Agenda item

The Panel had requested an update on new developments and efficiencies in highway maintenance which could benefit Worcestershire residents.  Representatives of Ringway, the Council’s Highways Maintenance Contractor, attended along with the Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways and Transport and Senior Officers from the Economy and Infrastructure Directorate.

The Panel received a presentation from the Divisional Director, Ringway.  In the course of the presentation and the ensuing discussion, the following main points were made:

·       Representatives of Ringway had previously attended a meeting of the Economy and Environment O&S Panel in January 2020.  The presentation covered action since then and followed up on information previously requested by the Panel.

·       The Panel had previously been informed that defective repairs would be redone at the contractor’s expense.  It was agreed that confirmation of how many repairs this had applied to would be provided after the meeting.

·       It was confirmed that all asphalt repairs were carried out using AC (Asphaltic Concrete) surface course (6mm or 10mm) which had a 99% success rate.  All repairs conformed to British Standard.

·       In response to a Member’s question, it was confirmed that a new JCB machine had been trialled in the County but, although it was a useful piece of equipment, it was not felt to be right for the conditions in Worcestershire.

·       Members were told about a footway workshop that had taken place in June 2022.  The Panel was told about the benefits of micro asphalt and Ringway’s ambition to move towards self-delivery rather than bringing in a supply chain partner.  With reference to Recofoam (a recycled binder course), Ringway now used very little virgin binder course leading to a large reduction in carbon footprint.

·       The Chairman asked for figures to show how much more warm asphalt had been used compared to hot asphalt over the past three years.  It was agreed that this data would be provided after the meeting.

·       It was also agreed that figures would be provided for the past three years showing the percentage of recycled material used to allow trends to be identified.

·       Members were briefed on the use of E-Tech, a machine which ensured that the correct temperature was maintained when using warm asphalt reducing the risk of a job failing.  This was ground-breaking technology and was currently being trialled in Worcestershire.

·       The pros and cons of the different materials available for highway maintenance were discussed as outlined in the agenda papers.

·       It was agreed that details of the Highways Maintenance Service Contract KPIs and associated data would be circulated to the Panel so that trends could be identified.  It was confirmed that there was no cash reward for meeting KPIs.  Instead, the contractor had the opportunity to earn contract extensions up to a total of 6 years.  Earning extensions as the contract progressed (rather than at the end) aided forward planning for both parties.  Members were informed that there were three ‘Gateway KPIs’ which had to be met before other KPIs would be looked at.  To date the contractor had been successful in achieving extensions and had recently been awarded a further extension year to extend the current contract end date to 30 September 2025.  The latest possible end date was 30 September 2026.

·       Members were reminded about the use of ‘Intelliframe’, a sign which amended its message according to the start and end point of the road closure permit.  It also sent a signal to update sat navs about road closures.  The Chairman suggested that this was a good news story and felt it would be useful to issue a joint media release to make residents aware.

·       He went on to suggest that communication with the public could also be improved by indicating on road closed signs the point at which the road was actually closed.  Currently, this was not always clear leading to members of the public making unnecessary diversions.  Anything that would improve communication with the public would be welcomed.

·       With reference to new efficiencies and developments in highway maintenance, the Panel was told about root cutting and pipe sleeving work that was being carried out by a third party.  It was agreed that warranty arrangements in relation to this work would be confirmed following the meeting.

·       Other efficiencies and developments included asset management data collection, the use of drones for inspection of structures and bridges, laser cutting of paving materials, the use of a pontoon for bridgeworks and a remote-controlled compaction plant.

·       Members were informed about the more extensive use of body cams by the Ringway workforce to provide greater protection.  An anti-abuse campaign had also been run and was supported by the County Council.  The Chairman informed the Panel about his recent very positive interactions with Ringway staff.

·       The importance of disseminating information to Councillors about planned works in their divisions in advance of works starting was highlighted.  Members were reminded about the weekly publication of ‘Highways on Fridays’ which listed planned works for the forthcoming week.  Further consideration was also being given to alternative methods of communication (such as WhatsApp) which would allow dynamic communication with Councillors.

·       A Member suggested that, although current information to Councillors was good, it would also be useful to hear about planned works in neighbouring divisions that might have a wider impact.

·       The Chairman recommended the use of OneNetwork which showed road closures across the County.  However, he suggested that it should be updated more regularly as it currently indicated a road closure for the full length of the permit even though the work may have already been completed.

·       The Panel was informed about the increased focus on the environmental impact of highways maintenance including the introduction of electric vehicles and the focus on reducing emissions.  The Panel requested further information on carbon reduction including future plans and net zero targets.

·       It was confirmed that Members should go through the correct channels with respect to specific highways maintenance concerns in their division.  All contact should be through the Highways Liaison Officer.

In summarising the discussion, the Chairman noted that highlighting innovation and improved efficiencies in highways maintenance was a good news story.  He went on to make the following points:

·       Better communication with the public via on-site signage and information on the County Council’s website should be a focus, allowing residents to ‘self-serve’ as far as possible.

·       Although ‘Highways on Fridays’ was useful, the service worked several months ahead and allowing Councillors access to longer-term plans should be considered (on the understanding that plans may change).

·       The Panel would welcome a further update in due course.