Issue - meetings

A new Code of Practice (referred to as the ‘Code’ in this document) for Highway Maintenance, Well Managed Highway Infrastructure, was released in October 2016 giving Local Authorities until October 2018 to adopt the code taking a risk based approach.  While we are satisfied that our policies align with the recommended risk-based approach, this report is brought to Cabinet to make some updated to existing policy documents that were identified as being beneficial during the review. This policy will update and improve our existing policies.

These policy changes are brought along with the updated Asset Strategy, which has been reviewed and updated 2 years after it was published in 2016 as recommended by the “Highway Infrastructure Asset Management Guidance” (HIAMG) document.

[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Highways & Growth Select Committee]

RESOLVED:

1.    That the following policies and strategy be approved:

a)    the Capital Scheme Prioritisation Policy.

b)    the Skid Resistance Policy.

c)    the Hierarchy Definition Policy.

d)    the Highway Safety Inspection Policy.

e)    the revised Highway Asset Management Strategy

2.    That delegated authority be given to the Cabinet Member for Highways to review and update Policies as set out in a) to e) in response to changes in legislation, guidance or practice in the future.

Reason for decision:

To ensure that these policy documents were updated to accurately and clearly explain to elected Members and the public how Surrey County Council Highways:

·         Prioritises its capital highway works,

·         Monitors and reviews skid resistance of the highway

·         Defines its network hierarchy

·         Undertakes Highway Safety Inspections, and

·         Manages its Highway Assets with consideration to risk and value for money.

[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Highways & Growth Select Committee]

The Cabinet Member for Highways introduced a report which detailed the updates to policies and strategies for Highways. He explained how prioritising road repairs had been modified to take account of evidence from officers and Members. Local Committee feedback had been taken into account that the policies now meant a more flexible approach and were fit for purpose.

A few Members mentioned the noticeable improvement in roads around Surrey and thanked the Highways Team.

RESOLVED:

1. That the following policies and strategy be approved:

a)    the Capital Scheme Prioritisation Policy;

b)    the Skid Resistance Policy;

c)    the Hierarchy Definition Policy;

d)    the Highway Safety Inspection Policy; and

e)    the revised Highway Asset Management Strategy

2. That delegated authority be given to the Cabinet Member for Highways to review and update Policies as set out in a) to e) in response to changes in legislation, guidance or practice in the future.

Reason for decision:

To ensure that these policy documents were updated to accurately and clearly explain to elected Members and the public how Surrey County Council Highways:

·         Prioritises its capital highway works,

·         Monitors and reviews skid resistance of the highway

·         Defines its network hierarchy

·         Undertakes Highway Safety Inspections, and

·         Manages its Highway Assets with consideration to risk and value for money.