Agenda item

The Committee considered a report which provided an update on the proposed implementation of a functional hierarchy for highways infrastructure investment.  The hierarchy would support an overall Highway Asset Management Plan that prioritises highway infrastructure investment through a risk based approach in accordance with the new updated National Codes of Practice – “Well Managed Highway Infrastructure.”

The Committee noted that the highway network contained over 3,500 kilometres of carriageway which facilitated the safe movement of goods and people. With a reducing resource base and an increase in traffic, prioritising where resources are spent was important to assist the authority to minimise risk, meet its statutory obligations and use a reducing resource base effectively.

The report proposed to define a network hierarchy based on the function of the carriageway/section of carriageway as set out in table 1 of the report.

The report outlined that the introduction of a highways network hierarchy would underpin and improve the management, prioritisation and service levels for highway maintenance and infrastructure investment and would support the Council’s Key outcomes from the Corporate Strategy 2015 /2020.  In addition, the report identified that the network hierarchy would contribute towards the seven national goals of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 by developing new ways of working.

The following issues were discussed during consideration of the report:

It was commented, that Carmarthenshire had the 2^nd largest amount of kilometres of highway in Wales and in response to a query raised, the Head of Highways and Transportation confirmed that whilst the revenue settlement paid due consideration to the size of the network within the County, the revenue settlement had been reduced significantly over a number of years.   

Following a query on how the safety of roads in rural areas were prioritised, the Head of Highways and Transportation stated that as there was a finite budget the maintenance of rural roads was prioritised to ensure the highway was maintained in a safe condition..

It was asked if the Public Rights of Way budget formed part of the same budget as highways.  The Head of Highways and Transportation clarified that the budget for the Public Rights of Way was separate from highways. Furthermore, a review was currently underway with regard to Public Rights of Way where a similar prioritisation model in regard to maintenance and grant funding was being considered.

A query was raised in relation to the additional wear and tear of rural roads and bridges caused by forestry haulage vehicles.  The Highway Services Manager explained to the Committee and that a 3 year Memorandum of Understanding had recently been agreed and signed with the Forestry Commission and other local authorities to promote haulage routes in some forests which would minimise the impact of forestry haulage vehicles on minor local roads.

With regard to the Well Being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and the 5 ways of working, it was asked if the impact on climate change was considered as particularly when laying tarmac.  The Head of Highways and Transportation confirmed that climate change was taken into consideration with regard to work on planning highways and winter maintenance.  The Highway Services Manager explained to the Committee that tarmac had a life expectancy of around 20 years and that a heavy surface dressing programme was in place and that data from a number of driven computerised surveys would dictate a maintenance regime.

In relation to working collaboratively, it was asked how much work was undertaken with utility companies and was there any scope for improving integration. The Highway Services Manager informed the Committee that regular meetings currently took place with utility companies and that a forward work plan was shared to improve co-ordination.

It was asked if the Highways Network Hierarchy could include the protection of green lanes/tracks.  The Head of Highways and Transportation acknowledged there were challenges with regard to green lanes especially given the reduction in available resources, but would provide feedback to the Principal Engineer (Network and Asset Management).

RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE EXECUTIVE BOARD that subject to the consideration of its comments the Highways Network Hierarchy report be approved.