CONGESTION MANAGEMENT What It Means For BLACKPOOL

About This Contents of this presentation:- Overview of the Traffic Management Act (TMA) 2004Overview of the Traffic Management Act (TMA) 2004 What practical measures can be used to manage congestion?What practical measures can be used to manage congestion? Congestion issues in BlackpoolCongestion issues in Blackpool How Blackpool has responded so farHow Blackpool has responded so far What we need to do for the futureWhat we need to do for the future

Provide the basis for improved conditions for all road user through proactive management of the road network. It is “Primary Legislation” with various provisions brought into force by “Commencement Orders” What is the TMA Trying To Achieve?

The Network Management Duty The Act places a network management duty on LTAs. Section 16 (1) states: “It is the duty of a local traffic authority to manage their road network with a view to achieving, so far as may be reasonably practicable having regard to their other obligations, policies and objectives, the following objectives- (a) securing the expeditious movement of traffic on the authority’s road network; and, (b) facilitating the expeditious movement of traffic on road networks for which another authority is the traffic authority.”

The Network Management Duty Traffic” means all road users Pedestrians, Cyclists, Bus, Taxis, Cars, HGV’s.“Traffic” means all road users Pedestrians, Cyclists, Bus, Taxis, Cars, HGV’s. “Expeditious movement of traffic” implies a network that is working efficiently without unnecessary delay to those traveling on it.“Expeditious movement of traffic” implies a network that is working efficiently without unnecessary delay to those traveling on it. DFT has given specific Good Practice Guidance on techniques and approach with the aim of improving network performance.DFT has given specific Good Practice Guidance on techniques and approach with the aim of improving network performance.

Practical measure for managing congestion :- –Identifying and managing different road types –Monitoring the network –Identifying locations where congestion occurs –Co-ordination and direction of works –Dealing with planned events –Management of incidents –Making the best use of technology –Managing parking and other traffic regulations –Accommodating essential service traffic –Regular reviews of the network –Consultation and engagement with stakeholders –Provision of travel information –Encouraging the use of Sustainable travel

Congestion issues in Blackpool A new national Performance indicator (NI 167) focuses on congestion in the AM peak This does not reflect our issues with Tourism Congestion occurs when we are successful – eg Bank holidays and Illuminations Congestion on the Promenade – our “Shop Window”

How has Blackpool Responded to the TMA and congestion management? We assessed Blackpool’s strengths and weaknesses in relation to the “ideal” given in the Network Management Good Practice Guidance and also looked at the future provisions of the Act. We looked at the Gap between what we did and the ideal and the “Gap Analysis” has been used to inform our responses.

How Has Blackpool Responded? Appointed a “Traffic Manager” as required by the Act to oversee the Network Management DutyAppointed a “Traffic Manager” as required by the Act to oversee the Network Management Duty Centralised management of the network to have as much as possible delivered by one integrated “Network Management” team.Centralised management of the network to have as much as possible delivered by one integrated “Network Management” team. Reviewed the resources required for this team to operate effectively and are putting these in place.Reviewed the resources required for this team to operate effectively and are putting these in place. Integrated Transport Policy and those responsible for Network Management.Integrated Transport Policy and those responsible for Network Management.

How Has Blackpool Responded? Recognised the need to:- Be more proactive in our day-to-day management of the network.Be more proactive in our day-to-day management of the network. Classify the network and define a hierarchy of road users for each street (ongoing)Classify the network and define a hierarchy of road users for each street (ongoing) Identify congestion issues, including an assessment of effect, severity and prioritise.Identify congestion issues, including an assessment of effect, severity and prioritise. Develop proposals to address these issues.Develop proposals to address these issues. Improve the use of UTC and other technology to actively manage traffic on a day-to-day basisImprove the use of UTC and other technology to actively manage traffic on a day-to-day basis.

What We Need to Do for the Future Put in place systems to monitor congestion to allow us to measure performance against the new National Indicator.Put in place systems to monitor congestion to allow us to measure performance against the new National Indicator. Identify and prioritise congestion Hot SpotsIdentify and prioritise congestion Hot Spots Put in place an integrated programme of measures to manage congestion and improve our performancePut in place an integrated programme of measures to manage congestion and improve our performance –Engineering measures –Parking management –Sustainable travel promotion –Improve facilities for sustainable modes

What We Need to Do for the Future – Tourism and Regeneration perspective Develop a Regeneration Transport StrategyDevelop a Regeneration Transport Strategy Focus on how we manage visitors to Blackpool to reduce congestion and improve their experience.Focus on how we manage visitors to Blackpool to reduce congestion and improve their experience.