Decision details

Reason for the decision

This decision is necessary to ensure continuity of an existing statutory duty to maintain assets on the public highway network.

The contract will cover an initial five-year period, with an optional further five years, and an annual value exceeding £1M.

Background – Provide brief additional context

This service manages a full maintenance provision for existing and new technology assets on the Kent Highway network, primarily traffic signals but also electronic message signs, CCTV and associated communications infrastructure, to include:
- Routine inspections of equipment to meet statutory duties
- Fault repairs due to wear and tear or third-party damage
- Temporary switch off traffic signals to allow third parties to undertake works
- Planned works to modify existing assets or renew life expired equipment
- Communications between on-street units and the Traffic Operations Centre
- Provision, operation and management of a fault reporting/monitoring platform
- Emergency call outs to make damaged equipment safe during out of hours

The Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) inventory of equipment comprises the following:
- 365 traffic signal-controlled junctions
- 417 traffic light controlled crossings (pelican, puffin, toucan, pegasus)
- 148 electronic roadside message signs (VMS)
- 236 electronic vehicle activated warning signs (VAS) 
- 191 highway monitoring CCTV cameras
- 1 over-height vehicle detection site

Options (other options considered but discarded)

Several options have been considered for the maintenance service, although traffic systems are fundamentally different from other assets and combining them with other contracts is not appropriate.

Consideration has been given but discounted for the delivery/pricing methodology, including:

- Cost reimbursable with open book (NEC Option E)
- Lump sum for routine and non-routine works (NEC Option A)
- Insourcing with a supply only contract for equipment

How the proposed decision supports the Framing Kent's Future - Our Council Strategy 2022-2026

This decision is consistent with the priorities approved in the strategic statement for the council ‘Framing Kent’s Future’, specifically supporting:

- Infrastructure for Communities by maintaining existing assets on the highway network for all road users, particularly vulnerable groups.

- Environmental Step Change by offering an opportunity to maintain the traffic system inventory in a more sustainable way, reduce environmental impacts and use more efficient technologies.

How the proposed decision supports Securing Kent’s Future 2022 -2026: Securing Kents Future - Budget Recovery Strategy.pdf

Traffic systems assets used to manage the highway network are of a very specialist and technical nature. As such the market for providing the required maintenance service is limited to three suppliers with the capability to deliver the contract. It is key to encourage all three to submit compliant bids to ensure a competitive procurement process and achieve best value

As Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, I agree to:

I.          DELEGATE authority to the Corporate Director of Growth, Environment and Transport to progress and complete a procurement process and enter into commercial contracts as necessary for the delivery of the service, subject to the approval of Strategic Commissioning.

II.         APPROVE KCC officers to specify, project manage and supervise the service to meet the needs of all road users.

III.        DELEGATE authority to the Corporate Director of Growth Environment & Transport in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, to take relevant actions, including but not limited to, awarding, finalising the terms of and entering into the relevant contracts or other legal agreements, as necessary, to implement the decision.