Issue - meetings

This report examines the most appropriate strategic approach to enable the programme of maintenance schemes to be prepared. The programme for 2007/08 is currently being prepared in line with procedures approved in the past but there is an opportunity to reflect the needs of other parts of the highway network asset, other than footway and carriageway surfaces, such as drainage, signs, road markings etc. The inclusion of schemes, to improve assets of this nature, can be incorporated in the full programme of work for 2007/08 and presented to Members in the Annual Highway Maintenance report, should the recommendation in this report be approved.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member for City Strategy be advised to:

(i)                 Approve Option 2 (To expand the existing arrangements to incorporate proposals for schemes to rehabilitate other aspects of the highway asset such as drainage, signs, road markings, street furniture, etc), for the assessment and preparation of highway maintenance works programmes for 2007/08 onwards;

(ii)               Request that Officers investigate ways to address areas of the city where there are high levels of customer concerns. 

Decision of the Executive Member for City Strategy

RESOLVED:             That the Advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:                  (i) To achieve the most appropriate balance of work for the whole highway asset;

                                    (ii) To respond to customer concerns.

Members considered a report which examined the most appropriate strategic approach to enable the programme of maintenance schemes to be prepared. The programme for 2007/08 is currently being prepared in line with procedures approved in the past but there is an opportunity to reflect the needs of other parts of the highway network asset, other than footway and carriageway surfaces, such as drainage, signs, road markings etc. The inclusion of schemes, to improve assets of this nature, could be incorporated in the full programme of work for 2007/08 and presented to Members in the Annual Highway Maintenance report, should the recommendation be approved.

The report presented two options:

(1)       To retain the existing approach to scheme identification focussing almost entirely on surfaces.

(2)       To expand the existing arrangements to incorporate proposals for schemes to rehabilitate other aspects of the highway asset such as drainage, signs, road markings, street furniture etc.

Members discussed the paving policy in conservation areas, the changes in Best Value Performance Indicators, and the approach to addressing areas where there were high levels of customer concern regarding highway maintenance. 

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member for City Strategy be advised to:

(i)                 Approve Option 2 (To expand the existing arrangements to incorporate proposals for schemes to rehabilitate other aspects of the highway asset such as drainage, signs, road markings, street furniture, etc), for the assessment and preparation of highway maintenance works programmes for 2007/08 onwards;

(ii)               Request that Officers investigate ways to address areas of the city where there are high levels of customer concerns. 

Decision of the Executive Member for City Strategy

RESOLVED:             That the Advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:                  (i) To achieve the most appropriate balance of work for the whole highway asset;

                                    (ii) To respond to customer concerns.