Agenda item

(To receive a report and presentation from Senior Officers which provides the Committee with an introduction to the Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee and the services which are included in the Council's Commissioning Strategies for sustaining and developing prosperity through infrastructure)

The Committee received a presentation from the Chief Operating officer and the Infrastructure Commissioner which provided an introduction to the commissioning strategies for Highways and Transport.  Detailed information was provided on the following areas:

·         Organisational Structure

·         Commissioning Strategies

·         Scrutiny Input

·         GLLEP

·         The Midlands Engine/Midlands Connect

·         Grantham Southern Relief Road

·         King 31 Link Road

·         Lincoln East West Link

·         Lincoln Integrated Transport Strategy

·         Lincoln Eastern Bypass

·         Peppermint Junction: Holbeach

·         Western Growth Corridor Sustainable Urban Extensions

·         Highways Future Operating Model Objectives, Milestones and Outcomes,

·         Street Lighting

·         LCC integrated service approach to Flood Risk & Highways Development Management

·         Statutory Consultees in the Planning Process

·         Statutory Role

·         What we consider as a consultee – as Highway Authority

·         What we consider as a consultee – as lead local flood authority

·         Transport Services – Issues

·         Speed Management Policy – Work of Scrutiny Committee - A Case Study

·         Performance Reporting

Members of the Committee were provided with the opportunity to ask questions to the officers in relation to the information contained within the report and some of the points raised during discussion included the following:

·         In relation to the Western Growth Corridor it was queried when work would start as the contractor had pulled out, however, members were advised that these types of schemes were heavily dependent on the market as they were driven by private development.

·         Concerns were raised regarding access and egress for the 3200 houses which were planned as part of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan as there was already a lot of traffic.  It was confirmed that measures to address this were still in the plan.  However, Mark Welsh, Flood Risk and Development Manager, would be the most appropriate person to give an update on this.

·         Clarification regarding roles of officers in relation to highways and transport and growth was provided.

·         Concerns about safety were expressed regarding swales, particularly one on Tritton Road, as they could become attractive natural areas with wildlife, and it was queried how much consideration was given to these safety issues.  It was reported that there were currently complication with maintenance of SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems) and the debate was ongoing regarding those which were outside of the highway and who was responsible for them.  Any maintenance plan put in place would have to take safety into consideration.  There was a need for a delicate balance, as there were a lot of amenity areas which could have risk attached. It was noted that one option could be to fence the swales, however, members were advised that further information in relation to SUDS would come to this Committee in the future.

·         In relation to the Lincoln Eastern Bypass, it was noted that the previous Environmental Scrutiny Committee had received a very interesting presentation regarding the archaeology of the site, and it was queried whether this committee would be able to receive a similar update.  Members were advised that the presentation that was given at the previous committee could be circulated to this Committee for information.

·         It was queried whether updates would be received in relation to street lighting, and members were advised that officers were already committed to bringing the review of the project back to the Committee in April 2018.

·         It was confirmed that currently the Council did subsidise the pre-9.30am concessionary fares scheme for bus passes, but like all services, this would be for review under the next round of budget discussions.

·         It was noted that there had so far been 17,000 conversions of streetlights to LED, and it was queried whether this had been a targeted approach or whether they would all be converted.  Members were advised that initially, all the old sodium type of bulbs had been changed as there was a cost benefit.  Newer street lighting was fairly efficient, but would be converted as there was a need. 

·         It was queried what progress had been made in ensuring that statutory undertakers were working in conjunction with the authority.  Members were advised that a permit scheme had been introduced in October 2016 which gave the authority more powers.  The income received also meant that more inspectors could be employed.  It was noted that it was still early days, but an improvement was being seen.

·         In terms of connectivity with the Yorkshire and Anglian regions, it was noted that there were no formal systems in place, but the authority did have good relationships with its neighbouring highways authorities.  It was also commented that areas were starting to group together for transport schemes, and Lincolnshire was currently part of the Midlands Connect and Midlands Engine.

·         It was commented that at some point, possibly soon, the 'austerity brakes' would come off, and it was queried to what extent did the authority have plans for schemes 'on the shelf' and ready to go if there was an opportunity for funding for these schemes.  Members were advised that there were schemes ready for funding, but it was noted that there was actually a lot of capital around at the moment.  However, it was commented that maybe it was time to design some more.  Discussions had taken place with the portfolio holder and it was hoped to increase the advance design block.  It was noted that there was a need for revenue money to prepare these schemes.

·         Members were advised that the authority did bring in a lot of money through bids.  There was a need to think about where the authority wanted to be in 3 – 5 years.  There was a long list of schemes which highways would like to put in place, and some of those with the highest cost – benefit rating had been brought forward.  Officers would now be looking at medium term schemes.

·         In terms of street lighting, one member commented that in rural areas, very few people mentioned the switch off, but in was in towns, such as Sleaford, where people seemed to be most upset by it.  It was queried whether a different approach such as switching off every third light, rather than whole areas/streets could have been taken, as this has been a big issue for people.  Members were advised that if there was going to be lighting, then this needed to be at the right levels, and alternate approaches were considered.  It was noted that there were exemption to the policy, such as those areas with traffic calming measures.  Strategic roads were also lit all night, as well as those areas with a night time economy.  New housing developments were also now being switched off at midnight.

·         It was noted that there were still financial pressures on the Council, and a review of the Street Lighting project would be coming back to this Committee.

·         In relation to alternate lights being switched off instead of whole streets, one member commented that they had been told that if people's eyes were constantly adjusting from light to dark too often it could be dangerous.

In relation to points raised, it was commented that the archaeology presentation relating to the Lincoln eastern Bypass would be circulated, and it was also noted that the permit scheme annual report was also on the work programme as an item to be scheduled.

It was confirmed that members were able to share information received at this meeting with district colleagues if they wished as the Committee was open to the public.

RESOLVED

            That the presentation and comments raised be received.