Highways Agency

2. Inputs

2.1 Introduction

2.1.1 An RMS brings together:

• a range of policies and objectives which are pertinent to the route;
• other relevant information including current conditions on the route; and
• the views of stakeholders and the public.

2.1.2 The relationship between the RMS process and these inputs is illustrated in Figure 2 and described in detail below:

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Figure 2 - Route Management Strategy Inputs

2.2 Inputs

2.2.1 The inputs to a Route Management Strategy study are as follows:

Government Policies and Objectives

2.2.2 The Government's policies and objectives and how these are being achieved are set out in:

• 'A New Deal for Transport Better for Everyone'
• 'A New Deal for Trunk Roads in England'
• 'Managing our Roads'
• Delivering Better Transport'
• Planning Policy Guidance Notes

2.2.3 These documents are designed to guide and inform the development of transport policy at a national level.

2.2.4 A number of the Planning Policy Guidance Notes are likely to be relevant to the development of an RMS study, in particular PPG 13 - Transport. The objectives of PPG13 - Transport, are to integrate planning and transport at the national, regional, strategic and local level to:

• promote more sustainable transport choices for both people and for moving freight;
• promote accessibility to jobs, shopping, leisure facilities and services by public transport, walking and cycling; and
• reduce the need to travel, especially by car.

2.2.5 PPG13 sets out the circumstances where it is appropriate to change the emphasis and priorities in provision between different transport modes, in pursuit of wider Government objectives.

Regional and Local Plans

2.2.6 It is essential that the development of RMSs are aligned with regional and local plans. The relevant policy documents are described below:

• Regional Transport Strategy (contained within the relevant Regional Planning Guidance Note)
• Development Plans (consisting of Unitary Development Plans, Structure Plans and Local Plans)
• Local Transport Plans
• Mineral and Waste Plans
• The Planning Green Paper "Planning: Delivering a Fundamental Change"

2.2.7 Regional Transport Strategies are included within Regional Planning Guidance (RPG). They are developed in accordance with Planning Policy Guidance Note 11 (Regional Planning Guidance) and are the responsibility of Regional Planning Bodies. The main purpose of RPG is to provide a regional spatial strategy within which local authority Development Plans and Local Transport Plans can be prepared. It should provide a broad development strategy for the region over a fifteen to twenty year period. By virtue of being a spatial strategy it also informs other strategies and programmes. In particular, it incorporates a Regional Transport Strategy which provides the regional context for the preparation of local transport plans and also contributes to the longer term planning framework for the Regional Development Agencies' Regional Eeconomic Strategies. RMSs will be influenced at an early stage of their development by existing Regional Transport Strategies and in due course will influence (and be influenced by) further updates.

2.2.8 The format of Development Plans is dependent on the nature of the local authority.

2.2.9 A Structure Plan (Shire Counties) provides the strategic planning framework for development and use of land consistent with national and regional policy on a county-wide basis, identifying the key planning issues and providing the mechanism through which the growth of the County is distributed. A Local Plan (District Councils) provides specific and detailed guidance on where development can take place and the factors that will be taken into account when considering proposals for development. A Unitary Development Plan (Metropolitan and Unitary Councils) contains both of the above within a single document. The outputs from the above policy documents are to be accommodated and considered as part of the formulation of RMS studies. As strategies are developed the relationship with future development plans will evolve.

2.2.10 Local Transport Plans play a fundamental role in the Government's ten-year transport plan. Local Transport Plans are prepared in accordance with the Guidance on Full Local Transport Plans issued in March 2000. Their content reflects Central Government's policy aims and objectives as specified within the Transport White Paper and are at the heart of the new deal for integrated transport. Strategies and objectives outlined within these documents will provide an input into RMSs and aid in their development. Subsequently, when RMSs have been developed, they will in turn, provide input into the development of Local Transport Plans.

2.2.11 Minerals Local Plans set out the policy framework against which future mineral working proposals will be assessed, while ensuring that there is adequate provision to meet an authority's needs. The plans consider current rates of mineral production and likely future requirements and identifies where additional resources might be required. The effects of these changes on the trunk road network must be considered within the RMS.

2.2.12 Waste Local Plans set out the broad land use framework for future waste management covering all forms of waste including household, commercial, industrial and construction wastes. These plans may affect the functions which a route performs.

2.2.13 The Planning Green Paper entitled 'Planning : Delivering a Fundamental Change' was published in December 2001 for public consultation which ended on 18th March 2002. The proposals in the Green Paper aim to shorten the time taken to process/determine planning applications and to simplify the planning system by:

• Reducing the volume of national planning guidance;
• Replacing Regional Planning Guidance with Regional Spatial Strategies;
• Abolishing County Structure Plans and replacing them with a range of sub-regional strategies;
• Replacing Local Plans and Unitary Development Plans with Local Development Frameworks (no longer including comprehensive land use proposals maps but using detailed Action Plans and Master Plans covering areas where major regeneration schemes were being considered);
• Setting up Business Planning Zones where simplified planning procedures would apply;
• Simplifying planning gain negotiations; and
• Introducing a new procedure for the authorisation of major infrastructure projects.
• Due consideration of these changes to the planning system must be given as they emerge.

2.2.14 The RMS Study may identify tensions between these strategies and plans as they relate to the RMS. It is generally the role of the Strategy Group (see section 4.0) to resolve such tensions and feed back the outcome to the relevant authorities.

Multi-Modal, Road Based, Route Management Strategies and Other Studies

2.2.15 Multi-Modal and Road Based Studies have been carried out by Government Offices in partnership with Regional Planning Bodies. When an RMS study is within the area of influence of a multi-modal study it is important to establish whether there are any matters under consideration that may influence the RMS study. Similarly, progress on the development of the RMS should be conveyed to the multi-modal/road based study team. It will be important to ensure that any overlap between the two studies is treated in such a way as to integrate the two processes and minimise confusion to those consulted (i.e. public, stakeholders etc.). Consideration of the recommendations from the study should be given including whether they have been confirmed, their likely timing and the need to plan before their implementation.

2.2.16 It will be necessary to consider adjoining routes as part of any study. This will include any RMSs that have been undertaken or are underway and any recommendations from them.

HA Aims, Plans & Initiatives

2.2.17 The HA should inform the RMS Study Consultants of the status of its' policies and initiatives. Of particular relevance are likely to be:

• HA Vision, Aims and objectives
• Other HA Initiatives (including Circulars)
• Forward Planning Guidance documentation

2.2.18 Although these policies and documents are likely to change over time, the general principle that the HA will have overarching aims and objectives, initiatives and methods of providing funding to deliver these will remain. Where possible the most up to date information will be illustrated on the HA Portal within the RMS Community.

2.2.19 The bidding and allocation process will ultimately provide the means of delivering many of the outputs that will achieve the RMS. Relevant solutions should be identified from these where they may be applicable to the route. This process is governed by a suite of documents produced under the general heading of Forward Planning Guidance. These documents are being revised and will include information on priorities for investment and an overview of network performance and the work required to achieve the 10 Year Plan outcomes. These documents will therefore provide a useful input to RMSs.

2.2.20 In HA document entitled "Managing the Strategic Road Network", and commonly referred to as the "Core Brief" describes how the HA will be managing its' network and sets out some broad priorities. It also contains detailed lists of existing schemes in the Targeted Programme of Improvements (TPI) and priority action sites for local interventions. This document is updated monthly and should therefore be consulted throughout an RMS.

Other Authorities' National Policies & Initiatives

2.2.21 Through consultation with relevant bodies, the Consultant should identify other relevant plans, policies & initiatives. These are likely to originate from sources such as:

• Network Rail/The Strategic Rail Authority;
• Public Transport Operators; and
• British Waterways.

Current Situation

2.2.22 The RMS study will need to form an understanding of the route, based primarily on existing information and knowledge. This understanding is intended to:

• assist in establishing current route functions and performance;
• identify problems and issues; and
• assist in understanding potential constraints.

2.2.23 An understanding of the current situation is likely to be gained through a number of ways including:

• collation of data;
• the outcome of earlier studies; and
• route observations.

2.2.24 The Project Sponsor should seek, through the Managing Agent, to have as much information as possible available for the RMS Consultant at the start of the project.

2.2.25 The RMS study should seek to collate and examine all relevant studies carried out within the previous five years. The Agency will provide a list of organisations and contacts who may have undertaken studies. The Agency will also provide information on current maintenance, study and improvement programmes.

Consultation with Stakeholders and Other Representative Bodies

2.2.26 The RMS Study needs to ensure that all the necessary organisations are contacted (including the Managing Agent(s) for the route), who have information on previous studies, knowledge of conditions and an involvement with the development of the RMS study. These bodies will be contacted at the various stages during the study, however it is important that they are consulted before preparing the Initial RMS.

2.2.27 Certain routes have been the subject of extensive consultation through Multi-Modal and Road Based Studies. The RMS study should review the output of any such consultation on a route, as this should provide an early indication of the problems affecting a route, as perceived by stakeholders and the public.

Public Consultation

2.2.28 Public Consultation is a necessary part of any RMS Study. There are two elements of public consultation which may apply to an RMS:

• Initial consultation (informal); and
• Consultation on the Draft RMS (mandatory).

2.2.29 Initial consultation may or may not be necessary depending on existing knowledge of the public's views on the route. In some cases, there may be a strong desire to seek the views and knowledge of the public on issues relating to the route. However in others, e.g. where consultation has been undertaken as part of a multi modal study, initial consultation may be unnecessary. In general, this initial consultation exercise should be used to gather public opinion on problems and issues along the route, however the HA may wish to gather further information on other specific issues.

2.2.30 Consultation on the Draft RMS is mandatory in delivering a Strategy which considers the views of all stakeholders and the public. The point in the process at which this happens can vary and will depend upon the size and nature of the route, local influences and other events which may influence the study.

2.2.31 Generally, the consultation on the draft strategy should be timed to fit in with any other studies or announcements which the HA need to make in the local area. It should be emphasised that Cabinet Office rules require that the mandatory public consultation should allow at least twelve weeks for consultees to submit their responses.

2.2.32 The general focus of this exercise is to ensure that all relevant issues have been taken into consideration and that the Route Outcomes reflect the priorities of users and those affected by the route. Further advice on the timing and scope of consultation is provided in section 4.4.