The Highways Committee at Whiteley Parish Council was given a presentation by Councillor Allgood on 25th February 2009 about the plans for dealing with the traffic issues around Leafy Lane. The Working Party (WP) and the WPC Highways committee did not seem very supportive of the proposals.

The HCC Leader when asked about a decision on whether Yew Tree Drive could be opened to all traffic be fast tracked . Cllr Allgood advised that until the SATURN study was complete no decisions on road openings will be made. 

Leafy Lane Residents have been working with HCC officers over the last year to identify possible solutions for Leafy Lane. Leafy Lane residents do not wish see Leafy Lane closed completely, except as a last resort, however they do want drivers to negotiate a new layout with a longer journey time. The resident association has been given a grant by HCC to fund newsletters etc. Residents have faced intimidation when they have parked their cars in the street outside their houses, they have had abuse from passing motorists, cars egged and even obscene stickers placed on cars.

An idea that has emerged as financially viable (around £10K) and attractive to Leafy Lane Residents is the introduction of pinch points at between 5 and 9 locations along the route. This would result in traffic having to give way at the pinch points making the route slower and less attractive as a through route. The scheme could include planting to give a ‘village feel’ to the area.

The location of the new pinch points is not yet defined and will be dependent on services beneath the road, driveways and side road access. It is hoped the designs will be completed during May, the emergency services will then be consulted to ensure the scheme meets with their requirements. If approved, the scheme will be installed on a three month trial basis.  If this proves successful it will be made permanent. Cllr Allgood concluded by stating the aim was to discourage the use of Leafy Lane as a through route.

SATURN Model

Traffic survey Consultants will make a computer model to test data obtained by SATURN (Simulation and Assignment of Traffic to Urban Road Networks). Cllr Allgood explained that the scheme is currently being validated. Various scenarios will be tested including closing Leafy Lane and opening Yew Tree Drive and Rookery Avenue. They will look at the impact of opening Yew Tree Drive and/or Rookery Avenue to all traffic and closure of Leafy Lane. Results will be used for a FBC residents’ survey in the form of a questionnaire scheduled for the autumn.

WPC Members asked why Yew Tree Drive couldn’t be opened for a three month trial as the trial proposed for Leafy Lane. Cllr Allgood advised Fareham Local Plan prevented the opening of Yew Tree Drive.

Full minutes of the meeting are available here: Highways Committee minutes Feb 2009

Last Updated on Thursday, 05 January 2012 13:41