Proposed decision:
The endorsement and adoption of the updated Network Management Plan in accordance with The Traffic Management Act 2004.
Reason for the decision
- Under the Traffic Management Act 2004 Part Two, a highway authority must ensure the appointed Traffic Manager have provision to ensure the authority carries out it’s responsibilities in line with the Act. We must keep the arrangements under review and be able to provide a document outlining the council’s responsibilities in relation to our Network Management Duty. This is known as the Network Management Plan. The Plan is not intended to change any services or provide new proposals, the document outlines how KCC currently perform the Network Management Duty and how the fundamentals of the Traffic Management Act are embedded throughout Highways and Transportation.
Background – Provide brief additional context
- The Network Management Plan provides an insight into the functions being carried out by Highways and Transportation. It is not intended to be an all-encompassing document which details all responsibilities but provides a strong and clear overview into the general functions carried out by KCC Highways and Transportation.
Options (other options considered but discarded)
- Not applicable in this case as the Council is legally required to provide this document. The detail within the plan is obtained from other sources within the department which are readily available.
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How the proposed decision supports the Framing Kent's Future - Our Council Strategy 2022-2026
- The document aligns with many discussion points from Framing Kent’s Future given all of Highways and Transportation’s primary functions work alongside the strategy.
- ‘We will stand up for Kent nationally’ the document is a requirement under National legislation. Other councils continue to update and share their Network Management Plans which ensures our responsibilities are maintained in line with others.
- Our ‘Infrastructure First’ approach is supported within this document which outlines our role in ensuring development and local growth is considered alongside our transport network.
- ‘Infrastructure for communities’ is acknowledged and noted within the document throughout the roles our departments carry out.
- ‘Environmental step change’ is noted throughout the document, particularly the future innovations being carried out on electric vehicles both private and public transport.
How the proposed decision supports Securing Kent’s Future 2022 -2026: Securing Kents Future - Budget Recovery Strategy.pdf
- The Network Management Duty does not require any additional spend to implement. This is a document outlining the responsibilities already undertaken within the council. At its core, the document supports the objections by outlining the work currently being carried out to meet objectives.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Affects more than two Electoral Divisions;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)
Division affected: (All Division);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 17/12/2024
Decision due: Not before 15th Jan 2025 by Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport
Reason: To allow 28 day notice period required under Executive Decision regulations
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport
Lead director: Haroona Chughtai
Department: Growth, Environment & Transport
Contact: Remy Laporte Email: remy.laporte@kent.gov.uk Email: remy.laporte@kent.gov.uk.
Consultees
The proposal will be considered by the Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee on 14th January 2025
Financial implications: There are no financial implications which are required to be considered within this decision as the document has been written and finalised by officers with no additional spend.
Legal implications: The Traffic Management Act 2004 requires highway authorities prepared and publish a Network Management Plan which outlines how the authority adheres to its Network Management Duty. Through the approval of this Key Decision, KCC can ensure we are carrying out our responsibilities in line with national legislation. We have ensured the Act is considered throughout the document.
Equalities implications: Equalities implications An EqIA has been undertaken. Due to this being a document prepared online and will be displayed online, the assessment included a concern over ensuring the document complied with accessibility requirements. We have ensured this document follows all guidance available to KCC staff on formatting and have carried out accessibility checks on the documentation throughout. Where accessibility concerns were raised, these were addressed and corrected during the writing process. Initially we confirmed no photos would be used, we have since changed this on the title page but have ensured alternative text has been used for visually impaired users. As such, we have updated the EqIA to version two, which correctly records this change in process for use of photos and acknowledges how we will adhere to the requirements to ensure accessibility is prioritised where possible. Data Protection implications A DPIA screening was completed for this proposal. This