Agenda item

ES20348

A Member pointed out that the target with respect to Highways Maintenance had not been hit and indeed it was only 40% against a target of 90%. The Assistant Director for Highways responded that an improvement plan was in place and that matters were improving. Regular meetings had been taking place with Riney and they had been asked to improve their performance further. A Member enquired if Riney were currently paying low service damages. It was noted that these had been suspended last January, but would be re implemented in April this year.

It was noted that an improvement plan was also in place with respect to Glendale. A Member commented that there had been many references to an  improvement plan at many meetings, without much evidence of improvement actually taking place. She expressed the view that Glendale were struggling and was concerned that they would never get better. The Assistant Director, Environment (Carbon Management and Greenspace) commented that performance was now starting to recover due to various reasons including additional recruitment, a review of processes and changes in management. The recent storms had added to the difficulties in dealing with the backlog. Additional contractors would be brought in as required. A Member expressed concern about additional spend on contractors. The Director for Environment and Public Protection provided assurance that this expense was contained within the existing budget. It was further noted the KSIs were high; this was because there had been a higher than expected number of KSI incidences in May and June.

The Assistant Director (Traffic and Parking) pointed out that the Council needed to look at long term trends and long term data. He said that the KSI figures were half of what they were in early 2000, and were in fact the best in London. A Member highlighted the fact that the ‘Driven by Consequences’ program had only been held once a year, and she expressed the view that more of these schemes in schools were required. The Assistant Director for Traffic and Parking responded and said that it was intention of the Council to run more of these programs if possible, but that the Council had to build up relationships with schools in the borough.

It was asked if the additional work caused by the damage from recent storms would be within budget or would additional funding be required. The Director said that supplementary funding may be required as there were budgetary implications as a result of a succession of storms. It was asked that in view of the fact that storms were becoming more frequent, would it be helpful to bring services in house. The Director pointed out that to deal with fallen trees needed specialised equipment and trained staff, so it made sense to continue to use an organisation that had these resources readily available.

A Member referenced section 3.3 of the report which showed Riney’s projection and targets with respect to 10 day highway maintenance times and 35 day highways maintenance times. The former was currently projected to hit 23% target, (out of 90%) and the latter had a 90% target with a projection of 40%. The Member referred to these as ‘flashing’ red targets and wondered when the implementation plan would be implemented and take effect. The Assistant Director (Highways) responded that the number of outstanding jobs was reducing rapidly, and the date to come back on target was set at 1st of April. The Director for Environment and Public Protection said that he and other officers had spent a whole day recently, discussing issues with Riney and it was now the case that they had a much more stable workforce and were introducing innovative technology that would speed up pothole repairs. The Portfolio Holder for Transport, Highways and Road Safety added that Riney had now employed a Planner to plan the repair of potholes more efficiently. He also pointed out that LIP funding had been cut by 50%.

The Assistant Director for Traffic and Parking pointed out that the Council's Road Safety Officer was undertaking road safety and educational work twice a week in schools, (every week) and education was also being carried out with respect to E scooters and mopeds.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holders endorse the outcomes, aims and performance measures set out in the 2023/24 ECS Portfolio Plan.