text: PAGE 1 OF 26 WARDS AFFECTED Sparkbrook, Sparkhill Hall Green REPORT OF THE STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT TO: CABINET 13 OCTOBER 2003 KEY DECISION INCLUDED IN FORWARD PLAN NO. K/TSS/495/03 A34 STRATFORD ROAD RED ROUTE PILOT SCHEME OPTION AND IMPLEMENTATION APPROVAL 1.0 SUBJECT AND BRIEF SUMMARY OF PROPOSALS 1.1 Red Routes were a major recommendation of the West Midlands Area Multi-Modal Study (WMAMMS), as a means of alleviating traffic congestion in the West Midlands conurbation without major road building. The A34 Stratford Road Red Route pilot scheme is one of three initial demonstration routes that have been proposed, the other schemes are an extension of the A34 Red Route through Solihull and the route along the A449 in Wolverhampton. Approval in principle to the development of the A34 Stratford Road Red Route pilot scheme was obtained from the former Cabinet Member for Transportation, Street Services and Sustainability in July 2002 recognising that the funding from WMAMMS was specifically ring-fenced for this purpose. 1.2 Birmingham City Council is working in partnership with other local authorities in the West Midlands to investigate the potential for a network of Red Routes. The implementation of this network would be part of a strategic approach to reducing traffic congestion and improving bus journey times and reliability, particularly during peak periods. A regional approach allows the co-ordination of projects on a route corridor basis across local authority boundaries, with a consistent approach in the design of schemes and more efficient use of the funding available. 1.3 A network of Red Route schemes on the major routes in the city would include measures such as improved parking regimes and parking enforcement (particularly in local centres), junction improvements, improved traffic management, and new pedestrian facilities. Potential benefits include a reduction in traffic congestion, improved bus journey times and reliability, clearly marked parking and loading areas for residents and traders, a reduction in road traffic accidents, and possible improved air quality due to lower congestion. PAGE 2 OF 26 1.4 A successful Red Route network will also provide an opportunity to invest in local improvements along the most heavily used roads as part of the capital programme over the next few years, in consultation with local residents, businesses and Ward Councillors. This will assist in the development of a city of flourishing neighbourhoods 1.5 The Red Route proposals through Sparkhill shopping centre will be complemented by an Environmental Improvement Scheme proposed as part of the City Council's Local Centres Strategy. A bid for European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funding of £200,000 has been accepted. The two schemes will be implemented as a single integrated project, as the Red Route already includes some elements of environmental improvement. 1.6 The Red Route will not include significant changes to existing bus lanes or bus infrastructure. These will be included in a proposed future Bus Showcase project, after the effects of the Red Route measures on their own have been monitored. 1.7 This report details the options considered for the Stratford Road Red Route and the consultation responses received. The consultations carried out have been locally led and have been assisted by the Ward Councillors from an early stage. The scale of the work included in the preferred option is generally more than would be expected of a typical Red Route scheme, as it reflects the aspirations of the traders and residents in the area by improving on and off street parking in the local centres. 1.8 The report recommends an option for approval and implementation. Implementation will be in two phases. Phase One works will include rationalisation of car parking to provide a net gain of parking provision without requiring any additional land outside of the control of Birmingham City Council. Phase Two works will also be undertaken subject to negotiation and agreement with appropriate landowners, to further increase parking provision where possible. 1.9 This report seeks authority for the Traffic Regulation Orders and Road Hump Notices necessary for the scheme to be advertised. As the scheme is part of a demonstration project it is proposed to advertise the Traffic Regulation Orders for the Red Route waiting restrictions, prohibited turns and one-way streets on an experimental basis, to determine the improvements that can be made to journey time and reliability along the route. 1.10 The Appendices referred to in this report, including Drawings 33006TBM/B/PP/301 to 322, will be made available for Members who attend the Cabinet Meeting, and will also be available from the Political Group Offices in the Council House, from the Originating Officer for the report, and on the Final Reports Database. PAGE 3 OF 26 2.0 RECOMMENDATIONS That the Cabinet approves: 2.1 the preferred option to be implemented (as shown on Drawings 33006TBM/B/P/ 000 Rev I to 007 Rev I), based on the Financial Appraisal as set out in Section 9 of this Report. 2.2 that where minor variations to the scheme are required, as a result of on-going consultations or objections to Traffic Regulation Orders, these be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Transportation and Street Services, for consideration and / or approval. 2.3 the acceptance of £200,000 European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) offer for environmental improvements in the Sparkhill centre (from Palmerston Road to Fernley Road), and the implementation of the Environmental Improvement scheme. 2.4 that matters of scheme detail on the Environmental Improvement be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transportation and Street Services, for approval prior to implementation. 2.5 the advertisement of the experimental and permanent Traffic Regulation Orders required for the scheme, under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended), and for the Chief Legal Officer to make and seal the permanent Orders subject to there being no unresolved objections. 2.6 the advertisement of the Road Hump Notices required for the scheme, and for this work to be implemented subject to there being no unresolved objections. 2.7 that the Director of Economic Development and the Chief Legal Officer progress by means of negotiation the acquisition of land / property, the obtaining of rights over land / property, and the appropriation of land as required for the scheme. 2.8 that the Director of Economic Development and the Chief Legal Officer be authorised to terminate existing leases relating to advertising hoardings as specified in Appendix One. 2.9 the making of Planning Applications where required for the creation of off-street public car parks. 2.10 that the Member presenting the petitions detailed in Sections 7.7 and 7.10 and the first named petitioner be notified accordingly. 2.11 an exemption from City Council Standing Orders 4 and 5 in order to use the existing knowledge and expertise of (1) Faber Maunsell (Consulting Engineers) in the design of the scheme, and (2) Parkman Limited in connection with the land referencing required for the scheme. PAGE 4 OF 26 3.0 BACKGROUND Potential Benefits 3.1 It is proposed to deliver the scheme in two phases: Phase One will involve work within the highway boundary and on land owned by Birmingham City Council. Phase Two will include improvements to areas of land in private ownership, the improvement works to be undertaken after successful negotiation and agreement with affected landowners. 3.2 The proposed scheme is particularly designed to provide the following benefits: Reductions in congestion and improved journey times along the route, by means of addressing inconsiderate parking and loading, and improving critical junctions where possible; Clearly marked parking and loading bays for traders and residents and improved on and off-street parking in the local centres; Improved average bus speeds and bus journey time reliability; Improved road safety, including new facilities for pedestrians; Possible improved air quality due to reductions in congestion. The proposals are not intended to create an urban motorway without any frontage parking, nor to encourage motorists to exceed the existing speed limits. Phase One works seek to achieve the potential benefits given above. The Phase Two works could provide additional improvements to on and off-street parking in the local centres. General 3.3 A report approved by the former Cabinet Member for Transportation, Street Services and Sustainability in July 2002 gave approval in principle to the implementation of a Red Route network, and gave authority for the development of the Stratford Road Red Route pilot scheme as the first route in Birmingham, as one of the initial demonstration projects. Provision has been made for the scheme in the Transportation Strategy and Infrastructure Capital Programme 2003-04, approved by the Cabinet Member in April 2003. 3.4 West Midlands Planning and Transportation (WMP&T) Sub-Committee confirmed at their meeting on 28 March 2003 the Bus Showcase and Red Route programme for 2003-04 with approvals for outline design and public consultations to commence. The Sub-Committee further confirmed at their meeting on 26 September 2003 funding for the on-going commitments under the WMAMMS programme, including the A34 Stratford Road Red Route through Birmingham and Solihull. PAGE 5 OF 26 Existing Situation 3.5 The proposed Red Route pilot scheme runs between the Ring Road at Camp Hill Circus and the M42 in Solihull. The section south of the Solihull boundary near Green Hill Way forms part of the Solihull Red Route. The Birmingham section runs from Camp Hill Circus to the Solihull boundary, including service roads and side road junctions. The Solihull section became operational in August 2003. Initial anecdotal feedback from the Police is that traffic appears to be more free- flowing, the stopping restrictions are easier to enforce, and the number of accidents has been reduced. However, some traders remain opposed to the Red Routes as they believe it will affect their trade. Formal monitoring of the Solihull Red Route is now underway as part of the pilot demonstration project. 3.6 Stratford Road forms part of the A34 Primary Route. The carriageway varies in width along its length and also varies between single carriageway and dual carriageway. The carriageway is not designed to modern standards at some locations through Sparkbrook and Sparkhill, and lane widths at some locations are substandard leading to further capacity issues. The supply of parking spaces does not satisfy the existing demand, particularly in the shopping centres on the single carriageway sections of road. 3.7 Along the route are a number of local shopping areas, including Sparkbrook, Sparkhill, Springfield, Hall Green and the Robin Hood Island area. Each of these local areas has different individual issues to be addressed by the Red Route; however a common theme in all areas is the ability to park and the issue of illegal parking. Parking for residents is also a problem in many areas. 3.8 Within Sparkbrook parking bays exist along the length of the shopping area subject to a one hour waiting limit throughout the day; parking on private forecourts is also occurring. In Sparkhill on-street parking is permitted at specified times of the day and is subject to a one hour waiting limit. There is also an abundance of forecourt and footway parking, often causing an obstruction to pedestrians. Within Springfield the Stratford Road is single carriageway with parking bays on both sides. Hall Green has two service roads where parking is permitted (between Green Bank Avenue and Green Road, and around Cambrai Drive junction). Parking is also permitted in the bus lane in front of Hall Green Parade shops, outside of the pm peak period. 3.9 The junctions along the Stratford Road are quite constrained and many are currently operating at capacity. There are six consecutive signalised junctions that are currently observed to be operating at capacity, these are: Walford Road/ Stratford Road Warwick Road/ Stratford Road St Johns Road/ Stratford Road Formans Road/ Stratford Road Springfield Road/ Stratford Road Cole Bank Road/ Stratford Road. PAGE 6 OF 26 3.10 In addition to these junctions that were looked at in the initial scheme proposals the consultation exercise also raised issues at the College Road / Stratford Road junction. Traders in the Springfield area indicated that the one way system was causing problems and that a reversal to the previous two way operation would be preferred. 3.11 Bus routes along the Stratford Road include routes number 2, 6, 31 and 37. The number 6 runs along the whole of the proposed Stratford Road Red Route corridor, the number 37 turns off at the Warwick Road junction travelling to Solihull, the number 36 uses Shaftmoor Lane to Gospel Oak, and the number 2 runs along Showell Green Lane / Court Road to Warstock / Maypole. Congestion Issues 3.12 National road traffic is forecast under present policies to grow by between 36% and 84% between 1996 and 2031. As a result of this growth, solutions are being sought to relieve the increased pressure on the highway network. A Red Route network was one of the main recommendations of the West Midlands Multi-Modal Study (WMAMMS), as a means of reducing traffic congestion without major road building. 3.13 Observations of the existing route indicate congestion at most times of the day. There are particular delays for Stratford Road traffic in the morning peak inbound towards the city centre and outbound in the evening peak. Existing journey time information collated along the Stratford Road indicates an average speed of 17 mph being achieved outbound in the morning peak, with an average speed of 13 mph inbound. In the evening peak an average speed of 15 mph was recorded outbound, with an inbound speed of 17 mph. These speeds are well below the existing speed limit and therefore there is scope for improving the current journey times, without making it any easier for drivers to exceed the speed limits. 3.14 Queues and delays have been observed at critical junctions along the Stratford Road and it is considered that all the major signalised junctions are suffering with capacity problems. These capacity issues at each junction are in some cases attributed to an ineffective use of existing highway or illegal parking on approaches to junctions, and as such could be remedied within the existing highway land without major junction improvement. In some scenarios the few right turning vehicles at each junction are blocking the effective use of two lanes of traffic. It may be possible to make more effective use of existing highway space in these situations. PAGE 7 OF 26 3.15 A traffic model has been developed to determine the benefits of the Red Route measures along the A34 corridor. In the opening year (estimated 2005), particular benefits which could result along the Birmingham Red Route section (Camp Hill Circus to Solihull boundary) include: Typical daytime journey time of 13.5 minutes from Camp Hill to Solihull boundary (and vice versa) reduced by an average of 94 seconds. This represents a saving of about 12% on the overall journey time. Average peak journey time savings in the am peak of 59 seconds (7%) inbound and 94 seconds (12%) outbound, and average savings in the pm peak of 228 seconds (25%) inbound and 124 seconds (15%) outbound. Average speeds increasing from 17 mph to 20 mph for through trips on the Stratford Road. Parking and Enforcement Issues 3.16 Along the Stratford Road are several local shopping areas with parking problems. Each area has specific issues, however in general they all suffer from a shortage of convenient parking for customers and long term parking for traders. This is apparent from observations of the Stratford Road and has been raised throughout the consultation. Some of the customer and traders parking has displaced to side roads due to the shortage of spaces on the main route. 3.17 Parking surveys carried out along the Stratford Road have identified a high incidence of forecourt parking, often accessed illegally and unsafely via pedestrian footway crossings. Vehicles have been observed to drive along the footway for extensive lengths to reach such forecourt spaces, a manoeuvre that is perceived to be unacceptable for pedestrian safety. 3.18 Surveys have revealed a high proportion of illegally parked vehicles on footways or parked on yellow lines while a restriction is in place. This illegal parking is a particular problem in the existing bus lanes along the Stratford Road and causes additional delays to buses using the route. The 'duration of stay' surveys also highlighted a problem with long term parking in spaces supposedly limited to 1 hour waiting. 3.19 Managing and controlling parking is at the heart of the success of the Red Route project. The scheme proposals are centred on the implementation of appropriate parking restrictions, with standard hours of operation aimed at ensuring that the route is free of illegally and inconsiderately parked vehicles. The Red Route controls include 'no stopping' restrictions with marked bays where parking, loading and parking for disabled badge holders is allowed. The controls apply to the whole of the public highway, including the footway. Greater enforcement is required to obtain the full benefits of these controls, to give the anticipated reduction in congestion. For the experimental period an equivalent of four additional staff will be employed, supported by a 'tow-away' vehicle. This will be reviewed at the end of the experimental period. PAGE 8 OF 26 3.20 Improving enforcement of illegally and inconsiderately parked vehicles while maintaining the vitality of existing shopping areas will only be successful if improved parking facilities can be provided either elsewhere on the route (where there will be no significant effect on highway capacity) or away from it. 3.21 In addition to providing traffic engineering measures along the route, on-street parking bays are proposed where they will not affect road capacity. Some of these bays can be constructed within the highway boundary, still retaining adequate footway widths. These will be constructed in Phase One of the scheme. Where full parking bays would take up most of the existing footway, it will be necessary to construct half bays in Phase One, to leave sufficient remaining footway width. Where it may be possible to use privately owned shop forecourts for replacement footways, to allow the half bays to be replaced by full bays, this will be done by negotiation and agreement with landowners under Phase Two of the works. Where agreement to use private forecourts as footways cannot be obtained the Phase Two works will not be undertaken. 3.22 The Red Route will bring additional legal parking to the Stratford Road. This will be located in local shopping areas, where the demand for parking spaces is at its highest. The additional car parking will be concentrated within the five local centres along the corridor, as identified below. The number of spaces in the Hall Green Robin Hood Island area will remain unchanged. Name of Local Centre parking spaces Number of full time Existing parking spaces Number of part time Existing Red Route as result of Parking to be lost Phase 1 provided as part of New Parking to be after Phase 1 in parking Net increase Phase 2 provided as part of New Parking to be after Phase 2 in parking Net increase Total net increase in parking Sparkbrook 45 0 1 9 8 0 0 8 Sparkhill 0 46 21 85 64 78 78 142 Springfield 79 0 6 17 11 59 59 70 Hall Green Parade 30 29 29 29 0 0 0 0 Hall Green Fox Hollies 0 36 36 36 0 0 0 0 TOTAL 154 111 93 176 83 137 137 220 3.23 Completion of Phase One of the works will provide a net increase of 8 spaces in Sparkbrook, 64 spaces in Sparkhill and 11 spaces in Springfield, making a total of 83 additional spaces. In Hall Green Parade, 29 part-time spaces will be replaced by full time bays. Similarly, in Hall Green Fox Hollies 36 part-time spaces become available at all times. A total of 10 of the new spaces along the route will be set aside specifically for Disabled Parking Badge holders and a further 12 spaces will be for loading only. The Red Route signs and markings would not be installed until the majority of the Phase One works have been completed and the new parking spaces are available for use. PAGE 9 OF 26 3.24 It is possible that a further 137 car parking spaces could be created after the completion of the Phase Two works, subject to successful negotiations with landowners. Some of the Phase Two works could be brought into Phase One if negotiations can be completed quickly. 3.25 In considering rationalising the parking, the public consultation exercise indicated that the main demand for parking is close to the shopping centres. Some parking will be lost in between the local centres, as summarised below: Area between Local Centres (all part time) After Phase 1 Net Loss in parking (all full time) Parking Compensatory Sparkbrook to Sparkhill 15 0 Sparkhill to Springfield 0 10 On Street 12 Side Street 10 Off Street Springfield to Hall Green 64 0 Hall Green to Fox Hollies 0 0 Fox Hollies to City Boundary 10 0 TOTAL 89 32 After the completion of Phase One, a net loss of 57 car parking spaces is envisaged away from the main centres. These parking areas are less utilised, and no adverse comments have been received on the loss of these spaces during the consultation. In summary, 83 additional car parking spaces are provided in the local centres and 57 spaces will be lost in between the centres, making a net increase of 26 spaces as a result of the Red Route implementation. Safety Issues 3.26 In the three-year period between 07/11/99 and 06/11/02, a total of 303 injury accidents were recorded on Stratford Road in Birmingham. Of these, 4 were fatal, 40 were serious and 259 slight. Assessments carried out during the development of the potential Red Route network have suggested that a 5% reduction in accidents could realistically be achieved on these routes. This would give an accident cost saving of around £175,000 per year, based on current Department for Transport figures for costs of injury accidents. PAGE 10 OF 26 Air Quality Issues 3.27 Birmingham City Council's 'Review and Assessment of Air Quality' for 1999, and onwards to 2005, concluded that the annual average objective for nitrogen dioxide levels should be met throughout most of Birmingham in 2005. It has been highlighted that the Stratford Road is one of the areas likely to exceed these levels. An area covering the whole of Birmingham was declared an Air Quality Management Area in January 2003. This requires the City Council to declare how they intend to achieve the required national air quality standards, through an Action Plan to be published in 2004. 3.28 The implementation of the Red Route on Stratford Road should have a beneficial effect upon traffic congestion, thereby reducing levels of pollution associated with stop-start and slow moving traffic. As such, the Red Route will be an element of the proposed Local Action Plan as a scheme linked to a reduction in the levels of nitrogen dioxide. Suggested Improvements 3.29 The preferred solution is shown on drawings No.33006TBM/B/P/000 Rev I to 007 Rev I. The scheme has been modified following public consultation (see Section 7). The table below shows the main elements of the Red Route scheme and the anticipated benefits. As the Red Route proposals are part of a demonstration project, many of the measures will be implemented initially under experimental Traffic Regulation Orders, as noted in the table. This will allow for modification of the measures during the life of the pilot scheme, should this be required, and for the removal of these measures at the end of the demonstration period if necessary. Element Where Proposed Benefit Red Route Extending from Camp Hill Ensures most effective use is controls Circus to Birmingham made of existing road space. (experimental boundary south of Robin Specific areas marked for Traffic Regulation Hood Island. parking and loading. Orders) Better enforcement enabling more reliable journey times. Road Closures Auckland Road; Removes conflict at each access (permanent Main Street; from Stratford Road. Traffic Regulation Farm Road; Removes delay attributed to right Orders) Alfred Road; turning vehicles into each of the side roads. Prohibited Durham Road Removes delay due to right Turns at Avondale Road turning vehicles at junctions. Junctions Cubley Road Cubley Road will have permitted (experimental left in and left out movements Traffic Regulation only. Orders) PAGE 11 OF 26 Element Where Proposed Benefit One way Erasmus Road; Removes delay attributed to right Systems Priestley Road; turning vehicles. (experimental Braithwaite Road; Eliminates delays particularly at Traffic Regulation Fulham Road; junctions caused by on coming Orders) Wilton Road; vehicles along narrow streets. Newton Road; Turning movements from Showell Green Lane; Stratford Road into Springfield Clarence Road; Road will be relocated to new Thornhill Road; traffic signals at College Road Springfield Road (College junction, which will separate Rd to Stratford Rd section) existing conflicting right turns. Bus Lanes Outbound bus lane at Hall Existing daytime parking in bus (permanent Traffic Green Parade lane is relocated to new parking Regulation Orders) bay and Bus Lane is converted to 12 hour operation and surfaced in green material. Entry All side roads apart from Lower and standardised kerb Treatments signalled junction locations heights allow ease of crossing (permanent Road and other main junctions. for the elderly and people with a Hump Notices) disability. New Parking Throughout shopping areas Provide additional parking and areas (both off-street and on- loading opportunities for both street) customers and traders. New pedestrian Springfield Road junction; Additional safe crossing crossings College Road junction; opportunities provided for facilities Nr cinema in Sparkhill. pedestrians. Junction and Highgate Road; Allows for increase in capacity at general highway Warwick Road; junctions by rationalising turning improvements St Johns Road; movements, and making more Formans Road; efficient use of signals. Springfield Road; Installation of central refuge College Road. islands at some locations allows safer movement for pedestrians. 3.30 Further design work and public consultation will be required before the preferred option at Springfield Road and College Road can be confirmed, as this layout was not included in the original public consultation. Any proposed changes to the above proposals will be reported to Cabinet Member for consideration prior to implementation, as Recommendation 2.2 of this report. 3.31 The proposed scheme forms one of the Red Route pilot projects, and the new restrictions are to be advertised under experimental Traffic Regulation Orders where indicated above. The Financial Appraisal in Section 9 includes for future costs of making these Orders permanent. However, if the measures are found to be unsuitable, substantial modification or removal would require additional funding, and a further Financial Appraisal would be required at the appropriate time. PAGE 12 OF 26 Deliverability and Land Issues 3.32 The scheme includes the delivery of a number of on-street parking bays and off- street parking areas to the rear of properties. It has been recognised that some of these areas are easier to deliver than others. Issues surrounding the deliverability of each of the areas of land depend largely upon the negotiation of land rights and agreement for the works with private land owners, which in turn dictates the timescale for delivery. 3.33 Due to these issues it has become necessary to identify two phases to the scheme. Phase One includes the work that can be achieved within the highway boundary and / or on land owned by Birmingham City Council. Phase Two will include improvement works to land in private ownership, under the well-being powers of the Local Government Act 2000, and will be subject to negotiation and agreement with the affected landowners. 3.34 It is considered unlikely that many of the land plots required for Phase Two could be secured by negotiation. As the Phase One works will give improved legal parking provision it is not essential that any or all of the Phase Two works are carried out. However, it would be highly desirable to secure as much of the work as possible in order to create an enhanced scheme that meets the needs of all road users and frontagers along the corridor. 3.35 The possibility of acquiring any land interest by exercising Compulsory Purchase Powers at this stage has been discounted since applying such powers may serve to diminish the progress of dialogue and negotiations that are currently on-going with frontagers, and compulsory purchase could not be achieved with the current funding provision for the scheme. 3.36 All land issues related to the scheme are listed in Appendix One, which will be made available at the Cabinet Meeting. This report includes recommendations to allow land referencing and negotiation of rights to be carried out where required. Drawings 33006TBM/B/PP/301 to 322, which show the main areas of land in question, will be made available alongside the Appendix. Environmental Improvements 3.37 An Environmental Improvement scheme is also proposed on the section of Stratford Road between Palmerston Road and Fernley Road in Sparkhill. This work is likely to include enhanced street lighting and improved street furniture, the detail of which has yet to be developed but will be agreed with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration prior to implementation. Funding for the work has been obtained through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The ERDF offer also included funding for environmental improvements in the local centres at Hawthorn Road / College Road, Kingstanding, and at Lea Village, Shard End. These will be reported separately to Cabinet or relevant Cabinet Members as appropriate. PAGE 13 OF 26 3.38 This Environmental Improvement project follows and endorses the philosophy of improvements advocated within the Sparkbrook, Sparkhill and Tyseley Area Regeneration Initiative (SSTAR), the City Council joint-funded 'Commercial Areas Feasibility Study' (CAFS) 1999, and the City Council's 'Strategy for Local Centres' 2001. The CAFS report detailed physical problems in the main local centres, including Sparkbrook, Sparkhill, Stoney Lane and Ladypool Road. Among the recommendations were enhancement works in the Sparkhill centre. Works have already been implemented in the Ladypool Road and Stoney Lane areas, and the Sparkbrook area is being looked at as part of a wider redevelopment initiative. Bus Showcase 3.39 The existing bus lane at Hall Green Parade will be converted to 12 hour operation under the Red Route scheme, as the existing daytime parking in this lane is to be relocated to a new parking bay in the wide footway. The Red Route scheme will not include any other changes to the location or operation of existing bus lanes, nor any general improvements to bus stops. However, buses will benefit from any overall reductions in congestion, so journey time savings similar to those forecast for general traffic could also be expected for buses. 3.40 A future Bus Showcase scheme has been proposed for this corridor, after the effects of the Red Route measures on their own have been monitored. Feasibility work is planned for 2004-05. Preliminary work by Faber Maunsell (Consultant Engineers) has suggested that the existing bus journey time of around 30 minutes between Camp Hill and the Solihull boundary could be reduced by up to 25 per cent by a Bus Showcase scheme. However, the actual improvement that could be obtained would depend on the measures that are implemented. The need to obtain a balance between the needs of buses and the needs of other road users and frontagers would affect the bus journey time savings that could be achieved. Employment of Faber Maunsell – Exemption to Standing Orders 3.41 The outline design and public consultation work to date has been carried out by Faber Maunsell under their existing term tender contract with Centro for the provision of professional services. It is proposed that, under the direction of City Council officers, Faber Maunsell now carry out the detailed design work on behalf of the City Council, due to their level of expertise not only from working on Red Routes in London but also from their existing knowledge of the Stratford Road proposals and their level of engagement with the general public and their representatives from their work to date. 3.42 As there is no existing contract between Faber Maunsell and the City Council it will be necessary to employ them using negotiated rates. Faber Maunsell have submitted rates for agreement based on their existing term tender with Centro. These have been benchmarked against the City Council's existing Partnership with Mott MacDonald and have been found to be competitive. They have also been previously market tested in the tender process with Centro. PAGE 14 OF 26 3.43 The City Council's Urban Design (Quantity Surveyors) have independently checked the information submitted by Faber Maunsell, and have confirmed that their resource plan appears to be a fair and reasonable assessment of the likely time and cost involved, based on the project programme. The order value for the detailed design works is likely to be in the region of £150,000. 3.44 This report therefore includes a recommendation to allow an exemption to City Council Standing Orders 4 and 5, to allow the employment of Faber Maunsell under negotiated rates for the detailed design work on this scheme. Employment of Parkman Limited – Exemption to Standing Orders 3.45 This report includes a recommendation to allow additional land referencing to be carried out. Preliminary land referencing work has been carried out by Parkman Limited. It is proposed that Parkman be employed to continue with this. There are only two other companies known to carry this type of work; one currently has a full order book and the other is already engaged on several schemes for the City Council. The extent of referencing work required may exceed the value of £10,000 that can be authorised under delegated powers. 3.46 This report therefore includes a recommendation to allow an exemption to City Council Standing Orders 4 and 5, to allow the employment of Parkman Limited for the land referencing work on this scheme. 4.0 MATTERS FOR DECISION 4.1 To approve the implementation of the A34 Stratford Road Red Route demonstration scheme based on the Financial Appraisal and the consultation undertaken. 4.2 To agree that where minor variations are appropriate as a result of on-going consultations or objections to Traffic Regulation Orders that these be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Transportation and Street Services for consideration and / or approval. 4.3 To approve the implementation of the additional and complementary Environmental Improvement scheme, and agreement of the scheme detail with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transportation and Street Services. 4.4 To advertise the permanent and experimental Traffic Regulation Orders and the Road Hump Notices required for the scheme, and to allow the permanent Orders to be made and sealed and the Notices to be implemented subject to there being no unresolved objections. PAGE 15 OF 26 4.5 To give authorisation to formally negotiate on the land issues highlighted as a desirable part of the Red Route scheme, to progress the termination of leases relating to advertising hoardings, and to carry out Planning Application procedures for the creation of new off-street public car parks. 4.6 To authorise exemptions to City Council Standing Orders 4 and 5 to allow the employment of Faber Maunsell (Consulting Engineers) for the detailed design of the scheme and Parkman Limited for the land referencing work. 5.0 EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS 'Do Nothing' Scheme 5.1 Introducing Red Routes was a major recommendation of the West Midlands Area Multi-Modal Study as a means of alleviating traffic congestion without major road building, and providing an opportunity to invest in local improvements along the most heavily used routes, in consultation with local residents, businesses and Ward Councillors. Since approval in principle has already been obtained to the development of a Red Route network, with Stratford Road being named as one of the initial demonstration projects, a 'do nothing' option has been discounted as it would not achieve these aims. Variations on a Red Route scheme 5.2 The development of a scheme for dealing with network efficiency problems in the West Midlands progressed from a need for an area-wide, whole route, user- oriented solution. 5.3 The types of improvement introduced through the London Red Route project formed the starting point in scheme development, but it was evident that the application of the improvements to the West Midlands network and the process for implementation would involve a slightly different sort of scheme and approach from that seen in London. Whilst the key efficiency issue in London was enforcement to clear the roadway for through traffic movement, the emphasis in the West Midlands, and on the Stratford Road in particular, is on rationalisation of parking and access (on foot and by vehicle) to abutting land uses to prevent / minimise the conflicts with through traffic. 5.4 Alternative option analysis has been undertaken as part of the West Midlands Area Multi Modal Study (WMAMMS) and as part of this extensive work various options have been appraised to determine the most beneficial way to take the Red Routes forward in the West Midlands. Within this framework two alternative options or approaches to the Red Route have been formulated for the Stratford Road. 5.5 The first option was to develop a low cost scheme based on replacing the existing yellow line controls with Red Route lining. This scheme would offer some improvement to the clarity of the current restrictions, however: this option would not tackle the problems on the Stratford Road; PAGE 16 OF 26 it may have a negative impact on the economic viability of the areas along the route; there would be no benefit for the traders. Overall the low cost option would be cheap to deliver but offer no real benefits for the areas along the Stratford Road and would not be acceptable to the general public. 5.6 By contrast, the second option was to develop a scheme that provided all the parking areas required along the Stratford Road prior to the implementation of the Red Route controls. It was anticipated that this approach would involve extensive land purchase under Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) procedures. It is considered that this approach would be: an expensive option due to the extensive land required for car parking; problematic to deliver and take an unacceptable time to implement; subject to the wider planning policy framework which may not be compatible with the objectives of delivering large areas of car parking; difficult to justify in terms of value for money. In general, it was considered that the delivery of the extensive off-street parking areas would prove extremely costly and have a high element of associated risk. 5.7 The preferred option is considered to be that which is suitable to the issues surrounding the A34 Stratford Road Red Route. Specifically, the criteria stating that 'improvements included in the scheme definition should focus on all opportunities to increase safety, convenience, and efficiency of movement of all users' and 'should facilitate movement around the area' are considered to be particularly relevant to the A34. 5.8 In order to ensure the success of the scheme and the continuing economic viability of the shopping centres along the route, wider ranging improvements compared to those available within the Low Cost option are required. These include the provision of upgraded or new parking facilities on, and away from the Red Route, and junction improvements aimed at improving access for all users. 5.9 Without the provision of improved parking facilities (at least those proposed under the Phase One works) and improvements to strategic junctions, it would be unlikely that the proposals would gain support from most sections of the community. 6.0 CABINET MEMBER CONSULTATION 6.1 The Cabinet Member for Transportation and Street Services and the Cabinet Member for Regeneration have been consulted during the development of this report. PAGE 17 OF 26 7.0 WHAT CONSULTATION (if any) HAS TAKEN PLACE Initial Public Consultation (January to May 2003) 7.1 The initial consultation was split into two elements, the wider public consultation which took place between January and May 2003, and the side road consultation which took place in April 2003. In total, 1800 leaflets were distributed and five public exhibitions held. A traders' presentation was also held for the businesses in the Sparkhill and Springfield areas. 7.2 In addition to these consultation exhibitions further small scale meetings were held with local traders groups and residents associations. Roadside advertisements were also placed along the Stratford Road giving the Red Route telephone number for people to contact for further information. 7.3 A two weekly Red Route and Environmental Improvement meeting has been organised with representatives from Springfield Traders, Sparkhill North Traders and Guru Nanak Gurdwara. Birmingham City Council representatives from Transportation Strategy and the Planning Department have attended these meetings with Ward Councillors and the scheme consultants, Faber Maunsell. These meetings have been used to discuss the elements of the scheme and the way forward for the Red Route in that area. 7.4 A total of 293 questionnaire responses were received as part of the first stage consultation. The questionnaires were handed out at exhibitions and meetings. These were also issued by post with a pre-paid envelope and copies of the scheme drawings. Summaries of the responses received via the questionnaire are included in Appendix Two. A summary of specific comments and issues raised during the consultation are included in Appendix Three. These Appendices will be made available at the Cabinet Meeting. 7.5 A further 1400 letters were distributed along specific side roads that were affected by the proposals. These letters were distributed at the beginning of April to ensure that all side road residents were aware of the scheme content and any implications for them in terms of road closures, prohibited turns and one way systems. This consultation was undertaken by letter with accompanying information identifying the likely impacts of the proposals on traffic routing. All leaflets and letters sent out as part of the consultation were fully translated. In total 168 of the questionnaires distributed were returned, indicating a response rate of 12%. Specific comments received from the general consultation and the side road consultation are included in Appendix Three, which will be available at the Cabinet Meeting. PAGE 18 OF 26 7.6 The main points arising from the first stage consultation related to: Parking Issues. Discussions with all traders and residents indicated problems along the majority of the route. It was highlighted that there was insufficient parking for the residents, traders and customers and that this needs addressing before the Red Route could be introduced. Some off-street areas were suggested as possible areas for additional car parking. Side Road Issues. The proposed side road closures and prohibited movements have been criticised at some locations. The majority of respondents have raised concern over the lack of right turn facilities in the scheme and the implications this is likely to have in terms of route diversions. Loss of Open Space. Concerns over the loss of open space for car parking were raised, it was identified that the Stratford Road corridor had few green open spaces and those that exist need to be retained. 7.7 In total four petitions were received during the first consultation. The responses are detailed in the table below. The Member presenting the petition and the first name petitioner will be notified following acceptance of this Cabinet Report. Petition From Reason for Response Objection Residents around Objecting to making The right turn into Clarence Road Clarence Road Clarence Road one causes problems on Stratford Road (65 signatures). way. and it is more appropriate that these turns occur at Hillfield Road where a right turn facility exists. Private Hire Taxi Objecting to Prohibiting right turns at side roads will Association changes to side offer improvements in journey times on (75 signatures) road access (one- Stratford Road, thereby giving overall ways and banned benefits to road users. turns) However, proposal to prohibit right turn at Walford Road signals has been deleted from the scheme. Sparkhill Objecting to use of This objection has been accepted and Residents Stratford Street Park the proposal is not being taken (23 signatures) as a parking area. forward. Residents of Hall Objecting to any Proposed parking restrictions have Green further parking been relaxed in several areas where (via Cllr Harvey) restrictions in Hall there will not be a significant effect on (220 signatures). Green. congestion levels. A parking bay has now been proposed inside the bus lane to serve Hall Green Parade. PAGE 19 OF 26 Second Public Consultation 7.8 To give the public the opportunity to comment further and revise the proposals as a result of the first public consultation, a further exhibition was held. Letters were sent to Councillors, residents' associations and traders' groups, and the meeting was advertised in the local press. However overall attendance was disappointing. Additional meetings have been held with specific groups where necessary. 7.9 Whilst the consultation has been in two stages, it is considered that consultation has been continuous with comments and queries being dealt with since December 2002. The second stage has involved fortnightly meetings with a discussion group in Sparkhill and Springfield; members of the group include Sparkhill residents' and traders' association representatives, the Secretary and Chairman of the Gurdwara, and Local Councillors. 7.10 The main issues raised in the second stage consultation are as follows: Issue Comment Response Parking There is still a need to address It is recommended that an Issues specific issues in terms of restrictions area be set aside for longer on duration of parking; the standard stay parking in areas to be one-hour time limit may not be agreed with trader groups. sufficient in some areas. Loading The scheme proposals have not Minor changes to the scheme Facilities identified specific locations for through the detailed design loading facilities in some areas. process will ensure individual Comments received indicate that requirements for loading are these would be required to ensure addressed where possible. that deliveries could be made to residents' properties. Tree Areas identified for parking bays No trees will be removed for Removal along the footway currently contain parking bays as these will be several trees. Concern was raised designed around the trees. A over the loss of these trees and tree will be removed at the comments indicated that their junction with Green Road, and retention would be preferred. replaced in accordance with current City Council policies. Prohibited Residents' meeting in Hall Green Proposals to ban these right Turns and objected to banning the right turns turns have been dropped. Road into Cole Bank Road and School Work will be carried out to Closures Road, and to closing Cubley Road. investigate cost of widening This is due to likely increase in this junction to allow separate traffic on other roads, eg Green right turn lanes. However, this Road and Catesewll Road. will require a separate capital funded scheme in the future. Several letters have been received The proposal to close Cubley on these issues, and a petition Road has been amended to received via Cllr Harvey. give a 'left in / left out only' restriction. PAGE 20 OF 26 7.11 The scheme illustrated in the plans attached to this Report takes into account where possible the comments received during the whole consultation. However, the detail of the scheme will be under continual review as part of the detailed design process. Minor variations may be required to the scheme at the request of traders or residents groups, and where these could be accommodated it is proposed that they are referred to the Cabinet Member for Transportation and Street Services, for consideration and / or approval. 7.12 Further consultation and formal advertisement of Orders will be needed next year if the experimental Traffic Regulation Orders are to be made permanent. Any objections would have to be considered at that time. Councillors and Other Organisations 7.13 Letters were sent from the former Cabinet Member for Transportation, Street Services and Sustainability to the relevant Ward Councillors in December 2002, outlining the background to the scheme and a further letter detailing the consultation to be undertaken through a consultation plan. There have also been various presentations to Ward Committees. 7.14 Hall Green Councillors raised a number of queries regarding the proposals. These are: to ensure that parking restrictions imposed within Hall Green are no more restrictive than those within Sparkbrook / Sparkhill; the possibility of using the forecourt within the Hall Green Parade of shops for additional parking; and concern over the clarity of the stopping restriction signage along the Red Route. These comments have been allowed for in the preferred option. With regards to signs, these will be in accordance with current Department for Transport guidelines. Signing will be in effect 50% larger than ordinary parking restriction signing. 7.15 See also Section 7.10 for other issues raised through Hall Green Councillors. 7.16 Emergency Services have also been contacted with a specific letter and accompanying scheme plans to Police, Fire and Ambulance Headquarters. Ongoing consultation with Police has been occurring in monthly Red Route Steering Group meetings. The Police have stated that they believe that effective enforcement of the Red Route is essential to the success of the scheme. 7.17 Representatives of local traders and other organisations in the Sparkhill centre are keen to see the package of Environmental Improvements implemented in support of the Red Route, in order to support the viability of the area. PAGE 21 OF 26 7.18 Birmingham Friends of the Earth have welcomed the changes to the scheme to retain public open space and the majority of trees, and the inclusion of additional pedestrian facilities. They have requested improvements for cyclists along the route, and upgrading of the alternative parallel cycle route. Provision of cycle facilities on Stratford Road will be limited due to the lack of road width, but will be considered where it is possible. Improved signing of the parallel route will be included within the scheme as a higher priority than cycle facilities on the Stratford Road itself. 7.19 Birmingham Friends of the Earth also expressed concern over the general principle of Red Routes, as they believe they will increase the volume and speed of traffic, and will discourage the use of public transport. However, it is not intended to create an 'urban motorway' type layout where traffic can easily exceed the speed limits, and any reductions in congestion will also benefit the buses. A separate Bus Showcase scheme is also being considered for Stratford Road in the future. 8.0 WHAT REPRESENTATIONS (IF ANY) HAVE BEEN RECEIVED, E.G. IN RESPONSE TO THE INCLUSION OF THE DECISION IN THE FORWARD PLAN 8.1 None. 9.0 IMPLICATIONS FOR RESOURCES, FINANCE, PEOPLE, PROPERTY, IT 9.1 Capital Expenditure The following tables outline the proposed capital expenditure on the scheme. Fees prior to 1 April 2003 are not included as these have been funded through separate budgets held by Centro. The figures include for any Statutory Undertakers' implications and for costs associated with the land issues listed in Appendix One. Red Route FORECAST TOTAL 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 (£) (£) (£) (£) Works Phase 1 2,950,000 450,000 2,400,000 100,000 Works Phase 2 450,000 NIL NIL 450,000 Fees 450,000 150,000 250,000 50,000 Contingency 350,000 50,000 250,000 50,000 _____ SCHEME TOTAL 4,200,000 650,000 2,900,000 650,000 PAGE 22 OF 26 Additional Costs of Parking Enforcement Enforcement costs for the experimental period are shown below. Enforcement costs in future years are shown under 'Revenue Implications'. FORECAST TOTAL 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 (£) (£) (£) (£) Enforcement Costs 126,000 NIL 72,000 54,000 Additional Environmental Improvement Scheme (ERDF Funded) FORECAST TOTAL 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 (£) (£) (£) (£) Works 157,000 NIL 154,000 3,000 Fees 27,500 10,000 17,500 NIL Contingency 15,500 NIL 15,500 NIL TOTAL 200,000 10,000 187,000 3,000 9.2 It should be noted that the forecast expenditure has been derived by calculating all the individual elements of the scheme. In broad terms the expenditure (subject to al Phase Two works being undertaken) is split as follows. These figures do not include the ERDF funded scheme. The provision of new parking areas and the upgrading of existing parking facilities - £1,860,000 (43% of total cost); Junction improvements - £1,080,000 (25% of total cost); Environmental improvements, including entry treatments and improved pedestrian facilities - £950,000 (22% of total cost); Lining, signing and enforcement of the Red Route - £436,000 (10% of total cost). Capital Budget 9.3 The existing approved capital budget of £0.550m for 2003-04 has been ear- marked by West Midlands Planning and Transport (WMP&T) Sub-Committee, and was included as part of the Transportation Strategy and Infrastructure Capital Programme 2003-04 approved by the former Cabinet Member for Transportation, Street Services and Sustainability in April 2003. The Sub-Committee further confirmed at their meeting on 26 September 2003 funding for the on-going commitments under the WMAMMS programme, including the A34 Stratford Road Red Route through Birmingham and Solihull. PAGE 23 OF 26 9.4 The capital budget for this and future years will be amended to reflect the proposed expenditure shown below, subject to WMP&T Sub-Committee approval. BUDGET TOTAL 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 (£) (£) (£) (£) Red Route 4,200,000 650,000 2,900,000 650,000 Enforcement 126,000 NIL 72,000 54,000 Environmental Scheme 200,000 10,000 187,000 3,000 (ERDF Funded) TOTAL 4,526,000 660,000 3,159,000 707,000 9.5 A notional sum has been included in the forecast for future years to allow for minor changes to the measures and making the Orders permanent at the end of the experimental period. However, no sums have been included for the cost of substantial modification or complete removal of the experimental measures at the end of the demonstration. This will be subject to a further Financial Appraisal at the appropriate time, if required. Capital Resources 9.6 The funding for the Red Route scheme (including enforcement and tow-away costs) will be from SCA monies held centrally by Centro on behalf of WMP&T Sub- Committee, specifically for implementing the West Midlands Area Multi Modal Study recommendations. 9.7 The funding for 2003-04 and for future years will be subject to the allocation of capital resources by WMP&T Sub-Committee. The forecasts for 2004-05 and 2005-06 will form prior commitments against the capital programmes for those years, and will be administered by WMP&T Sub-Committee. 9.8 The funding for the additional and complementary Environmental Improvements will be supported by ERDF monies. 9.9 The City Council's capital budget will be varied to reflect the allocation of WMP&T capital resources once their approval is received. Revenue Consequences 9.10 Asset charges of £614,250 (Red Route), £24,860 (enforcement) and £18,430 (Environmental Scheme) will be incurred in a full year based on a 10% depreciation over 10 years and 4.625% notional interest. These charges will be included in the Highway Revenue Budget as an uncontrollable variation to the Cash-Limited Budget. PAGE 24 OF 26 9.11 Revenue Maintenance Costs of £18,000 (Red Route) and £27,500 (Environmental Scheme) per year for additional street lighting, street furniture, illuminated signing and traffic signals will be incurred. This cost will represent a commitment against the 2005-06 (and subsequent years) Highways Maintenance Cash Limited Revenue Budget. 9.12 The cost of maintaining the Red Route signing and road markings will not be greater than the cost of maintaining the existing parking signs and markings. 9.13 The revenue consequences of additional parking enforcement will be £18,000 in 2005-06 and £72,000 p.a. from 2006-07 onwards at 2003 prices. Funding for these enforcement costs in 2005-06 and beyond will have to be found from within the City Council's Base Revenue Budget. 10.0 IMPLICATIONS FOR POLICY PRIORITIES Corporate Policy Priorities – To Develop Birmingham as a City of Flourishing Neighbourhoods and to Improve Council Services 10.1 Works carried out under the Local Transport Plan are a major element of the action taken by the City Council in support of its strategic themes and priorities, as set out in the Cabinet Statement; in particular, flourishing neighbourhoods, devolution, and improved service provision. 10.2 The Environmental Improvements for Sparkhill centre will be of particular benefit to the viability of that area. Specific Service Priorities 10.3 The preferred option will promote greater transport choice and assist with the provision of greater priority for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. 10.4 The scheme will contribute to a modern and successful city and more sustainable travel patterns. Implications for Specific Issues 10.5 The preferred option includes improved pedestrian crossing facilities. This will be of particular benefit to parents with pushchairs and people with disabilities. 10.6 The scheme should reduce traffic congestion and improve provision for public transport and pedestrians. This will contribute towards a cleaner, greener city. PAGE 25 OF 26 11.0 ARE THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THIS REPORT CONSISTENT WITH ANY APPROVED 'POLICY FRAMEWORK' PLAN OR STRATEGY OR THE APPROVED BUDGET 11.1 The recommendations are consistent with the objectives of the West Midlands Local Transport Plan, the West Midlands Area Multi Modal Study, and the 'Visions' Transport Strategy for Birmingham. 12.0 REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS 12.1 To allow the Road Hump Notices and the Traffic Regulation Orders required for the scheme to be advertised and implemented subject to there being no unresolved objections. 12.2 To approve the scheme budget as outlined in the Financial Appraisal in Section 9 of this report. 12.3 To approve the Environmental Improvement scheme, and to authorise the acceptance of ERDF funding. 12.4 To allow the land referencing, negotiation and appropriation required for the scheme to be carried out, and to allow Planning Application procedures to commence. 12.5 To allow an exemption to City Council Standing Orders for the employment of Faber Maunsell for the detailed design of the proposed scheme and of Parkman Limited for the land referencing work. 13.0 BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS The West Midlands Local Transport Plan 2000; West Midlands Area Multi-Modal Study; A Transport Strategy for Birmingham – Visions 20:20; 'The Transportation Strategy and Infrastructure Capital Programme 2003/04' (Report to Cabinet Member for Transportation, Street Services and Sustainability, April 2003); 'Proposals for a West Midlands Red Route Network' (Report to Cabinet Member for Transportation, Street Services and Sustainability, July 2002); Commercial Area Feasibility Study 1999; 'A Strategy for Local Centres' (Report of Chief Planning Officer to Regeneration Advisory Team, 27 June 2001). PAGE 26 OF 26 …………………………………… COUNCILLOR JOHN TYRRELL CABINET MEMBER FOR TRANSPORTATION AND STREET SERVICES …………………………………… DAVID PYWELL STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT …………………………………… PETER GARGHAN ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES MANAGER ORIGINATING OFFICERS JOHN BLAKEMORE Tel: 0121-303 7329 E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com ANDREW CHIDGEY Tel: 0121-303 7339 E-Mail: firstname.lastname@example.com


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Resilyn BaluyotModel Female Council Bluffs, Iowa, US
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The New York Times' Nate Silver uses statistical analysis to understand and explain polling about the campaign for the White House and other major political stories.
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Feb 16
SEXY GRUNGE! The pink and black attack have linked up with our dear friends at the Manchester Label once again, and we have the cure for your Valentine's Day misery. Don't give your money to Hallmark, spend it on booze! Precious McKenzie will appear live, in person (no clones or animations) and melt your ears with sexy grunge you can dance to, drink to, make love to and initiate a Viking funeral to. Not enough for you? The PMcK gang will be disbributing copies of their ALL NEW EP, "The Erotic Awakening of Precious McKenzie", so you can take the sexy home with you. Still not enough? Vinyl High, Dirty Ghost AND The Disclosure Project are also prostituting themselves on stage for your pleasure. STILL not enough? It's bloody bastard FREE! You can either bring your lover/partner/concubine/other, or leave them at home. Don't buy that appalling stuffed toy. Bollocks to the jewellery, you'll get it wrong anyway. Learn how to ooze erotica from the masters of the concept, take the art home, and blow somebody's mind. Ducie Bridge, Corporation Street, Manchester. Be there or be forever viewed as a lonely hermit in the eyes of your friends.
Aug 3
Rockfest at Manchester Club Acadamy! Show up, going to be an awesome night!
Jun 30
Playing a support slot for The Dusk, it also marks our debut at Kro Bar in manchester. Get yourselves for another top top gig.
Jun 9
The boys are making their return to Manchesters famous Academy. This time they've moved up a notch and will be playing academy 3.
Jun 3
Vinyl High will be playing as part of a packed line up in aid of Christies Childrens Hospital.
Bio: After the collapse of the previous band Concrete Violet (shocking name we know) The 3 remaining members decided to carry on making Rock n Roll music. Tom, Kain and Briggsy played a makeshift set at The Bowling Green, Stockport after the original guitarist dropped out an hour before the gig and To...See Full Bio
"Next up is Vinyl High and these guys really get the party started. With a mix of electric and acoustic guitars, from the first beat it feels as though we have been transported from Oxford Road's Kro Bar and ended up in the middle of a whiskey joint brawl in the darkest corner of the Mississippi Delta. The songs are bluesy, swingin' and very sexy. Vocalists/guitarists Tom Lee and Kain Panter have brilliant onstage chemistry, their voices complementing each other effortlessly to add a Manc/indie quality to the dirty Deep South swagger that accompanies them. The banter with the audience is first rate. It's clear they are playing in front of friends, but there are no cringe worthy jokes and they blend a professional live attitude with good humour quite remarkably. Towards the end of the set a lively cover of Twist and Shout gets the room to its feet and it is here, upon playing such a well loved classic, that the men on stage prove they've got the chops to make a room take notice. "


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There is a dedicated conference accommodation website run by Destination Bristol, and those travelling to Bristol from London Paddington by train can also take advantage of a special 'conference' train fare rate of £44 (second class return; discounted first class rate available too). Please see www.visitbristol.co.uk/conferencefares.
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Shuttle airport every 35 minutes. < 10 minutes to airport
Excellent location close to the airport and totally met my needs - quick overnight stop en route to next destination. Thank you!
zeer goede ligging bij de luchthaven, ideaal dus als vooravond voor terugreis. Voor bezoek aan SF zelf zou ik het niet aanraden, te ver. alles wat je mag verwachten van een comfortabel degelijk doorreishotel. lijst aan de receptie met restaurants en hun rating door het hotel, de afstand ed.
Zimmer mit sehr viel Platz. Bequeme Betten.
Het personeel. Op loopafstand van BART, de trein naar de stad. Ruime kamer.
This Millbrae hotel is one mile from the San Francisco International Airport and offers a free airport shuttle. They also feature a gym, hot tub, and spacious suites.
San Francisco Airport Fairfield Inn suites are furnished with a separate sitting area, microwave and refrigerator. Cable TV with in-room movies is also included.
Fairfield Inn San Francisco Airport provides free Wi-Fi and a free hot buffet breakfast every morning. A 24-hour front desk and business services are available for added convenience.
The Millbrae Bay Area Rapid Transit system (BART) is a 10 minute walk from the hotel and provides easy access to downtown San Francisco. South San Francisco Conference Center is a 10 minute drive from the San Francisco Fairfield Inn and Suites and Ocean Beach is 30 minute drive away.
We speak your language! Hotel Rooms: 86, Hotel Chain: Fairfield Inn. This property has been on Booking.com since Dec 18, 2009.
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Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Francisco Airport's staff speaks: English
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Fitness Center, Hot Tub
WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed) and charges may apply.
Vending Machine (drinks), Vending Machine (snacks), Airport Shuttle (free) , 24-Hour Front Desk, Baggage Storage, ATM on site, Laundry, Dry Cleaning, Business Center, Fax/Photocopying, Souvenir/Gift Shop
Newspapers, Safe, Non-smoking Rooms, Facilities for Disabled Guests, Family Rooms, Elevator, Heating, All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private), Designated Smoking Area
From 3:00 PM
Until 12:00 PM
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to room type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.
Children and Extra Beds
All children are welcome.
One child under 18 years stays free of charge when using existing beds.
One child under 2 years stays free of charge in a crib.
Any additional older children or adults are charged USD 10 per person per night when using existing beds.
Any additional older children or adults are charged USD 10 per person per night for extra beds.
The maximum number of extra beds/cribs in a room is 1.
Any type of extra bed or crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
Additional fees are not calculated automatically in the total cost and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.
Pets are not allowed.
When booking more than 9 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.
Cards accepted at this property
Hover over the cards for more info.
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Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Based on 30 reviews
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Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Francisco Airport
Latest Booking: February 21
Featuring a free airport shuttle service to San Francisco International Airport, just 1 mile away, this boutique hotel is a 2-minute walk to the Millbrae BART/CalTrain station with service to San...
Score from 1316 reviews
Very good
Hilton San Francisco Airport Bayfront Overlooking San Francisco Bay and a 10-minute drive from San Francisco International Airport, this hotel features free airport shuttles, an on-site restaurant and modern in-room amenities.
Score from 172 reviews
Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport Providing a free shuttle service to downtown Burlingame, San Francisco International Airport and BART/Caltrain transit station, this Burlingame hotel features on-site dining, an indoor pool and a gym....
Score from 453 reviews
La Quinta Inn & Suites San Francisco Airport West This Millbrae hotel is located 2 miles from San Francisco International Airport. The completely non-smoking hotel provides airport transportation, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor swimming pool.
Score from 595 reviews
Very good
airport transfer friendly and efficient staff helpful to book in at the airport
breakfast minimal
staff was extremely happy and friendly. nice hotel
Shuttle airport every 35 minutes. < 10 minutes to airport
No coffee in the lobby at 4:30am when the first shuttle started.
Great breakfast, great location
Very low water pressure
Excellent location close to the airport and totally met my needs - quick overnight stop en route to next destination. Thank you!


text:
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - View original article
Type | Public |
Traded as | NYSE: GCI S&P 500 Component |
Industry | Media |
Founded | 1906 |
Founders | Frank Gannett |
Headquarters | Tysons Corner, Virginia, U.S. (McLean mailing address) |
Key people | Gracia Martore (Chairman and CEO) |
Products | Newspapers Television Internet media |
Revenue | US$ 5.2 billion (2013)[1] |
Operating income | US$ 739.2 million (2013)[1] |
Net income | US$ 445.9 million (2013)[1] |
Total assets | US$ 9.2 billion (2013)[1] |
Total equity | US$ 2.7 billion (2013)[1] |
Employees | 31,600 (2013)[1] |
Website | Gannett.com |
Type | Public |
Traded as | NYSE: GCI S&P 500 Component |
Industry | Media |
Founded | 1906 |
Founders | Frank Gannett |
Headquarters | Tysons Corner, Virginia, U.S. (McLean mailing address) |
Key people | Gracia Martore (Chairman and CEO) |
Products | Newspapers Television Internet media |
Revenue | US$ 5.2 billion (2013)[1] |
Operating income | US$ 739.2 million (2013)[1] |
Net income | US$ 445.9 million (2013)[1] |
Total assets | US$ 9.2 billion (2013)[1] |
Total equity | US$ 2.7 billion (2013)[1] |
Employees | 31,600 (2013)[1] |
Website | Gannett.com |
Gannett Company, Inc. is a publicly traded media holding company headquartered in Tysons Corner, Virginia, near McLean in Greater Washington DC.[2][3] It is the largest U.S. newspaper publisher as measured by total daily circulation. Its assets include the national newspaper USA Today and the weekly USA Weekend. Its largest non-national newspaper is The Arizona Republic in Phoenix, Arizona. Other significant newspapers include The Indianapolis Star, The Cincinnati Enquirer, The Tennessean in Nashville, Tennessee, The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Kentucky, the Democrat and Chronicle in Rochester, NY, The Des Moines Register, the Detroit Free Press and The News-Press in Fort Myers. Gannett owns or operates 46 television stations through Gannett Broadcasting, Inc.[4] and is the largest group owner of stations affiliated with NBC and CBS.[5][6] Gannett also holds substantial properties in digital media including PointRoll, BNQT Media Group,[7] Planet Discover,[8] Ripple6[9] and ShopLocal through Gannett Digital.
This section requires expansion with: information on Gannett's early history (1923-1986). (October 2012) |
Gannett Company, Inc. was founded in 1923 by Frank Gannett in Rochester, New York as an outgrowth of a newspaper business he had begun in Elmira, New York in 1906. Gannett, who was known as a conservative,[10] gained fame and fortune by purchasing small independent newspapers and developing them into a large chain, a 20th-century trend that helped the newspaper industry remain financially viable.[11] By 1979, the chain had grown to 79 newspapers.[12]
In 1979, Gannett acquired Combined Communications Corp., operator of 17 television stations, as well as an outdoor advertising division, for $370 million.[13][14] (The outdoor advertising became known as Gannett Outdoor, before being acquired by Outdoor Systems (previously a division of 3M), before the company was sold to Infinity Broadcasting, which later became part of Viacom, and was part of CBS Corporation, until 2014 when CBS Outdoor want indpendent and became Outfront Media)
The company was headquartered in Rochester until 1986, when it relocated to Arlington County, Virginia. Its former headquarters building, the Gannett Building, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.[15] Gannett's oldest newspaper still in circulation is the Leaf-Chronicle located in Clarksville, Tennessee. In 2001, the company moved to its current headquarters in Tysons Corner, a suburb of Washington, D.C.
Beginning in 2005 at the Fort Myers News-Press, Gannett pioneered the mojo concept of mobile multimedia journalists, reporters who were initially untethered from conventional newsrooms and drove around their communities filing hyperlocal news via Wi-Fi in various formats including text for print publication, still photos for print and online publication, and audio and video for the News-Press website.[16] The practice has spread throughout the chain.
On March 7, 2011, Gannett introduced its new logo for the company, which replaced the stylized "G" logo that was in use since the 1970s (which was notably used on its TV stations as a corporate/local ID for many years, with different animations). The rebranding also introduced a new tagline for the company: "It's all within reach."[17]
In 2011, Gannett was criticized for laying off 700 U.S. employees as a cost-cutting measure after having increased executive salaries and bonuses. Bob Dickey, Gannett's U.S. newspapers division president, was paid $3.4 million in 2010, up from $1.9 million the previous year. In the memo announcing the layoffs, Dickey wrote, "While we have sought many ways to reduce costs, I regret to tell you that we will not be able to avoid layoffs."[18]
In February 2012, Gannett announced that it would be implementing a paywall system across all of its newspaper websites, with non-subscriber access will be limited to between five and fifteen articles per month, varying by newspaper. The USA Today website will be the only one continuing to allow unrestricted access.[19]
On March 24, 2012, the company announced that it would discipline 25 employees in Wisconsin who had signed the petition to recall Governor Scott Walker, stating that this open public participation in a political process was a violation of the company's code of journalistic ethics and that their primary responsibility as journalists was to maintain credibility and public trust in themselves and the organization.[20]
On August 21, 2012, Gannett acquired Blinq Media.[21]
Around the first week of October 2012, Gannett entered a dispute against Dish Network regarding compensation fees and Dish's AutoHop commercial-skip feature on its Hopper digital video recorders. Gannett ordered that Dish discontinue AutoHop on the account that it is affecting advertising revenues for Gannett's television station. Gannett threatens to pull all of its stations should the skirmish continue beyond October 7 and Dish and Gannett fail to reach an agreement.[22][23] The two parties eventually reached an agreement after extending the deadline for a few hours.[24]
On June 13, 2013, Gannett announced plans to buy Dallas-based Belo Corporation for $1.5 billion and the assumption of debt. The purchase would add 20 additional stations to Gannett's portfolio and make the company the fourth largest television broadcaster in the U.S. with 43 stations.[25][26] Because of ownership conflicts that exist in markets where both Belo and Gannett own television stations and newspapers, the use of a third-party company (Sander Media, LLC, owned by former Belo executive Jack Sander) as a licensee to buy stations to be operated by the owner of a same-market competitor and concerns about any possible future consolidation of operations of Gannett- and Belo-owned properties in markets where both own television stations or collusion involving the Gannett and Sander stations in retransmission consent negotiations, anti-media-consolidation groups (such as Free Press) and pay television providers (such as Time Warner Cable and DirecTV) have called for the FCC to block the acquisition.[27][28]
On December 16, 2013, the United States Department of Justice announced that Gannett, Belo, and Sander would need to divest Belo's station in St. Louis, KMOV, to a government-approved third-party that would be barred from entering into any agreements with Gannett, in order to fully preserve competition in advertising sales with Gannett-owned KSDK.[29] The deal was approved by the FCC on December 20,[30] and it was completed on December 23.[31] On February 28, 2014, Meredith Corporation officially took over full control of KMOV,[32]
On May 14, 2014, Gannett announced the acquisition of six stations from the Texas-based London Broadcasting Company in a $215 million deal, including KCEN-TV (NBC) in Waco-Temple-Bryan, KYTX (CBS) in Tyler-Longview, KIII (ABC) in Corpus Christi, KBMT (ABC/NBC) in Beaumont-Port Arthur, KXVA (FOX) in Abilene-Sweetwater and KIDY (FOX) in San Angelo. The company's COO Phil Hurley will also join Gannett to continue his leadership role at the six stations.[33] The acquisition was completed on July 8, 2014; in total, Gannett stations now serve 83% of households in the state.[34] Post acquisition, Gannett now outright owns and operates their first Fox affiliates, KIDY & KXVA.
On August 5, 2014, Gannett announced that it plans to spin-off its newspaper and publishing arm as a separate company, which will retain the Gannett name. Robert Dickey—who currently leads Gannett's newspaper group—will serve as CEO of the company, leaving Gannett's remaining broadcasting and digital operations under the leadership of Martore. In a statement, she explained that the spin-off process were "significant next steps in our ongoing initiatives to increase shareholder value by building scale, increasing cash flow, sharpening management focus, and strengthening all of our businesses to compete effectively in today's increasingly digital landscape." Additionally, the company announced that it would buy out the remainder of Classified Ventures—a joint venture between Gannett and several other media companies, for $1.8 billion, giving it full ownership of properties such as Cars.com.[35][36]
Gannett's media properties include the following newspapers among the top 100 (by circulation—figures are approximate) in the United States, and the following television stations:[56][57]
Gannett's chairman, president and chief executive officer was Craig A. Dubow. Dubow resigned on October 6, 2011, citing health reasons. Gracia Martore Gannett's chief operating officer, a 26-year company veteran, was chosen as Dubow's successor.[58] Gannett has a ten-member board of directors.[59]
Eleven senior executives make up the Gannett leadership team, shown here
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