Warwick, Leamington Spa, Kenilworth and Whitnash Urban Area
Introduction
This section of the LTP covers the area shown in the southern half of Figure 3.2, which includes the towns of
The area is located in the heart of Warwickshire and has good strategic links to a number of other parts of the County including Stratford-upon-Avon and Rugby. Regional links to Coventry and the East Midlands via the North/South Corridor, and Birmingham and Solihull via the rail and trunk road networks are also good. The area also benefits from good links to Banbury and London via the M40 corridor and rail services on the Birmingham – Marylebone line.
In developing the proposals for this part of Warwickshire, the County Council has worked in close partnership with Coventry City Council and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council in order to be compatible with their LTP proposals.
The Shared Priorities in Warwick, Leamington Spa, Kenilworth and Whitnash
All four Shared Priorities are reflected in the plans for the Warwick, Leamington Spa, Kenilworth and Whitnash urban area. A presumption to improve road safety underlies all relevant local priorities, schemes and initiatives. Similarly, there is a fundamental intention to improve air quality in the declared AQMAs in Warwick, Leamington Spa and Barford, and prevent further deterioration across the area. The key local priorities, however, are focused on reducing congestion and improving accessibility through implementation of transport measures and improvements. The major elements planned to offer a viable alternative to the car and address forecast congestion on the local road network are the SPARK Major Public Transport Scheme, the implementation of innovation measures and solutions to address the current impact of congestion caused by school-based travel in Warwick and Leamington Spa, and identification and implementation of measures to manage the impact of traffic within Warwick town centre, and improve conditions for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users.
The Overall Context
Population
The resident population in this part of Warwickshire is growing, as illustrated in Table 3.8.
|
Warwick District - Resident Population Characteristics |
|||
|
Town |
Population in 1991 |
Population in 2001 |
% Change |
|
Warwick |
22,709 |
25,434 |
+12.0 |
|
Leamington |
42,335 |
45,114 |
+6.6 |
|
Kenilworth |
21,966 |
23,219 |
+5.7 |
|
Whitnash |
7,385 |
7,798 |
+5.6 |
|
Southam |
5,304 |
6,509 |
+22.7 |
|
Warwick District |
118,300 |
125,931 |
+6.5 |
Between 1981 and 2001, the area experienced a considerably higher rate of population growth than the average for England and Wales.
Warwick District has seen the greatest increase in the number of households in Warwickshire, with an increase of over 14% since 1992.
There has been a considerable increase in the elderly (75-84) and very elderly (85+) age groups since 1992, with these age groups increasing by 20% and 30% per cent respectively. This mirrors national trends for population age.
At 4.45 (persons/ha), population density in Warwick District is second highest of the District/Boroughs within Warwickshire, and almost double the County figure of 2.56. However, the area has a far lower density of population than the highest Borough (Nuneaton and Bedworth), which has a density of 15.09.
A summary of the District’s performance against the new Census health indicators is set out in Table 3.9.
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Warwick District - Performance Against the new Census health indicators |
|||
|
Percentage of the local population with a long term limiting illness |
Percentage of the local population whose health is not good |
Percentage of the local population aged 16-74 who are economically inactive, permanently sick/disabled |
|
|
Warwick District |
15.4% |
7.4% |
3.4% |
|
Warwickshire |
16.8% |
8.1% |
4.2% |
|
England and Wales |
18.2% |
9.2% |
5.5% |
Socio-Economic Issues
In socio-economic terms the area is above the average for the County. Mean household income in Warwick District is the highest of the Districts and Boroughs at £35,200. This has risen faster over the last five years than in any other District/Borough within Warwickshire or the UK average. The proportion of low-income households (i.e. those earning less than £10,000 per annum) is 10.6%, which is the third highest percentage of the five Warwickshire District/Boroughs and compares well with the national figure of 14%.
As measured by the Index of Multiple Deprivation, the County has 37 areas (at the Super Output Area level) that fall amongst the worst 30% deprived in England. Only five of these are within Warwick District, with four being in Leamington Spa and one in Warwick.
The unemployment rate within Warwick District (2004 levels, as measured by the claimant count) was 1.3%. There has been a gradual fall in unemployment rates over recent years, reflecting national trends, although the countywide rate has remained fairly static.
The Environment
The environment of this part of the County is rich and diverse, and includes the historic town of Warwick and its castle, and the spa town of Leamington. Kenilworth also has an historic castle, which is set close to the open expanse of Abbey Fields. The area is also home to the River Avon and the Grand Union Canal.
Although much of this part of the County is of an urban nature, the immediate hinterland of the four main towns is made up of high quality agricultural land and open countryside.
Travel Patterns
Road Traffic Growth
Over the last 10 years, traffic growth has been 7% in Kenilworth, 9% in Leamington Spa and 10% in Warwick. In the face of a growing population and economic prosperity of this area, it can be expected that traffic and congestion will continue to grow without a prominent intervention to promote alternative modes of transport to the car.
Figure 18 Traffic Growth in Warwick 1995 - 2005
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Figure 19 Traffic Growth in Leamington Spa 1995 - 2005
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Figure 20 Traffic Growth in Kenilworth 1995 - 2005
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Modal Split
The modal split for journeys to work is shown in Table 3.10 below. Travel by car is the main mode of transport across the County, although in Warwick District the percentage using this mode is lower than in the other four areas. However, at 68.8% of journeys to work, car use is significantly higher in the area than nationally (61%).
Over 11% of people walk to work in Warwick District, compared to only 7.3% in North Warwickshire Borough, which is probably a reflection of the more urban nature of Warwick District.
Bus use is 3.3% compared to the County average of 3.4%. Travel to work by train, at 1.9%, is higher than County average of 1.3%, which is likely to be due to the accessible railway stations with good links to employment opportunities.
The proportion of people working at home reflects the County average of 9.7%.
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Warwick District – Journey to Work Modal Split (Source: 2001 Census) |
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|
Car |
Public Transport |
Bicycle |
Walk |
|
|
Warwick District |
68.8% |
5.3% |
3.5% |
11.2% |
|
Warwickshire |
71.2% |
4.7% |
2.9% |
9.7% |
|
English Shire Counties |
66.8% |
7.6% |
3.1% |
10.1% |
The Journey to School
Table 3.11 provides a summary of modal split for the journey to school. Recent years have shown an increase the proportion of children travelling to school by car, in line with national trends. The journey to school is a particular problem within Warwick, where there is a high concentration of schools that have a significant impact on the local transport network.
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Warwick District – Journey to School Modal Split (Source: WCC) |
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|
Car |
Public T. |
Bicycle |
Walk |
|
|
Warwick District |
39% |
9% |
8% |
43% |
|
Warwickshire |
37% |
15% |
4% |
43% |
|
UK |
30% |
14% |
1% |
46% |
At 39%, the level of car use for the journey to school in Warwick District is the joint highest in the County, equalling that in Stratford on Avon. There are a number of private schools in Warwick that draw in pupils from a wide area, which accounts for the heavy reliance on the car. On the other hand, the numbers of children cycling to school in Warwick District is more than double that of anywhere else within the County. This is due to the high density of population in the Warwick/Leamington Spa/Whitnash urban area, meaning that a high proportion of children live within cycling distance of their school. The County Council has helped to facilitate cycling to schools by providing local cycle routes to Warwick schools.
Transport Problems and Opportunities
A Fairer, More Inclusive and Accessible Transport System
Car ownership for most households in the area is high, so impediments to accessing services mainly relate to congestion on the highway network and limitations in the availability and access to viable alternative means of transport. However, limited access to alternative means of transport to the car is a particularly pertinent issue for those groups of residents who have lower than average levels of car ownership or access. These are typically the mobility impaired, the elderly and the young.
The bulk of the population in the urban areas live within easy walking and cycling distance of local services, public transport routes and major public transport interchanges. No point in the urban area is more than 2 miles from the town centre.
In the urban areas bus service coverage is geographically quite comprehensive, although the location of some key public services such as Warwick Hospital and some education and employment centres on the periphery of the urban area limits the number of direct bus services. However, service frequency and reliability, although improving through the introduction of high frequency low floor buses on some routes, can be below desirable standards and is often hampered by congestion.
Access to the national rail network is good in Warwick, Leamington Spa and the villages around Warwick Parkway, but less easily accessible for other areas, particularly Kenilworth and Southam.
Communities in the rural areas can be subject to limited access to alternatives to the car, particularly where bus services are often not commercially viable. Good opportunities exist to work with what are typically active and motivated communities to minimise access barriers. Over the period of the first LTP, a number of initiatives have been pursued through community-based schemes, including car-sharing databases, taxi buses, flexibus and the Wheels-to-Work initiatives. By working in partnership with other authorities and community groups, further opportunities can be explored over the period of this LTP.
Within Warwick, Leamington Spa and Kenilworth, the physical alignment of the transport infrastructure serves to reduce accessibility by restricting movements in certain locations. For example, the alignment of rail and canal corridors can result in lengthy detours for accessing local services and facilities. This can deter travel on foot or by bicycle. Opportunities to improve accessibility by providing new or enhanced crossing points exist in Kenilworth through the town centre redevelopment proposals, in Leamington Spa through the potential redevelopment of sites to the south of the canal, and in Warwick through the development of Safe Routes to School initiatives and Sustrans cycling routes.
Ensuring ease of access to the town centres throughout the strategy area by all modes is important for their future vitality and viability. Factors such as the nature, location and quantity of parking provision in the town, as well as barriers to pedestrian and cycle movement and limited public transport provision all affect ease of access. Some opportunities to improve access have been identified over the life of the first LTP, such as proposals for a traffic management scheme in Warwick town centre, and a mixed priority demonstration project in partnership with the Department for Transport in the central area of Leamington Spa. Further opportunities to ensure continued ease of access will be taken forward during the life of this LTP. This will involve community and stakeholder consultation, the review and development of Decriminalised Parking Enforcement, the regeneration of Kenilworth town centre, and developer funded infrastructure improvements.
Full Employment and a Strong, Sustainable Economy
Parts of the strategy area are subject to some of the worse congestion in the County, both on the strategic road network and within the urban areas. The close proximity of the M40, A46 and A45 to Warwick and Kenilworth has a significant effect on the urban areas, where some traffic seeks alternative quicker routes through the town centres in order to avoid congestion. Significant congestion occurs at Longbridge (M40 Junction 15) and Tollbar End (A46/A45 junction). While proposals to address the problems at these locations are discussed in greater detail within the North/South Corridor section, a significant improvement to their operation is particularly important in maintaining the attractiveness of the area for new investment and to maintain its current status as a prestigious location for a number of major company headquarters.
There are significant employment areas in the south of Warwick and Leamington Spa and congestion on the local road network is an issue for both employers and employees. Measures to address this should be sought in order to maintain and enhance the attractiveness of existing and future employment development areas in south Leamington and south west Warwick.
Some opportunities to improve road capacity exist within the area; these can either be used to provide priority for public transport, ease congestion or provide environmental relief. However, within the urban areas the density of historically valuable buildings can often limit the scope to improve road capacity or the ability to undertake new road construction. This consequently limits the opportunities to improve the balance of infrastructure provision towards alternative modes without removing some of the traffic capacity for private vehicles. In order to maintain a publicly acceptable and economically and environmentally sustainable transport system, a balance must be struck between the traffic demands of existing land use and future development proposals, the wider objectives of the LTP, and the desired improvements to the built environment. To do this, full advantage of opportunities and solutions based on both soft and hard measures must be taken. To be successful these must involve partner authorities, major employers and the wider community.
The relatively high number of tourist attractions within the area provides a significant benefit to the local economy. However, in the case of Warwick this is not always fully exploited, as many visitors to the main tourist attraction of Warwick Castle do not visit the town or the wider area.
A Reduction of Transport Impact on the Environment
The strategy area has a number of large Conservation Areas, primarily in Warwick, Leamington Spa and Kenilworth. These are intended to protect the significant quantity of historically valuable building stock. There are a number of notable national and international tourist attractions, including Warwick Castle, the Royal Pump Rooms, Jephson Gardens, Warwick town centre and Kenilworth Castle. These can attract large numbers of visitors, which benefit the area in economic terms, but which can present challenges by causing significant fluctuations in traffic. Due to the town centre location of many of the attractions, this can cause difficulties for managing the volume and impact of traffic in the town centres. This is further exacerbated as many tourists arrive by car, having either first visited Stratford-upon-Avon or with the intention of travelling on to there. The positive management of the town centre environments is not only important to benefit the fabric of the area and for local residents, but also to ensure that the area remains attractive and pleasant in order to support the tourist economy.
There is a well-established Green Belt surrounding the urban areas, which is protected by its definition within the Warwick District Local Plan. The Local Plan is currently being reviewed, but it is anticipated that similar levels of protection will continue to be applied. This will concentrate future housing and employment development within or close to the established urban areas and will tend to intensify the effect of additionally generated traffic on the urban environment.
There are high levels of town centre residency in all the urban areas which, combined with the mixed shopping, office and employment within easy walking and cycling distance, provide good potential for increased use of alternative modes. Modal shift or increased use of alternative modes could help limit the impact of traffic on the environment.
Warwick District Council has undertaken an air quality review and has subsequently designated three Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) where exceedances of NO2 are occurring regularly. These are located in the centre of the village ot Barford, the Jury Street/High Street area of Warwick, and around the junction of High Street/Bath Street/Clemens Street in the Old Town area of Leamington Spa. Data on Air Quality exceedances is included in the Air Quality Strategy. Warwick District Council is currently a reviewing air quality data and the results of this review should be available by mid-2006. Following this review the County Council will need to work closely with the District Council to develop an Air Quality Action Plan which maximises the potential and role of LTP measures in addressing air quality issues.
The air quality issues within Barford will be addressed with the forthcoming implementation of the A429 bypass, which is due for completion in 2007/08.
In Warwick a scheme that could significantly improve the air quality in Jury Street and High Street has been identified. However, although the initially identified approach received some support, the scheme has proved contentious and not well received by the public. Further consideration of a way forward to improve air quality in this area and the wider town centre will need to be undertaken during this LTP, and will most likely involve the recently established stakeholder Forum.
The air quality area in Leamington Spa Old Town will be challenging to resolve due to the limited alternative routes for traffic on the key A425 east-west corridor, the physical nature of the tall buildings, and the close proximity of the railway line overbridge. However, opportunities to address this may exist through the involvement of local stakeholders, integration with other LTP capital project delivery and the development of ‘soft’ measures such as travel plan initiatives, education and awareness programmes.
Noise and vibration from high volumes of traffic can be intrusive in residential areas and can detract from quality of life for those residents affected. An additional factor in Warwick, Leamington Spa and Kenilworth is the high number of historic and older buildings. These can be more susceptible to the impact of traffic due to different construction methods and, in the case of some listed buildings, restricted changes to the building structure. Furthermore, the use of ‘soft’ stone in some buildings and structures, particularly in Warwick, can leave them more susceptible to erosion and staining, which can be further exacerbated by high volumes of traffic emissions.
A poor environment for users can adversely influence the attractiveness of walking and cycling as an alternative mode. In this part of the County, the primary environmental disincentive appears to be traffic volume. However, the significant green areas within and surrounding the urban centres potentially offer opportunities to develop routes away from the main traffic flows. In exploiting these opportunities care must also be taken to ensure that routes relate to desire lines in order to maximise the potential for modal shift, as opposed to purely catering for recreational demand. Excess traffic speed can also reduce the attractiveness of walking and cycling, particularly in creating impediments to easy crossing and by intimidating these vulnerable road users.
To Improve the Safety and Security of People when they are using the Transport System
In 2004, there were 460 road casualties in Warwick District, with:
- 75 killed or seriously injured; and
- 385 slightly injured.
Continued improvements in road safety form an important part of the transport strategy for the area. This includes tackling the problem of the proportionally higher incidence of child road casualties.
Crime and fear of crime can deter walking, cycling and the use of public transport. Similarly, the perceived safety and security of parking may deter people from travelling by car to certain destinations. Existing CCTV schemes have produced encouraging results and further opportunities to address the problem of actual and perceived crime and safety in and around transport interchanges and facilities can be sought.
Outside the urban parts of the area, the safety issues primarily relate to enforcement, education and training, publicity and engineering measures. Inappropriate speed on rural roads, if not directly a potential accident problem can also adversely effect the environment for other road users and residents.
Integration of Transport
With three important railway stations (Warwick, Warwick Parkway and Leamington Spa), good integration between rail and other modes is key to taking full advantage of the available transport choices. Issues at Hatton and Lapworth rail stations are dealt with in the area chapter covering Western Warwickshire. Significant improvements have recently been made at Leamington Spa Station to improve bus, pedestrian and cycle access as well as the general facilities and environment of the station. However, the orientation of the main entrance still causes difficulties for convenient and direct pedestrian access from the nearby town centre, and the close proximity of the town centre also restricts the amount of land available for car parking.
The Warwick District Local Plan is currently under review, which provides a good opportunity to improve the co-ordination of land use planning and the provision of transport infrastructure. There is significant housing development in south west Warwick which when fully completed will fulfil the majority of the District’s housing needs up to the end of the next Local Plan period (2011). The Stratford-on-Avon District Local Plan is also currently under review, and will provide similar integration opportunities during the next Local Plan period.
The high influence of the trunk road network in the strategy area, interaction with multiple authorities through the North/South Corridor, and the importance of the private sector in bringing forward rail proposals will require a high level of inter-agency co-operation for the successful delivery of the LTP objectives. This is particularly the case with the Highways Agency, where the resolution of trunk road issues will support the delivery of environmental improvements, traffic management initiatives and provision for alternative modes.
Whilst good linkages between all policy areas are important, there are a number of linkages that have particular relevance in the towns of this area where limited and congested road space leads to high competition between different modes. Linkages that maximise the effectiveness of measures, both in financial terms and outcomes, include:
- The delivery of the Quality Cycle Corridor programme and the Safer Routes to Schools initiative, where high densities of schools share common catchments in corridors that serve areas of housing and employment;
- Tackling school travel issues and providing improvements for alternative modes to help reduce congestion;
- The delivery of Decriminalised Parking Enforcement, the distribution of town centre parking and the implementation of Park and Ride;
- The delivery of bus priority, passenger information and Intelligent Traffic Systems to manage traffic more efficiently; and
- Health policies and the provision of facilities for alternative modes, including recreational facilities.
Picture 9 Launch of the Route 66 service in Leamington Spa
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The Strategy
General
The countywide strategy set out in Part 2 of this LTP will be implemented in this area by:
- A continued focus on improving facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, particularly within the urban areas;
- Continuing the implementation of the Safer Routes to School initiative, both in the urban and rural areas;
- Tackling the impact of school related traffic through the provision of attractive and safe alternatives, particularly for secondary school and colleges of further education;
- Promoting better public transport services (bus, rail and community transport), both in the urban and rural parts of the area, including a step change in public transport provision in the North/South Corridor and in Warwick and Leamington Spa;
- Improving facilities for transport interchange at the railway stations and bus station/main bus routes in the area;
- Continued maintenance of the highway network, including bridges;
- Carrying out an assessment of the accessibility needs of the community, particularly for disadvantaged areas or groups;
- Securing the provision of travel plans in relation to significant new development and encouraging existing large trip generators to adopt their own travel plans;
- Integrating land development proposals with accessibility improvements;
- Minimising traffic generation by encouraging new development in locations well served (or that have the potential to be well served) by a range of modes;
- Promoting road safety, and implementing casualty reduction schemes in corridors and at specific locations where known problem exist;
- Controlling and managing car parking provision, giving a high priority to improving the enforcement of parking regulations;
- Ensuring that sufficient short stay parking is available at a cost and convenience to support a vibrant town centre economy and measures to improve the efficiency of the existing highway network;
- Exploiting the linkage opportunities between the delivery of Decriminalised Parking Enforcement, the distribution of town centre parking and the delivery of Park and Ride to maximise the economic benefit to the town centres whilst reducing the impact of traffic;
- Maximising linkages between health policies and the provision of facilities for alternative modes, including recreational facilities;
- Working with Warwick District Council to identify an strategy and action plan to tackle air quality issues; and
- Reducing speeds in the urban areas in order to improve the environment for residents and vulnerable road users.
The remainder of this section sets out the key proposals that are likely to come forward in Warwick/Leamington Spa/Kenilworth/Whitnash during the lifetime of this LTP. These are covered under the following headings:
- Warwick, Leamington Spa and Whitnash;
- Kenilworth;
- The market town of Southam; and
- Other general area issues and improvements.
Warwick, Leamington Spa and Whitnash
Although Warwick, Leamington and Whitnash are three distinct towns with their own separate character, in transport terms, they can be considered as being similar to a single urban area. Key proposals for this area are illustrated in Figure 3.21.
During the previous LTP a preferred approach to traffic management in Warwick town centre based on preliminary investigations was identified. Subsequently detailed proposals to limit the impact of traffic on the town centre, improve pedestrian, cycle and public transport facilities as well as linkages between Warwick Castle and the town centre were developed. These were presented through a public consultation process, but their wholesale implementation was not well supported. Consequently, a package of interim traffic management measures was identified and endorsed by the County Council for implementation. Further consultation on additional traffic management measures will be undertaken during this LTP and to this end a consultative ‘Forum’ has been set-up and funded by the County Council. The outcome of these consultations will also influence the development and implementation of other future transport works in Warwick.
Leamington Spa has benefited from a successful bid to be one of the first five Urban Mixed Priority Route demonstration projects for the Department for Transport. The principal objective has been to reduce casualties, however the project is also taking the opportunity to adopt a holistic approach to implementation, which is including the resolution of a number of maintenance issues. Following a successful reception at consultation supported by a high level of stakeholder involvement in the development of the scheme, the first stages of construction commenced in 2005/06 and be will completed by 2006/07.
Improvements for Pedestrians
As detailed in the County Council’s Walking Strategy, measures will focus on the provision of safe and convenient crossing points to facilitate easy pedestrian movement and address safety issues. Specific areas where improved crossings, routes and priority will be sought, include:
- Improving the linkages to and from the employment and retail areas in south Leamington Spa in the vicinity of Tachbrook Park Industrial Estate and the Shires Retail Park;
- Improving the linkages between Leamington Spa Station and the town centre;
- An improved route between Warwick town centre and Warwick Station;
- Improved links between the town centre and the employment areas of Warwick Technology Park and the Wedgnock and Lower Cape industrial areas; and
- The provision of new or significantly improved major pedestrian facilities at or on:
- Gallows Hill/Banbury Road junction, Warwick;
- Saltisford/Vittle Drive junction, Warwick;
- Warwick Road/Rugby Road, Leamington Spa;
- The Parade, Leamington Spa;
- High Street/Tachbrook Road, Leamington Spa;
- High Street/Bath Street, Leamington Spa;
- Adelaide Road/Avenue Road, Leamington Spa; and
- Avenue Road/Station Approach, Leamington Spa.
Improvements for Cyclists
Cycle route investment will focus on further developing the cycle route networks within the main urban areas and working with Sustrans to complete the strategic National Cycle Network routes between:
- Warwick and Kenilworth;
- Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon; and
- Leamington Spa and Rugby.
The consultation on the Provisional LTP highlighted a significant local pressure for the development of a cycle route between Kenilworth and Leamington Spa. In accordance with the policies of the Cycling Strategy, the priority over the LTP period will be given to developing cycle routes within the main towns of the County. Inter-urban routes, such as Kenilworth to Leamington Spa, will remain as a medium to long term priority. However, should additional funding opportunities arise, we will seek to improve conditions for cycling between Kenilworth and Leamington Spa during the Plan period.
Within the urban areas the further implementation of the cycle route network will focus on completing separate North-South routes, one through Warwick and one through Leamington Spa and Whitnash. The East-West corridor linking the Warwick and Leamington via Emscote Road will also be developed. Specific measures will include:
- The completion of the Safer Routes to Schools link from Aylesford Secondary School to Woodloes Park;
- The completion of the Sustrans routes from the A429 Stratford Road to Warwick Railway Station and on to Kenilworth will share some sections of the SRS route;
- The completion of a cycle route from Warwick town centre to Warwick Technology Park and on to the employment- areas of Tachbrook Park and Heathcote;
- The completion of the Tachbrook Road cycleway from Queensway to High Street;
- The completion of the East-West corridor link to Leamington Spa;
- Provision of a Safer Routes to School link from Bishops Tachbrook to Leamington Spa;
- Provision of a Safer Routes to School link from North Leamington School to the town centre; and
- Provision of improved cycle parking within each of the three town centres.
Promotional work will include the publication of a cycle route map and guide for Warwick and Leamington Spa.
Picture 10 Cycle lane on Emscote Road, Warwick
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Public Transport –
To address the need for a 'step-change' in public transport provision in the Warwick/Leamington Spa area, the County Council submitted a Major Scheme bid with the Provisional LTP to secure the necessary funds to allow its delivery.
Unless action is taken, journey times are expected to increase dramatically and, in common with other urban areas in Warwickshire, the peak journey periods will also lengthen into the rest of the day. This will reduce air quality and have adverse impacts on the significant stock of heritage buildings in the two towns. Clearly, further residential development in the area will exacerbate the situation further.
Spare highway capacity is very limited. Due to the dense urban nature of the area there is very little potential of accommodating the projected traffic levels by increasing road space without compromising the historic urban built environment and encroaching on the relatively high number of urban green spaces protected by conservation areas.
As highway capacity cannot be significantly improved, the only feasible way to cater for increasing travel demand is through the introduction of a ‘step change’ in the coverage and quality of the local public transport network combined with measures to encourage more walking and cycling.
SPARK (Leamington Spaand Warwick)will provide the ‘step-change’ in public transport that is essential. The scheme is built around the existing rail route within the area and its three local stations at Leamington Spa, Warwick and Warwick Parkway that will be developed as a local ‘metro’. The proposal is a parallel Bus Rapid Transit that will serve the main Warwick-Leamington corridor and provide for interchange with the rail service and with local bus feeder services in key interchange points on the rail and BRT routes. The emphasis will be on quality and coverage and the scheme will include:
- A branded integrated public transport network;
- New accessible buses;
- Greater public transport coverage, frequency and hours of operation;
- Simplified fare structures and increase hours of operation.
- Real-time information displays at key points and interchanges;
- Real-time service information available on mobile phones;
- Bus priority at key junctions using of intelligent traffic management technology;
- A new bus terminal arrangements in Warwick
- A new bus terminal on the north side of Leamington Station;
- A Park & Ride for Leamington and Warwick; and
- An integrated “School Links’ Network to reduce car borne schools travel.
Other Public Transport Improvements
Other public transport related initiatives in the Warwick, Leamington Spa and Whitnash area include:
- Improvements to the pedestrian and cycle links to Warwick and Leamington Stations;
- Improved cycle and powered two wheeler parking at Warwick and Leamington Stations;
- Improved bus services between Whitnash and Lillington, and Whitnash and Warwick Hospital;
- Additional car parking at Leamington Spa Station;
- Warwick Station – Real Time Information Displays and Taxibus;
- Warwick Parkway – Additional car parking and Taxibus;
- Cubbington to Leamington Quality Bus Corridor (QBC);
-
The introduction of a Quality Bus Initiatives (QBI) on the following corridors:
- Leamington Spa – Tachbrook – Kineton – Stratford QBI;
- Hatton Park – Warwick – Heathcote – Leamington QBI;
- Lillington – Leamington Spa QBI;
- Improved bus information provision at Warwick Bus Interchange, Leamington Spa Parade and Leamington Spa Rail Station; and
- Working with partners to ensure minimum service levels at rail stations.
Picture 11 Bus information at Leamington Spa Railway Station
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Parking
As detailed in the County Council’s Parking Strategy,
- A comprehensive review of existing on and off-street parking stock, charges and length of stay, signing and information - altering as demanded or justified;
- A review of the business case to determine the extent to which on-street parking charges may need to be applied; and
- The review and alteration of residents parking schemes in order to control displacement of parking onto residential streets.
The public transport SPARK scheme includes proposals for the development of a
Motorcycling can play a positive role in helping to reduce congestion and provide a sustainable alternative to the car. We will seek to provide (in partnership with Warwick District Council) further free, secure and centrally located parking provision, both on and off-street.
School Travel
There is a cluster of independent and state schools in Warwick, that together have a considerable impact on traffic levels in term time, particularly during the morning peak period. The independent schools tend to draw from a wide catchment area and, although bus services are provided, levels of travel by car are still high. In order to tackle this we will investigate the feasibility, and, if feasible, progression of a pilot Drop and Ride scheme to serve the schools of Warwick. In addition to other suitable sites around Warwick, this could utilise the proposed Park and Ride site at Greys Mallory to the south of Warwick and Leamington Spa.
In addition to the completion of the Aylesford – Woodloes Safer Routes to Schools cycle link, other measures to tackle the impact of school travel and improve the safety of those travelling will be pursued as and when identified. For example, we will seek to implement 20 school travel plans within Warwick, Leamington Spa and Whitnash over the period of the LTP.
Air Quality
The County Council will work with Warwick District Council to develop and implement an action plan to tackle the three Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) in Warwick, Leamington Spa and Barford.
Highway Improvements and Traffic Management Measures
Due to the historic nature of the road network in Warwick and Leamington Spa, there is little scope to significantly improve highway capacity within the urban area. As such, the highway network will be managed through:
- Continued support for improvements to junctions 13, 14 and 15 on the M40, where existing congestion can affect travel habits and route choice with adverse consequences for Warwick and Leamington Spa;
- Continued support for improvements to the A46/A45 at Tollbar End, as discussed in the North/South Corridor chapter;
- The use of Intelligent Transport Systems in Warwick and Leamington Spa to manage traffic flow and limit deterioration in congestion, whilst also improving conditions for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users;
- The pursuit of improvements to the Portobello Bridge on the A445 Emscote Road corridor between Warwick and Leamington Spa in order to resolve a number of structural issues, improve safety and provide improved facilities for pedestrians and cyclists;
- The promotion and development of travel plans with new and existing major traffic generators;
- Seeking improvements for tourist information and access particularly from the south via the M40 and trunk road network; and
- Investigating the feasibility of a tourist shuttle between Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle to encourage visitors into Warwick town centre, but without generating additional car movements.
Kenilworth
Key proposals in the Kenilworth area are illustrated in Figure 3.22.
Figure 22 Key Proposals in Kenilworth
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During the first LTP period, the County Council, Warwick District Council and Kenilworth Town Council have come under increasing pressure from businesses and citizens within Kenilworth to bring forward improvements to the town centre. In response to this, the County, District and Town Council agreed to prepare a Town Centre Action Plan to set out the way forward for Kenilworth over the next 5-10 years.
A number of options were put forward in a wide-ranging consultation exercise, which was undertaken during 2004 to establish public opinion and support for a variety of schemes and proposals. Central to the consultation was the provision of a new supermarket in the town centre, and associated improvements to the Talisman Square shopping centre. Provision of a single ‘One Stop Shop’ for advice on District/County services (Kenilworth Connection) relocated community facilities and a new police station also formed part of the consultation.
Response to the consultation was comprehensive and generally supportive of the proposals. A number of comments were received regarding the likely traffic and transport impact of the development options.
The County Council has tested the traffic impact of a number of development scenario options on the transport network of the town. Key issues in relation to traffic and transport that have emerged are:
- Changes to traffic management to cater for access to the town centre as well as access for the wider town;
- Access for HGVs making deliveries to the town centre;
- On and off-street parking provision;
- Improvements for pedestrians, including the provision of pedestrian priority streets;
- Improvements for cyclists;
- Bus service and infrastructure provision; and
- Retention of accessibility options from the town centre to the proposed site of Kenilworth Railway Station.
Measures to address these issues are linked to the implementation of the development proposals and will be pursued as these are bought forward.
It is anticipated that the Kenilworth Town Centre Action Plan will form a key input to the preparation of the District Council’s first Local Development Framework for the area in the next five years. The County Council will continue to work in partnership with the District and Town Councils during this LTP period to develop and implement the Town Centre Action Plan.
Walking and Cycling
Many improvements to the pedestrian environment are linked to the town centre redevelopment, including facilities on Station Road.
The following cycle routes will be pursued:
- Completion of the Sustrans cycle route from Warwick through Kenilworth and on to Coventry;
- Improvements to the East-West links from the town centre across the railway line as part of the development of the railway station proposals; and
- The delivery of a cycle link from Kenilworth to Warwick University, in conjunction with Sustrans and Coventry City Council.
Public Transport
The County Council is also committed to pursuing the provision of a new station on the Leamington Spa to Coventry rail line to serve Kenilworth, and by changing trains allow journeys to Warwick, Stratford and other onward destinations. The preferred site for the new station is located near to the town centre off Priory Road, and has been identified in the Second Deposit Draft Warwick District Local Plan. It is envisaged that the station would include parking facilities, a Kiss and Ride drop-off point, taxi provision and bus/rail interchange facilities. A network of cycleways and footways will provide links with the local residential areas and the town centre. Delivery of the station is dependent on identifying and securing the required capacity in the rail network and, as detailed in the North/South Corridor Strategy, work to do this will continue during this LTP with a view to full delivery of the station.
A Bus Information Point will be provided in Kenilworth Town Centre.
Parking
Decriminalised Parking Enforcement will be implemented in Kenilworth as part of the proposals for Warwick District (see above).
Southam
Market Town Initiative
Over recent years, the town has benefited from the formation of the ‘Vision 4 Southam’ Partnership, which is taking a lead in developing regeneration initiatives to improve the town. Over the period of the LTP we will work with Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Vision 4 Southam, and other partners to develop a package of measures to address transport issues in Southam and its environs. If feasible and justified these may include:
- The development of Flexibus and other similar services to build on existing service provision and links to urban centres and feeder corridors;
- A mobility audit of the town centre, including an accessibility review of local car parking facilities (particularly disabled parking);
- Footway widening and streetscape improvements;
- Pedestrian and cycle crossings;
- Improved cycle parking;
- Provision of traffic calming and/or gateway features;
- Safer Routes to Schools, including a better pedestrian crossing on Welsh Road East and at a number of junctions on the main High Street;
- Improved safety and layout of bus stops within the town centre (in conjunction with local operators and bus users);
- Improved signing to the local canal network and Millennium Cycle Network; and
- Information provision and education.
Other General Area Issues and Proposals
Highway Improvements and Traffic Management Measures –
The need for a bypass of Barford on the A429 between Warwick and Wellesbourne was identified in the 2000 LTP, with the principal objective of reducing the environmental impact of vehicular traffic on the village of Barford. Following a Public Inquiry and favourable recommendation by the inspector, funding and final approval was secured early in 2005. The scheme, compromising of approximately 1.95km of single carriageway highway to the west of the village, will commence in October 2005 and should be completed by April 2007.
The operators of Coventry Airport at Baginton in Warwickshire have recently proposed significant improvement and expansion of their facility. These are subject to a Public Inquiry, currently in progress at the time the LTP is due for submission. The County Council submitted to the Local Planning Authority, Warwick District Council, that the proposals should not be approved until the District Council is satisfied that:
- The proposal would be compatible with the Government’s new national air transport policy;
- Assessments of noise impacts on the local community are adequate and demonstrate that those impacts identified would be acceptable; and
- The Highways Agency has confirmed the acceptability of the proposal in relation to surface access onto the A45 and the impact on the A45/A46 Tollbar End junction.
Should the Airport be given permission to expand its service portfolio, the following improvements are likely to be implemented/developed in conjunction with Coventry City Council and the Highways Agency:
- Preparation of an Airport Surface Access Strategy;
- Improvements to the A45/A46 Tollbar End roundabout;
- Improvements to public transport accessibility, both to/from Coventry and Warwickshire; and
- Improvements to walking and cycling facilities.
Warwick University is currently developing a master plan for a significant expansion of their facilities over the next 10-15 year. The County Council, along with Coventry City Council and the Highways Agency is in discussion with the University to identify the long term access requirements of the facility. Specific problems that are being discussed include the following:
- The impact of the proposed expansion of the University on the A46 Stoneleigh Interchange, albeit with the provision of an upgraded junction at this location as part of the expansion of the National Agricultural Centre;
- The impact of increased traffic flows at the Stoneleigh Road/Dalehouse Lane roundabout;
- The impact of increased traffic on Stoneleigh Road, and at the junction of the A429 Kenilworth Road with Stoneleigh Road and Gibbet Hill Road (located within Coventry City);
- In light of the above issues, the need for either an upgrade of Stoneleigh Road and the junction at Gibbet Hill, or the provision of new highway infrastructure to improve access to the University from the A46;
- The need for robust parking management;
- The need for improved public transport provision to the University, particularly from Leamington Spa, Kenilworth and Coventry city centre;
- The need for improved pedestrian and cycle facilities; and
- Other measures such as the need for a revision to the established University Travel Plan.
Given the location of the University on the Warwickshire/Coventry boundary and the likely impact of the proposed expansion on access from the A46, the County Council recognises the need to work in partnership with Coventry City Council and the Highways Agency to identify a coherent and sustainable transport strategy to support the expansion of the University.
South West Warwick
A large development of housing and employment to the south west of Warwick Town Centre has been bought forward during the first LTP and will be completed during this LTP period. The development will consist of approximately 1200 houses and 25 Ha of employment land and will provide funding towards transport improvements to benefit the town centre and bus services (amongst other community facilities and improvements to the M40 Junction 15 at Longbridge). The development will provide new road links between the A4189 Hampton Road and the A429 Stratford Road, including a schools drop-off point which will provide significant traffic relief to the Shakespeare Avenue residential area. How the funding from the development will be used will be informed by debate and recommendations from the Warwick Town Centre Forum, on which all major stakeholder organisations in Warwick are represented. The County Council will then consider the recommendations of the Forum before future transport measures in Warwick are agreed.
Freight
The development of countywide freight routes through the Freight Quality Partnership will be supported, and the need and opportunity out of town HGV parking facilities explored.
As part of the process of identifying and publishing Freight Quality Corridors through the Freight Quality Partnership, the need for environmental weight restrictions will be reviewed.
In order to minimise any disruption to the operation of town centres during peak traffic periods and to improve the environment for shoppers, the potential for restricted delivery periods will be explored with Warwick District Council, Town Councils, traders and other stakeholders within the main towns.
Community Transport and Rural Access
During this LTP community transport initiatives will develop and build on existing transport brokerages, Dial-a-Ride schemes, Car share schemes and moped loan schemes as part of the countywide strategy to support local needs and levels of demand. We will seek to secure on-going funding commitments to support Rural Transport Partnerships. We will also seek opportunities to deliver new demand responsive community transport facilities.
Travel Plans
The County Council intend to pilot a Car Share Database from its offices in Warwick, which will also be open to other businesses in the area. If this proves to be successful, it is likely that the scheme will be made available for use by the general public.
Hatton
The village of Hatton on the A4177 Warwick to Solihull road has recently been subject to significant expansion due to a number of allocated housing developments. As part of the development and delivery of wider transport initiatives such as improvements to Warwick Parkway and the SPARK project, measures to improve access will be sought. Additional parking capacity is proposed at Hatton Station on the Birmingham to London Marylebone line as part of the Warwickshire Quality Rail Partnership.
Motorways and Trunk Roads
The key motorway and trunk road issues affecting this area are explained in the North/South Corridor chapter.