Agenda item

(To receive a report by Paul Rusted, Head of Highways Services, which sets out the performance of the highways service including the Major Highway Schemes Update, Lincolnshire Highways Alliance Performance, and the Highways and Transport Complaints)

Consideration was given to a report on the performance of the Highways Service including the Major Highway Schemes Update, Lincolnshire Highways Alliance Performance and highways and transport complaints.

Members' and questions were as follows:-

·    The removal of a traffic priority sign in the Birchwood area of Lincoln had confused motorists and despite reporting its removal the sign had not been replaced causing confusion for motorists. Officers agreed to speak to the member about this matter after the meeting.

·    The removal of obstructions to road signs caused by the growth of vegetation had improved in Lincolnshire but was still a problem in other parts of the county.

·    It was noted that the Secretary of State had called-in the Planning Permission for section 5 of the Spalding Western Relief Road. Officers stated that they did not expect a response from the Secretary of State until Brexit had been resolved. Officers agreed to provide details to the Committee when the Secretary of State had called in the decision together with any other information reported back by the Secretary of State.

·    It was suggested that health and well-being improvements arising from a highways project should be considered. Officers stated that social value had been considered in the preparation of the new Highways 2020 Contract.

·    Durham County Council had got a fully integrated Park-and-Ride service in their transport system.

·    Traffic signal technology was innovative and members expressed an interest to see more information about this area. Officers stated that signal technology was constantly being improved and that it became an issue if it became obsolete.

·    What progress was being made to improve Langrick Bridge? Officers stated that they had prepared a feasibility study for repair work to the bridge but because of the timescales involved in submitting a bid for funding from the Government's Challenge Fund the matter was still being considered.

·    Reference was made to a poorly maintained road in the east of the county and the Executive Councillor was aware. Officers stated that road surveys were undertaken of all roads in Lincolnshire and agreed to discuss the issues raised with this particular road with the member after the meeting.

·    The performance of the current highways contract would need to be closely monitored in its last six months of operation. Officers explained that a lot of contractors used evidence from the previous contract when bidding for future work and that joint presentations had been made to contractors' staff to provide confidence during the changeover period.

·    Feedback was required on the maintenance of concrete roads in Louth and how this affected similar roads in North Hykeham. Officers stated that concrete roads in North Hykeham would be examined.

·  There was a need to improve communication for enquiries to "Fix My Street". The Executive Councillor stated that staff responding to "Fix My Street" required more training on the use of the application to ensure that improved information was given to the public.

·    There was a raised manhole cover in North Hykeman which was a trip hazard. Officers agreed to examine and report it to the responsible utility company.

·    The Executive Councillor suggested that information on the number of completed repairs in each Council electoral Division should be sent to Parish Councils.

·    The Chairman stated that the number of complaints in his Division had reduced considerably in recent years and requested that his appreciation should be sent to officers.

RESOLVED

That the report and comments made by members be noted and actioned accordingly.