Junction 7 (in conjunction with a new Junction 7a) to improve strategic highway access to Harlow

Main aspects

Improvements to M11 Junction 7 to increase traffic throughput and reduce congestion, therefore improving access to Harlow (south) from the M11 and A414 (Essex)

Table 2. Summary of South East GTP scheme Packages

Package 1 – Bengeo Sustainable Travel Choices

Aim A range of measures to facilitate more convenient journeys by bike, on foot within and between Bengeo and other parts of Hertford including the town centre and railway stations

Main aspects

Improving the Old Cross Junction

Footway and crossing improvements on quieter roads

Discouraging pavement parking where feasible

Package 2 – Welwyn Road and North Road Sustainable Travel Corridors

Aim Measures to improve local sustainable travel connections in western Hertford

Main aspects

New footway/cycleway routes to the proposed Hertford West development

Bus stop improvements on Welwyn Road

Access improvements at Hertford North

Package 3 – Enhanced Footway and Cycleway Routes to Hertford East and the Town Centre

Aim Measures to enhance footway and cycleway routes on the north eastern side of Hertford, including around Hertford East station and the Meads area

Main aspects

New footway/cycleway routes to the proposed Hertford West development

Bus stop improvements on Welwyn Road

Access improvements at Hertford North

Package 4 – South of Hertford Sustainable Travel Choices

Aim Measures to encourage walking, cycling and travelling by bus in southern

Main aspects

Parking management at key large employment sites including county hall

Designation of off-road cycle route along Pegs Lane and link into County Hall

Package 5 – Town-Wide Travel Demand Management

Aim A wide range of measures to encourage sustainable travel including parking management, travel planning, marketing and more effective provision of travel information

Main aspects

Additional electric vehicle charging points

A series of area-wide travel plans

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Information panels to assist wayfinding for visitors and local people

Package 6 – Ware north eastern edge Sustainable Travel Choices

Aim Measures to improve connectivity in north-eastern Ware, including to/from the proposed urban extension

Main aspects

New/improved pedestrian crossings on A1170 Wadesmill Road and High Street

Improved walking and cycling facilities on Musley Hill / New Road

New/enhanced bus service linking to the new development

Package 7 – Watton Road and Park Road Sustainable Travel Corridors

Aim Improvements to walking, cycling and bus services in the Watton Road and Park Road area of western Ware

Main aspects

Better footway routes to schools on Watton Road

Measures to support bus service reliability on Watton Road

Package 8 – Ware Station Accessibility and Connectivity

Aim Measures to improve walking, cycling and bus connections to Ware station

Main aspects

Improved crossing facilities on Station Road

Improved wayfinding signs around the station indicating routes and walk times to town centre and other key locations

Package 9 – Town-Wide Travel Demand Management

Aim A range of measures to encourage more sustainable travel behaviour in Ware

Main aspects

Additional electric vehicle charging points

Parking management measures to ensure efficient use of existing parking facilities

Bus stop enhancements including real time information

Package 10 – Local Journeys on the A119 -Waterford

Aim Improvements on the A119 corridor in Waterford between Ware and Hertford

Main aspects

A new crossing facility in Waterford village

Enhancements to footways within Waterford village and along the A119 towards Hertford.

Package 11 – Hertford - Ware Sustainable Travel Corridor

Aim A wide range of measures to improve sustainable travel connections between Hertford and Ware

Main aspects

Improved/additional crossing facilities along the A119

Additional cycle parking at key locations in Hertford and Ware

Parking management along the A119

Package 12– Stevenage - Hertford / Ware Corridor

Aim Multi modal improvements to the A119, A602 and Hertford Loop railway to improve connectivity between Hertford, Ware and Stevenage

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Main aspects

Improvements to bus services

Completion of A602 highway corridor improvements

Package 13 – Welwyn Garden City / Hatfield - Hertford / Ware Road Improvements

Aim A series of highway improvements to reduce congestion, incorporate better facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, and to facilitate development

Main aspects

Alterations to roundabouts on the A414 to facilitate the planned Birchall garden suburb development to the south east of Welwyn Garden City

Improvements to A1(M) junctions to improve inter-urban travel between Hertfordshire towns

Package 14 – Welwyn Garden City / Hatfield - Hertford / Ware Sustainable Travel Corridor

Aim Improve cycling and public transport links in combination with management of parking to encourage sustainable travel between Welwyn Garden City/Hatfield and Hertford

Main aspects

Improvements to local bus services, including upgraded bus stops and marketing

Package 15 – Hertford/Ware – Broxbourne Towns Sustainable Travel Corridor

Aim A wide range of measures to encourage sustainable travel including parking management, travel planning, marketing and more effective provision of travel information

Main aspects

Improved local connections to the Lee Valley Cycle Route

Improved bus connections between Hertford/Ware and Broxbourne

Improvements to the A10/A414 Rush Green roundabout

Package 16 – Stanstead Abbotts and St Margaret’s Traffic Management

Aim Management of traffic through Stanstead Abbotts and St Margaret’s

Main aspects

Measures to manage any knock-on traffic impact of NE Ware development

Signage which aims to discourage rat-running through the villages to avoid congestion at the Amwell Roundabout and for routing towards Harlow Pinnacles area

Package 17 – Stanstead Abbotts and St Margarets Sustainable Travel Choices

Aim Measures to improve sustainable travel to, from and within Stanstead Abbotts and Stanstead St Margarets villages

Main aspects

Improved crossing facilities on the B181 in Stanstead St Margarets

Marketing and promotion of existing sustainable travel measures

Bus stop improvements

Package 18 – North and north-eastern inter-urban connections (Hertford / Ware - Bishop's Stortford, Sawbridgeworth and Buntingford)

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Aim A range of measures to improve multi-modal travel between Hertford/Ware and towns to the north and north-east

Main aspects

Improved local bus services with additional marketing and promotion

Highway improvements including duelling of the A10 south

Package 19 – Eastern and south-eastern inter-urban connections (Hertford / Ware - Harlow and Broxbourne towns)

Aim A range of measures to improve multi-modal travel between Hertford/Ware and towns to the east and south-east

Main aspects

Improvements to the Amwell Roundabout

Improvements in direct public transport links between Hertford, Ware and Harlow

Electric vehicle charging at key locations along the corridor

Package 20 – Harlow Highway Measures

Aim A range of highway improvements to reduce congestion and improve connectivity in northern Harlow (including measures promoted by Essex County Council and those associated with the planned Gilston Park development)

Main aspects

A new River Stort crossing

Widening of the existing Fifth Avenue river crossing to incorporate bus priority

Package 21 – Harlow Sustainable Travel Measures

Aim A range of sustainable travel measures to support the Garden Town masterplan, including the Gilston Park development

Main aspects

New north-south and east-west Sustainable Travel Corridors incorporating bus priority and improved walking/cycling links

Improved access to Harlow Town railway station, including a new northern access

Package 22 – Measures Hoddesdon Northern Sustainable Travel Corridors

Aim New and improved walking, cycling and bus links in Hoddesdon

Main aspects

Cycle routes on Stanstead Road and Dorchester Avenue

Improved walking facilities on A1170 Ware Road

Package 23 – High Leigh Garden Village Sustainable Travel Choices

Aim Walking and Cycling route improvements associated with the High Leigh development

Main aspects

Off-road cycle links across Barclay Park

New foot/cycle bridge at Paddick Close

Foot and cycle route improvements along Lord Street

Package 24 – Prioritising Pedestrians and Cyclists in Hoddesdon Town Centre

Aim Walking and Cycling route improvements in Hoddesdon Town Centre

Main aspects

New River shared cycle/footway extensions to Essex Road

New at-grade crossings on A1170 Charlton Way

Package 25 – Brookfield Connectivity

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Aim Centre To provide transport improvements to facilitate better connectivity and access between major growth planned at Brookfield and the wider Broxbourne area.

Main aspects

New site accesses to the proposed Brookfield Garden Village development

A new link road and connection to the A10 at Turnford

Junction improvements in the area to address congestion and to support growth by mitigating the impacts of additional traffic in the area

Package 26 – Broxbourne Public Transport Improvements

Aim To provide a range of enhancements to public transport services and infrastructure which encourage a modal shift from private car for journeys within, into and out of the Broxbourne area

Main aspects

New and re-routed bus services crossing the Broxbourne area, including between the Park Plaza employment area, Brookfield and Waltham Cross

Provide a complementary set of enhancements including real time information and integrated ticketing

Package 27 – Park Plaza Improvements (Cheshunt)

Aim To provide a combination of highway and public transport improvements to facilitate planned employment-led development at Park Plaza

Main aspects

New railway stations at Turnford and Park Plaza

New pedestrian and cycle bridges over the railway lines to reduce severance

Highway improvements to help facilitate planned employment development

Package 28– Road Improvements across Broxbourne

Aim To improve the local highway network across Broxbourne to help manage traffic congestion and support sustainable economic growth

Main aspects

Junction improvements to the north of Hoddesdon Town Centre

Access improvements to Broxbourne station

Junction improvements on the A10 through Cheshunt

Package 29– Enhancement for Pedestrians and Cyclists across Broxbourne

Aim Provide enhanced connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists making local journeys within the Broxbourne towns through the provision of new/improved, attractive walking and cycling routes

Main aspects

Improvements along the A1170 (old A10) including widened footways and a review of speed limits

Cycle network improvements across Broxbourne

Package 30– Enhanced Footway and Cycleway Routes to Brookfield

Aim A range of walking and cycling route improvements in and around the Brookfield area to encourage more trips by sustainable travel modes and better connectivity with Turnford and Cheshunt areas

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Main aspects

New off-road pedestrian/cycle route from Longfield Lane into Brookfield Riverside

Segregated cycle route on Halfhide Lane

Improved signage for pedestrians and cyclists

Package 31 – Prioritising Pedestrians and Cyclists across Cheshunt

Aim New and improved walking and cycling links across Cheshunt, including to the planned Cheshunt Lakeside development

Main aspects

Improved public realm, cycle hub, local shops and facilities around Cheshunt Station

Windmill Lane pedestrian and cycle enhancements

Pedestrian/cycle route improvements along the B176 Turners Hill

Package 32 – Prioritising Pedestrians and Cyclists across Waltham Cross

Aim Walking and cycling route improvements, cycle parking and crossings in Waltham Cross

Main aspects

New foot/cycle bridges over the A10

Cycle hub at Waltham Cross Station

Cycle route improvements along Monarchs Way

Package 33 – Broxbourne Towns Travel Demand Management

Aim Travel Plans, marketing and other complementary initiatives to encourage more sustainable travel behaviour across the borough of Broxbourne

Main aspects

Develop, implement and monitor Station Travel Plans at Broxbourne, Cheshunt and Waltham Cross Stations.

A new car share scheme

Create School Safety Zones outside every school within the Borough

Package 34 – Broxbourne Towns Parking Management

Aim Measures to manage car parking and facilitate electric vehicle charging

Main aspects

On street parking charges and restrictions in areas around Stations

Residents parking permit schemes

Package 35 – Flamstead End and Hammond Street Sustainable Travel Choices

Aim Walking, cycling and public transport improvements in Flamstead End and Hammond Street areas of Cheshunt

Main aspects

New and improved cycle and walking routes to/from Rosendale Park

Improved pedestrian crossing facilities on St James Road, Rosedale Way, Longfield Lane/Hammond Street and Newgate Street

Package 36 – Goff's Oak and Cuffley Prioritising Pedestrians and Cyclists

Aim Measures to improve the convenience and attractiveness of walking and cycling in Goff's Oak and Cuffley

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Main aspects

Improved crossing point at Goff's Oak village centre in conjunction with public realm improvements and junction upgrades

Improved cycle parking provision at key locations in Cuffley to promote cycling uptake, including along the high street

Package 37 – Improved Accessibility and Connectivity at Cuffley Station

Aim Improved sustainable travel mode access to Cuffley Station from Cuffley village and Goff's Oak

Main aspects

Improved walk/cycle route between Goffs Oak and Cuffley Station

Improved pedestrian crossing facilities around Cuffley railway station

Package 38 – Cuffley Travel Demand Management

Aim A range of transport improvements in Cuffley including on-going monitoring of traffic usage on the B156 in times of incidents and congestion on the M25

Main aspects

Provision of electric vehicle charging points at key locations

Promotion of public transport services

Package 39 – Broxbourne Towns – Enfield Corridor

Aim A range of measures to improve connectivity between Broxbourne Towns and Enfield with an emphasis on encouraging the use of public transport and improvements to the M25

Main aspects

M25 Junction 25 upgrade to reduce congestion

New walking/cycling route over the M25

Package 40 – Enfield sustainable travel choices

Aim Measures identified in the London Borough of Enfield Infrastructure Delivery Plan including improved access to public transport links

Main aspects

Rail station enhancements including Enfield Town and Ponders End

Measures associated with the Northern Gateway Access Package

5.3 The GTPs seek to provide a flexible decision-making framework to guide

scheme development, investment and prioritisation. The interventions are defined at a conceptual level of detail and therefore more detailed work will be needed to develop the schemes. and may reveal important changes to interventions, or alternative interventions, which could also achieve the same aim and goals. A periodic update of the GTPs is likely to be needed to respond to changing factors and evolving growth and transport challenges and opportunities.

6. Strategic Environmental Assessment

6.1 A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is being undertaken to support

the EGTP and SEGTP. The SEA is to help the county council to understand the potential environmental, social and economic impacts of the GTP and its proposals, including cumulative and synergistic effects, so adjustments can be incorporated into the plan.

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6.2 A SEA Report will be completed and made available to the public and

stakeholders during the consultation period to help them consider and respond to the plan. The SEA findings and recommendations will be considered in the finalisation of the EGTP and SEGTP.

7. Next steps and public consultation

7.1 Subject to the Cabinet Panel’s views of the GTPs and the draft Consultation

Communication Strategy, public consultation on the draft GTPs and accompanying Strategic Environmental Assessments will commence in October 2020 for a period of 12 weeks.

7.2 Stakeholders and the public will be invited to respond to the consultation online or by email or by post. The documents including a summary ‘Plain English’ consultation document will be available online, with an accompanying online survey. Printed copies will also be made available (adhering to COVID- 19 advice on opening of public services) in local libraries in the areas directly affected by proposals in the draft EGTP and SEGTP.

7.3 The consultation will be promoted to stakeholders, the general public and particular groups and advocacy organisations (including those identified in the EqIA) by a variety of channels including email, the Hertfordshire County Council website, social media, local newspapers and notice boards in libraries. The procedure for the consultation is set out in the Consultation Communication Strategy (Appendix E).

7.4 A consultation report will be produced based on analysis of consultation responses.

7.5 The views of stakeholders and the public and the findings of the SEA and EqIA will be considered in the finalisation of the EGTP and SEGTP. Subject to the outcome of the consultation, it is planned to bring for consideration the final EGTP and SEGTP back to GRiPE and Cabinet for adoption in Summer 2021.

8. Financial Implications

8.1 The financial cost of the consultation on the draft East and South East Growth

and Transport Plan will be met from existing budgets.

8.2 The proposals of the draft EGTP/SEGTP will require significant investment over a long period. The GTP is intended to help the county council and its partners to work cooperatively and jointly to bring forward proposed schemes, combine resources and to support funding bids to external agencies. Any proposals will be made within the funds that are available.

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9. Equalities Implications

9.1 When considering proposals placed before Members it is important that they are fully aware of and have themselves rigorously considered the equality implications of the decision that they are making.

9.2 Rigorous consideration will ensure that proper appreciation of any potential

impact of that decision on the County Council’s statutory obligations under the Public Sector Equality Duty. As a minimum this requires decision makers to read and carefully consider the content of any Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) produced by officers.

9.3 The Equality Act 2010 requires the County Council when exercising its

functions to have due regard to the need to (a) eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and other conduct prohibited under the Act; (b) advance equality of opportunity between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it and (c) foster good relations between persons who share a relevant protected characteristic and persons who do not share it. The protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 are age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion and belief, sex and sexual orientation.

9.4 An Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) was undertaken for the draft East and

South East Growth and Transport Plans and these are included as Appendices H and I. They concluded that there were minimal equality impacts identified and no major changes were needed to either of the East and South East Growth and Transport Plans.

9.5 In the EGTP EqIA the following potential impacts on those with protected

characteristics under the Act have been identified; many of the Active Travel schemes (i.e. schemes for pedestrians or cyclists) may not be suited to older or disabled groups. Actions to address or mitigate these potential impacts include promoting alternatives (e.g. recumbent bikes, buddy schemes) and carrying out walking audits with a disabled person. The EqIA noted that public consultation comments should be looked through closely before schemes are developed, to highlight and mitigate issues that have not been considered by highways engineers.

9.5. In the SEGTP EqIA the following potential impacts on those with protected

characteristics under the Act have been identified; many of the Active Travel schemes (i.e. schemes for pedestrians or cyclists) may not be ideally suited to older or disabled groups. Actions to address or mitigate these potential impacts include promoting alternatives, (e.g. recumbent bikes, buddy schemes) and carrying out walking audits with a disabled person.

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Supporting documents Appendix A - Draft East Growth & Transport Plan Prospectus Appendix B - Draft South East Growth & Transport Plan Prospectus Appendix C - Draft East Growth & Transport Plan Intervention Paper Appendix D - Draft South East Growth & Transport Plan Intervention Paper Appendix E - Draft Consultation Communication Strategy Appendix F – Draft Statement East Growth & Transport Plan

Strategic Environmental Assessment Appendix G– Draft Statement South East Growth & Transport Plan

Strategic Environmental Assessment Appendix H - East Growth & Transport Equality Impact Assessment Appendix I- South East Growth & Transport Equality Impact Assessment