Agenda item

To consider the development of the annual work programme.

The Committee considered a report, set out at Agenda pages 19 to 26, which provided an update on highways maintenance activity and the planned highway maintenance programme for the year ahead.

The programme would be delivered as part of the final year of the Wokingham Highways Alliance, the partnership between the Council, WSP Professional Services and Balfour Beatty Living Places (BBLP). The programme included:

·           highway safety inspections, reactive works and assurance checks;

·           the highway maintenance programme for 2018/19;

·           major highway projects to support the Strategic Development Locations (SDLs);

·           highways and transport communications initiatives;

·           improvements underway and proposals for new contracts from April 2019.

The report gave details of the implementation of the Council’s Highways Maintenance Management Plan 2013 and the adopted Highways Asset Management Policy and Strategy 2016. Effective asset management reduced the need for reactive works including patching and pothole filling which, in turn, delivered better value for money.

In relation to the SDLs the Council was progressing new distributor roads comprising the North and South Wokingham Distributor Roads, Winnersh Relief Road and Arborfield Cross Relief Road. Details of the construction programme for the relief roads would be circulated to local communities early in 2018.

The report gave details of new requirements from Central Government including self-assessments relating to asset management and service efficiency and a new code of practice on Well Maintained Highways.

The report also provided an update on communications initiatives aimed at more joined up working and better information flows for residents and Town and Parish Councils. The service had also carried out a Highways and Transport survey in November/December 2017.

Members were informed that Highways England had been invited to attend the meeting to provide an update on Smart Motorways. Unfortunately, it was not possible to send a representative due to other commitments. However, Highways England would be happy to provide a representative at a future meeting.

In the ensuing discussion Members raised the following points and questions:

·           How were schemes prioritised for inclusion in the Structural Maintenance Roads Programme and was it possible to share data on individual roads with Ward Members? It was confirmed that priorities were determined following a technical evaluation. Members queried whether the evaluation process included residential roads. It was confirmed that residential roads were included and that all roads were inspected annually.

·           (Note: it was subsequently reported that it was not currently possible to share data on the inspection of individual roads. However, the new Highways and Transport contract (April 2019) would include an improved IT solution which would include improved data and improved access for Members and residents.)

·           In relation to the 30,000 road gullies in the Borough, what checks were made to ensure that the contractor was carrying out the works effectively? It was confirmed that a new contractor had been appointed and that regular monitoring inspections were ongoing.

·           In relation to the challenges facing the Council, what were the implications of the projected uptake in electric vehicles? It was confirmed that infrastructure issues such as charging points in residential areas and public car parks were under consideration as demand was likely to increase.

·           Were the drainage risks relating to new roads and houses identified and mitigated? It was confirmed that the Council’ SuDS Strategy (Sustainable Drainage Systems) was approved by the Executive in 2017, following a public consultation exercise. The strategy sets out the long term vision for the use of sustainable drainagesystems in the Borough with a focus on managing flood risk and improving the water environment.

·           Bill Soane referred to a specific issue relating to a potential cycleway between Colemansmoor Road and Bader Way. Woodley Town Council had been offered a piece of land in the area but were not made aware of the fact that part of it could be included within the cycleway. There appeared to be a lack of joined up thinking. It was confirmed that Officers would investigate and provide a written response on this issue.

RESOLVED That:

1)     the report be noted;

2)     the Highway Maintenance Programme for 2018/19 be noted;

3)     the proposed improvement initiatives included in the 2018/19 programme be supported;

4)     Officers confirm the process for assessing roads for inclusion in the annual Structural Maintenance Roads Programme;

5)     Officers provide a written answer to Bill Soane on the issues relating to the potential cycleway in Woodley.