Hampshire County Council wins national recognition for transport initiatives

Friday, 19 October 2012

Hampshire County Council has been named as the 'Transport County of the Year' at the National Transport Awards.

Shining a spotlight on transport projects with tangible results

The prestigous awards ceremony, supported by the Department for Transport and Passenger Focus, was opened with a welcome speech from Patrick McLoughlin MP, Secretary of State for Transport. The aim of the awards is to 'shine a spotlight on the success that has been achieved on local transport projects that have produced tangible results improving the experience for their transport users'.

Strong and successful partnerships developed

The award recognises Hampshire County Council has developed strong and successful partnerships with other local authorities, the Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEP's) and private sector transport operators to achieve a transport infrastructure upon which Hampshire can prosper. The County Council is working with these partners to deliver transport initiatives and behaviour change campaigns.

Councillor Mel Kendal, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Environment and Transport at Hampshire County Council, said:

"Roads and railways are the arteries on which Hampshire's economy and prosperity depends. For businesses and communities to prosper and flourish, a well-connected network with reliable journey times is essential. Hampshire County Council is committed to ensuring Hampshire's key network resource - its highway network - is fit for the demands of the 21st century. Wherever possible we are working to improve local travel options, so that public transport, walking and cycling, on their own or in combination, can provide viable, cost effective alternatives to the car. I am delighted that our work, and the achievements gained from forging strong and successful partnerships to deliver transport initiatives has been given this national recognition.

"Evidence of the successful way in which we work with many partners can be seen through Transport for South Hampshire. By working together as TfSH we, with the councils for Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight, can provide a more powerful and effective strategic force in improving transport in the area.

"We have good connections with bus operators, which has enabled us to secure funding for improvements from sources such as the Better Bus Area Fund, and we have been working with the National Park Authorities to bring in funding that will allow us to implement initiatives that will reduce the impact of traffic in the New Forest and South Downs National Park. We also work closely with the LEP's to improve transport in the area, secure funding for infrastructure and stimulate economic development."

Shortlisted for Frontline Employee of the Year

As well as the overall Transport County award, the dedication of one of Hampshire County Council's school crossing patrol officers, Sylvia Rosewarn, was recognised by the judges who awarded her 'Highly Recommended' in the Frontline Employee of the Year category. Sylvia began working as a school crossing patrol officer at Orchard Lea Infant School in Fareham in 1977, when her daughter started primary school. Thirty-five years later, Sylvia continues to play a pivotal role in the community and as well as carrying out her school crossing patrol duties, regularly attends school assembles to promote road safety awareness.

• Roads and Transport in Hampshire

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