Decision details

Proposed decision

To provide the Corporate Director for Growth, Environment and Transport with delegated authority to procure and enter into appropriate contractual arrangements for the provision of Rural Swathe, Visibility and Hedge Maintenance including any potential extension periods in accordance with the expectations set out in the report.

Background

The Council has a legal duty to keep roads and pavements clear of vegetation for safe passage of highway users. The main service areas comprise; rural grass cutting (swathe); visibility cutting at road junctions; maintenance of rural hedges owned by KCC and the managed maintenance of Conservation verges.  Due to the specialised nature of the works a standalone specialist contract is required.

It is anticipated that the service will be provided across eleven districts in Kent, with Folkestone and Hythe District providing the service on behalf of KCC through third party contracts. Dover District Council, who also currently undertake this service, have indicated that they would not like to continue beyond the end of this contract term. 

The proposed contract term is 5 years with the option to extend for a further 3 years. Any decision to extend the contract will be linked to performance and contract compliance.

To enable this delivery across the county the following lots are being sought:

•Lot 1 – Dartford, Gravesham, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge & Malling, and Tunbridge Wells

•Lot 2 – Maidstone and Ashford

•Lot 3 – Swale, Canterbury, Thanet and Dover

As Cabinet Member for  Highways and Transportation I agree to provide the Corporate Director for Growth, Environment and Transport with delegated authority to procure and enter into appropriate contractual arrangements for the provision of Rural Swathe, Visibility and Hedge Maintenance including any potential extension periods in accordance with the expectations set out in the report.