Southampton: A city on the move

15 November 2006:

As part of a Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) by national government it has been shown that Southampton is the second least congested city compared with it nearest `statistical` neighbours*.

The CPA is a framework that measures the overall performance of a local authority, using best value performance indicators, best value inspection reports, and audit reports.

The result demonstrates that the Council has an effective transport policy for the city, and reflects the investment made in systems to minimise traffic congestion.

One of the key systems is the Road Management System for Europe (ROMANSE) based at Town Quay, where the City`s traffic systems team manage a control room featuring a large number of CCTV screens with links to real time traffic cameras, as well as a network of traffic signals and information signs. The team also has access to a number of city centre, trunk road and motorway feeds from around the county.

Keeping congestion to a minimum has been achieved against a background of continued economic development in the City in recent years (including the opening of West Quay, St Mary`s Stadium and the commissioning of two new container berths at SCT).

"This assessment testifies to the work we have been doing to maintain traffic flow", said Councillor Jill Baston, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport. "Effective traffic management, together with continued investment and promotion of sustainable travel modes has helped achieve this result".

*Southampton`s nearest statistical neighbours are: Bristol, Calderdale, Coventry, Derby, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Nottingham, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Salford City, Sandwell, Sheffield, South Tyneside and Wolverhampton.

For more information on ROMANSE:
Web: www.southampton.romanse.org.uk.