Agenda item

To receive and note a report that shows progress made against targets for Key Performance Indicators

Richard Fitzgerald (Business Intelligence Manager, Performance, Strategic Business Development & Intelligence) was in attendance for this item. 

1. Mr Fitzgerald introduced the report which provided an update on the progress of performance against the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) which were included within the Directorate Business Plan for 2018-2019. The latest Dashboard provided data up to January 2018. Mr Fitzgerald highlighted key areas within the Performance Dashboard and said that the KPI’s for Highways and Transportation were showing as green however the data within the report was collated prior to the winter event, the effects of this would be shown in the next report.

2. Members enquired about the delay in streetlight conversions and whether this was due to faulty cabling. Mr Wilkin (Director of Highways, Transportation and Waste) informed Members that there had been instances where conversions to LED lighting had been prolonged due to the significant technical difficulties in the electrical cabling underground which required input from UK Power Network. Mr Wilkins acknowledged that this sometimes resulted in lengthy delays however assurance was given that such cases remained relatively low. He advised Members that the response from the public had been positive.

3. In response to Members’ queries as to whether Kent County Council had experienced disputes with electrical companies regarding payment, Mr Wilkin said he was not aware of any particular disputes but invited Members to provide further detail outside of the meeting.

4. With regard to issues raised around potholes and highway maintenance, Mr Wilkin explained the following points:

(a)  The pothole metrics were those used to measure Amey’s performance under the Highway Term Maintenance Contract. If Amey failed to deliver the terms within the contract, Kent County Council could seek financial recompense. These measures were put in place before the Pothole Blitz which used a separate metrics system.

(b)  Mr Wilkin assured Members that an amalgamation of intelligence was used to identify potholes for repair.  The frequency of inspections was determined by the nature of the road and the risk. Mr Wilkin said that a majority of inspections were carried out during daytime hours however night regimes were in place to inspect the functionality of illuminated assets.  Mr Wilkin assured Members that a substantial part of activity and expenditure went into patching the roads rather than filling individual potholes. Repairs often started with immediate effect subject to approval from the Highways Team as budgetary control needed to be maintained. A pothole which was considered to be of immediate danger to the public aimed to be repaired within a two-hour timeframe.

(c)  The Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance Survey had identified that 24,500 miles of road throughout England and Wales required essential maintenance, of which 750 miles was within Kent. To carry out the extensive work required within the given 12-month period, this would require an additional £506 million. In Kent, the cost for this on a yearly basis would be an additional £32 million. Mr Wilkin informed Members that reduced funding from the Government meant long-term visions could not be met.

5. Members commended the work of the Highways Team and their rapid response.

6. RESOLVED that report be noted.