Agenda item

Report by Interim Director, Kent Highway Services)

(1)       Members had requested a written update for each meeting of the Board. This report in particular covered the excellent response to a colder than average winter. Other key areas covered included white lining, Parish Portal, Permits and Kent Traffic Officers.

(2)       Permit Scheme for Kent

            This subject was covered in detail in paragraph 7 below. However, excellent progress was reported with the likely introduction of a permit scheme in 2009 (subject to approval by the Secretary of State). This was a national first and reflected the excellent background undertaken by the Network Management team over a two year period. The progress reflected the County Council’s strategic aims to improve traffic flows and reduce congestion across Kent.

(3)       Winter Service

            Kent Highways Services was very pro-active in responding to the snow and ice emergency which gripped Kent and the UK during December, January and February. 50 salting runs were completed between October and January which would normally cover the whole winter period. In comparison, during 2007-08, only 30 runs were necessary. Kent was early to react to the emergency ensuring that adequate stocks of salt were maintained in the face of a national shortage. It was worth noting that some serious flooding issues were managed effectively after the snow emergency in February.

(4)       White Lining

White lining would be treated as a major priority in the first three months of 09/10 and all towns in Kent would receive a re-fresh of lines up to one km out of the town centre. A re-fresh of lines would also be undertaken where there was a high incidence of crashes. The opportunity would be taken to invite districts to request re-lining in relation to their parking responsibilities.

(5)       Kent Traffic Officers

            Good progress was reported on the establishment of Kent Traffic Officers (KTOs) who would be another key weapon in the fight against traffic congestion. Kent Police approved the County Council’s draft accreditation application on 23 December 2008. Publicity on the issue commenced on 15 February. A number of training sessions had been undertaken through Kent Police, particularly relating to the use of Police Powers.

(6)       Parish Portals

The Parish Portal was a key part of Kent Highway Services’ transformation initiative and was designed to offer a full range of highways services online. “My Kent Highways Online” will provide the public, parish representatives, District Councils and County Members with a number of 'online services' to make access to highways services more convenient.  Workshop-style seminars with parishes and county members took place on 20 and 27 February.

(7)       Staff Morale and Performance

Positive staff morale was growing and was reflected in improving standards of customer and Member care, evidenced by the comments received from staff on a regular basis and by improved performance.

(8)          Kent Highway Services was making positive progress both in its drive to become a more effective operational unit but also in terms of wider policy objectives such as congestion busting.

(9)          During a lively discussion, the Chairman intervened and advised Members that he would accept only questions or comments on the Interim Director’s report as circulated.  If any Member wished to raise more specific issues, the Chairman stated that he would consider these under any other business.  The Chairman advised further that any formal motion should be prepared in writing and submitted to the Democratic Services Officer before any discussion took place.

            (10)     The Board noted the progress being made.