Agenda item

The Panel will consider a report setting out progress of the 2 Year Highways Capital Plan 2023/24 and 2024/25

Contacts:

Yvonne Atkinson, Highways Capital Programme Manager

The Panel considered a report setting out the progress of the 2 Year Highways Capital Plan 2023/24 and 2024/25.

Councillor Moses Crook, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Housing and Highways introduced the item and explained that the programme was essential as well-maintained highways were safer and led to a reduction in carbon emissions.  It was through this programme of work, that Kirklees kept the road network running smoothly despite challenges such as the impact of climate change (which increased damage to highways and drainage infrastructure), increased traffic and funding issues. The City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) which funded a large portion of the programme stipulated the promotion of active travel, public transport, and modal shift which in turn supported the Councils 2038 climate change ambitions. Highlights of the work undertaken included the street lighting programme - leading to a significant reduction in electric use over time, the LBUR programme, and the continuing maintenance of the PROW network. 

Chris Firth, Compliance and Performance Manager – Highways gave a presentation which gave an overview of the programme of works included in the Capital Plan for 2023/24 and 24/25, the funding allocations for 2023/24 and the next steps. It was also noted that:

·         The programmes of works and individual schemes included: Highways Maintenance, Structures, Street Lighting, Public Rights of Way (PRoW), Highways Drainage, Highways Safety and Network Management (UTMC).

·         Of the 4 key programme areas (Asset Management, Safer Roads, Network Management and Developer Contributions) had a total expenditure of just under £28mil of funding made up of grants and contributions.

·         In relation to Assets there was a need to continue to invest in countering natural and user derived deterioration, to allow these assets to meet the expectations of their users.

·         Governance arrangements to manage the Highways Capital Programme included:

o   The appointment of a Capital Works Programme Manager in 2023/24.

o   Monthly Highways Capital Programme Board meetings (chaired by the Head of Highways).

o   Monthly Capital Spend Monitoring spreadsheets, which included scheme progress and budget information.

o   Highways Capital Procedural Guide and Scheme Delivery Checklist to standardise the approach, with regular audits to ensure compliance.

o   Compliance with West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) Governance for financial claims and monitoring and evaluation of schemes funded via CRSTS.

•      The next steps included the:

o   Continued management of the delivery of the 2023/2024 schemes within the Capital Plan through regular monthly monitoring of programmes and budgets.

o   Developing a rolling 2-year Capital Plan using whole life planning and condition data to manage asset deterioration using a risk-based approach.

o   The accurate recording of asset data in order to understand what the Council owned and its condition.

o   A 2-year Highway Capital Plan 2024/25 and 2025/26 would be produced to be taken to Cabinet in June 2024.

o   Continued work with the WYCA to maximise funding available for Highway Maintenance to reduce the national backlog.

o   Working with West Yorkshire Colleagues to review and update the Highway Policy and Strategy

In the discussion to follow, questions and comments were invited from the Panel, with the following issues being covered:

·         In relation to the inspection frequency of adjoining roads, it was clarified that this was determined by a hierarchy system and the regularity of inspection could be between 3-6 months.

·         In relation to the governance arrangements, it was advised that work was being undertaken to streamline the process and feedback loop.

·         The commitment to good governance was welcomed by the Panel and highlighted as comprehensive, and the importance of robust processes to successful delivery was noted.

·         Gratitude was expressed to the Highways team for the work undertaken over the Christmas period during the inclement weather, and it was agreed that thanks be given to officers.

·         In relation to Speed Indicator Devices (SIDS), it was clarified that there could be room for minor alternations to the location of a SID and if residents or ward councillors had suggestions or questions, they should contact the service by email. In response to a request from a Panel member with regards to updates of future moves and planned locations it was agreed that the specific area be investigated.

·         In relation to deferred schemes, it was confirmed that these would be delivered in the next financial year.

·         In relation to hazardous potholes, it was noted that spot fixes degenerated quickly, and generated a longer-term cost. It was further advised that upon receiving report of a pothole there was a 28-day target date within which the hazard must be removed. It was not always practical to take out large areas of the highway, but when safety inspectors felt it was necessary a request for a larger repair would be put forward.

·         In relation to expired street lighting columns, the replacement would be brought in line with current standards which may also mean updating lanterns as well as the columns.

·         In response to a question around the potential impact changes to national policy and climate change targets may have on local schemes it was agreed for a discussion to be held with officers in the Councils Transportation team and for an update to be provided to the Panel thereafter.

·         In relation to Highways drainage, the importance of minimising flooding from blocked drains to mitigate the risk of further damage to the highways was noted. It was advised that due to the budget, a reactive approach to blocked drains was currently taken but a review of funding was to be undertaken with the ambition to re-introduce a limited amount of cyclic cleaning. It was also highlighted that the Council could only clear gullies on the public highway and that clearing blockages in private carrier drains relied on working closely with Yorkshire Water and Private Landowners. It was further agreed that the specific location where there were issues with blocked drains raised by the Co-optee be visited and investigated.

·         It was noted that the A636 Denby Dale Road in the report should be changed to Wakefield Road for clarity.

·         It was advised that the scheme listed from Blackmoorfoot Road to Dryclough Road was in development for the future years plan and proposals would be put forward as the scheme developed.

·         The emphasis of net zero and climate change objectives in the report was welcomed by the Panel.

·         It was requested that further opportunities for pre-decision scrutiny in respect of the Capital Plan be considered.

RESOLVED: The Panel noted the 2 Years Highways Capital Plan Update and it was recommend that:

1.    Thanks be given to Highways Officers for the work undertaken over the Christmas period during the inclement weather.

2.    That clarity around the location and future planned moves of Speed Indicator Devices (SIDS) be investigated provided to the Panel.  

3.    The Panel be provided with information about the potential impact the recent changes to national policy and climate change targets may have on local schemes following discussion with Transportation Officers.

4.    The issue of blocked drains in the specific location raised by Co-optee (Garry Kitchen) be investigated.

5.    The road name A636 Denby Dale Road be amended in the report to Wakefield Road for clarity.

6.    Further opportunities for pre-decision scrutiny in respect of the Capital Plan be considered.