1. What's this study all about?
We're carrying out the study to develop a transport strategy for South East Dorset for the next 20 years or so. The aim is to develop a seris of measures to solve the current and future problems on the transport system across the area. We need to target the transport improvements to the problems. We have our own ideas about where and what the problems are. But we're asking the public, who use the transport system on a daily basis, to tell us what they think the problems are. In this way, we're hoping that we don't miss anything.
2. Why do we need to do this Study?
South East Dorset faces many challenges over the next 20 years or so. Central and Regional Government have identified that up to an additional 48,000 houses (approx 15% increase in population) and 45,000 additional jobs need to be accommodated in this sub regional area. The study is required to provide the basis for a long term Transport Strategy for the South East Dorset area to meet these challenges. Without a comprehensive transport model it will not be possible to secure the funding required for the various schemes that will be needed to facilitate this level of development.
3. Why does the area have to have so many new houses and extra jobs - the area is crowded enough as it is?
SE Dorset has been identified by the Government as a major growth area in the South West Region. This is in response to likely future changes in patterns of population and economic growth across the Country. Further information on the South West Regional Spatial Strategy can be found online here.
4. Do you really need a Study to tell you this - don't you know what the problems are?
We've got a pretty good idea what the problems are. But we want to make sure that we haven't missed anything. That's why we're asking people who use the transport system on a day to day basis to make sure that we haven't missed anything important.
5. I thought you did all the surveys last year - why are you asking these questions now?
The previous surveys collected details about the journeys that people make - on foot, cycle and in buses, trains, cars and taxis. This has been used to put together a picture of travel across the area. We've used it to build a computer representation of the transport system. This will provide the evidence that central Government requires when it gives money for improvements to transport in the area. Without the evidence it is more difficult to persuade government to provide the funds.
The consultation is the opportunity for the public to provide an input to the study. We need to make sure that the transport improvements are developed to solve the problems to travelling across the area. So we need to make sure that we've identified all the problems that we need to solve.
6. I was stuck in a queue at one of your roadside surveys last year - how are you using the data collected from those surveys?
The information provided in the roadside surveys forms a key element required to create a comprehensive computerised Transport Model for the Bournemouth/Poole conurbation and surrounding areas.
This provides the evidence that we need to justify the funding of improvements by central Government. The transport model enables us firstly to estimate how the use of the transport system (roads, public transport, sysle and walking routes) will change in the future. The investments in new roads, better public transport or other changes to the road network need to last for many years and we have to make sure that they are right - not only now but in the future. The transport model helps us to compare different possible solutions to the problems - and may help us to identify the solution that gives the best value for money.
7. How can you justify all the disruption you caused and all the expense of this Study?
When stuck in daily traffic queues everybody wants something to be done about it - the Transport Study is the first step in doing something about the long term transport pressures this area already faces and will continue to face will into the future. Without the transport model it will not be possible to secure the investment in new roads and oublic trnasport this area needs, and the congestion such as you have experienced during the surveys will become the norm.
8. What area are you looking at in the study?
The study area concentrates on the conurbation of Poole-Bournemouth-Christchurch and extends to the surrounding settlements of Wareham, Verwood and Ringwood.
9. I thought this was the South East Dorset Transport Study - why is Ringwood included?
Located on the western edge of the New Forest and sitting astride the A31 trunk road, Ringwood has strong connections to the Bournemouth/Poole/Christchurch area. As a large proportion of Ringwood ressidents work and travel into south east Dorset on a daily basis, Ringwood has been included in the Study area.
10. What sort of things are you looking at in the Transport Study?
The computerised Transport Model will be used to identify the impacts of a number of future scenarios. These would include changes in transport policies, bulding major highway and/or transport schemes, different levels of development - these scenarios are then assessed against a future 'Do Nothing' scenario to ascertain what's worth doing.
Part of this work includes identifying various scheme and policy options and will involve extensive consultation with key stakeholders and the wider public.
11. How long will the Transport Study take?
Phase 2 (Data collection and Model Build) of the Study is nearly completed, with the transport model due for completion in summer 2009. Phase 3 (Developing the Transport Strategy) started in May 2009 for around 18 months and will include extensive consultation with key stakeholders and the wider public. This Phase should conclude in late 2010. Dependent on the outcome of these Phases, further work on individual schemes or packages of schemes may then be pursued.
12. How much is the Study going to cost?
The cost for producing a comprehensive Transport Model and developing the Transport Strategy for the SE Dorset area is estimated at £2 million. This is a lot of money but needs to be balanced against the £400 million+ worth of transport schemes that may be considered over the next 2 decades.
13. Who's paying for this Study?
The Study is being jointly funded by the 3 Local Highway Authorities (Borough of Poole, Bournemouth Borough Council and Dorset County Council) and the Highways Agency who have responsibility for the trunk road network (eg. A31). There are also funding contributions from the Regional Development Agency and Central Government.
14. Where can I find out more information?
Further details of the Transport Study are available on this website.
15. Who can I contact about this?
Rick Clayton is the Project Manager for the Transport Study based in Transportation Services at Borough of Poole. Please email on sedorset.transport@poole.gov.uk or leave a message on the website www.sedorsetmms.com
Alternatively please write in to
Rick Clayton
Project Manager SE Dorset Transport Study
Transportation Services
Borough of Poole
St John's House
Serpentine Road
Poole
BH15 2DX
16. I'd like to be kept in touch with progress of the Study?
Regular updates will appear on the website, and as the Study progresses newsletters will be published. If you wish to be notified of updates or receive future newsletters relating to the Transport Study, please send your contact details either by email to sedorset.transport@poole.gov.uk, post a message on the website or in writing to the Project Manager at the above address.