Part 1
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REPORT OF THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF URBAN VISION
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TO THE LEAD MEMBER FOR PLANNING
TO THE LEAD MEMBER CUSTOMER AND SUPPORT SERVICES
ON 27th March 2006
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TITLE: HIGHWAY INVESTMENT WORKS PROGRAMME CONSULTATION
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RECOMMENDATIONS: That Lead Member note the content of this report and
authorise officers to prioritise the appended schemes into a five year programme
(taking cognisance of the principles mentioned below) and then consult with the
Community Committees on its content.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: One of the reasons that Urban Vision was originally
created was to reduce successful tripping claims in order to release funding for
highway improvements. This report gives details of those streets where it is believed
that the greatest impact on these variables can be made.
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BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS:
Improvements to Pavements and Carriageways Pilot Scheme – Westwood
Park/Walker Road Estates, Eccles. Cabinet report of Wednesday 29th September
2004.
Highway Infrastructure Investment – Initial Works. Report to The Lead Member
for Planning and The Lead Member Customer and Support Services Monday 4th
April 2005
Highway Investment Funded through Unsupported Borrowing - Report to The
Lead Member For Planning and The Lead Member Customer and Support Services
on 28th November 2005.
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ASSESSMENT OF RISK: The implementation of the works that will be funded
through these monies will contribute to reducing the cost of tripping accident claims
within the City of Salford. Additionally Best Value Performance Indicator (BVPI)
figures for footway and carriageway will be improved contributing to an overall
improvement in the CPA score. There is a risk that the reduction in the cost of
tripping claims is insufficient to fund the capital financing costs of the unsupported
borrowing. Through the implementation of a stronger inspection and claims handling
regime this risk will be minimised and through annual reviews of progress the risk will
be monitored.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING: Unsupported borrowing funded through reduced tripping
claims payouts on an invest to save basis.
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LEGAL IMPLICATIONS: Pauline Lewis.
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FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS; By the end of 2005/06 Investment Works in the region
of £5m have been undertaken against the approved amount of £22m to be funded
through unsupported borrowing. In the approved 2006/07 Capital Programme there is
an original approved amount of £4m for schemes to be undertaken.
COMMUNICATION IMPLICATIONS: Press releases will be required.
CLIENT IMPLICATIONS:
PROPERTY: N/A
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HUMAN RESOURCES: N/A
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CONTACT OFFICER: Steven Lee – 799 4871 – steven.lee@urbanvision.org.uk
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WARD(S) TO WHICH REPORT RELATE(S): All
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KEY COUNCIL POLICIES: Enhancing Life in Salford, Think Efficiency, Improving
the Environment
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1.0.
BACKGROUND:
1.1.
One of the reasons that Urban Vision was originally formed was to reduce
tripping claims and improve Salford’s highway BVPI’s. In order to achieve this
it has always been recognised that there would need to be substantial
investment in the highway condition, and in November 2005 a report was
brought before the Lead Member outlining the level of funding required.
1.2.
The purpose of this report is to inform the Lead Member of the draft
programme of works to be prioritised along with some precursors to that
prioritisation can take place. This will then enable a consultation exercise to
be carried out.
2.0.
CONSIDERATIONS TO EDUCATE THE PRIORITISATION PROCESS:
2.1.
Highway Condition
Lead Member will be aware that all footways and carriageways within Salford
are inspected at least twice a year. From these inspections actionable
defects are identified and the aim is to repair them within 28 days. Alongside
this process, however, a coarse visual assessment is made of the overall
condition of the carriageway which ranges from 1 – 4 (four being the worst). It
is therefore recommended that those highways identified as being in the
worse condition should form the basis of this programme. It should also be
noted, however, that some streets not yet included in this list may also fall into
the programme dependant upon their rate of deterioration or as the result of
further on going asset management survey work.
2.2.
Statutory Undertakers
The Highway Authority is not the only body authorised to excavate within the
highway boundary, the statutory undertakers (water, gas, electric, cable TV
etc etc) also have this power. Obviously, before determining overall priorities,
it would be useful to obtain as much information as possible about the utilities
intended programme of works. This information will then ensure that newly
constructed schemes remain undisturbed (for the longest length of time).
2.3.
Streetlighting
In some areas the current condition of the streetlighting is raising concerns. It
is therefore suggested that the relative priority of those streets where
streetlighting renewals are identified in conjunction with footway renewal
schemes should reflect the fact that as yet there may be no obvious funding
streams in place for streetlighting renewals.
2.4.
Other Works Programmes
As well as the highway investment programme, throughout Salford there are
many other regeneration works already taking place or being planned for the
future. In order to ensure that the City Council obtains maximum value for
money and also maximum funding opportunity it is essential that the
prioritisation be discussed with other relevant parties.
3.0.
BASIS OF THE 5 YEAR PROGRAMME:
3.1.
Detailed studies have now been carried out on the highway network within
Salford. From this those streets most in need of repair (class 3 / 4 from para
2.1 above) have now been identified. Details of these streets and the
suggested works are given at Appendices 1, 2 and 3.
4.0.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
4.1.
That Lead Member note the content of this report and authorise officers to
prioritise the appended schemes into a five year programme (taking
cognisance of the aforementioned principles) and to then consult with the
Community Committees on its content.
Bill Taylor
Managing Director Urban Vision