Approval of 2006 road improvement scheme

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A decision made (24.02.06) to approve the 2006 road improvement scheme programme and to note the 2007/8 programme.

Subject:	Approval of 2006 Road Improvement Schemes
Decision Reference:	MD-T-2006-0016	Exempt clause(s):		N/A
Type of Report (oral or written):	Written	Person Giving Report (if oral):		N/A
Telephone or e-mail Meeting?	N/A	Report File ref:		35/13/1
Written Report Title:	Approval of 2006 Road Improvement Schemes	Written report – Author:		Chris Sampson Director of Municipal Services
Decision(s): To approve the 2006 Road Improvement Scheme programme and to note the 2007/8 programme.
Reason(s) for decision: To enable 2006 road improvements to be progressed.
Action required: Officers to progress schemes such that all relevant 2006 schemes are completed by the end of the year.
Signature: (Minister/ Assistant Minister)			Date of Decision:

Approval of 2006 road improvement scheme

TRANSPORT AND TECHNICAL SERVICES

APPROVAL OF 2006 ROAD IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES

Purpose of the Report

The purpose of the report is to inform the Minister of the proposed programme of road improvement schemes for 2006, 2007, 2008 and to seek his approval to commence works on the 2006 programme.

Background

Road improvement schemes are conceived in a number of ways prior to being considered for inclusion in the programme of works by the Traffic Policy Section. Schemes are normally initiated as a result of one, or more, of the following reasons/actions:

· As a result of a high accident rate in the area.

· As a result of a new, or alterations to an existing, roadside development.

· To improve pedestrian safety.

· To improve road safety for all road users.

· To improve the general aesthetics of an area.

· To accommodate a changed or improved traffic flow.

If the scheme is considered appropriate, it is added to the potential list of projects for prioritisation and the scheme development/design is commenced. Political agreement is then sought to confirm the officer prioritisation of all the schemes and then, subject to funding being available, the schemes are commenced on site.

Discussion

All current road improvement schemes have been prioritised by officers into three lists included at Appendix A. The lists include schemes for completion in 2006, schemes for potential completion in 2007 and 2008 (all of which require land acquisition which is a lengthy process) and schemes which the department would like to investigate, but feel that they are unlikely to achieve.

The schemes included at Appendix A are at various stages of development and the majority require further detailed consideration prior to the works being implemented on site. A number of the schemes are at very early stages and further evaluation work is required which ultimately may determine that a particular scheme is not put forward for final implementation.

As part of the 2004 Fundamental Spending Review, the revenue monies allocated for road improvement schemes was cut from the department’s budgets which has severely limited the department’s ability to further schemes of this nature. However, the department recognises the importance of progressing this work and as such funding has been made available in Capital Vote CO303 to the value of £280k. These funds will enable 2006 and part of 2007/8 works to be progressed, but a new funding route will need to be found for the remaining works, if approved. Provision of funding for these works will be subject to a future prioritisation process.

Recommendation

The Minister is recommended to approve the 2006 Programme and note the 2007/8 Programme. Following further development work, the 2007/8 Programme will be brought back to the Minister for a final decision prior to any works commencing.

Reason(s) for Decision

To enable 2006 road improvement schemes to be progressed.

Action Required

Officers to progress schemes such that all relevant 2006 schemes are completed by the end of the year.

Written by:	Chris Sampson, Director of Municipal Services

Endorsed by:	Caroline Anderson, Director of Transport


Attachments:	Appendix A – List of proposed schemes

CS/hg/35/13/1

22 February 2006