The Assistant Director for Planning, Transport and Public Protection presented the report alongside the Strategic Lead for Transportation Services, in doing so Members heard how the council’s transportation service would prioritise funding from the Department for Transport integrated transport block capital program, to enhance the transport infrastructure and service position within the borough.

Members heard the total of ITB capital program allocation for Thurrock for the current year amounted to £971,000. It was explained the program had the ability to deliver an extensive range of transport improvements which reflected the vision and aims as set out within the Councils Transport Strategy. The main aims were to tackle congestion, deliver accessibility, improve air quality all making Thurrock roads safer which were key elements within the transport strategy. Officers further explained the Department for Transport block allocation program also prioritised the alignment of the highway assets management strategy.

The Strategic Lead for Highways Infrastructure advised Members the Department for Transports annual statement provided the funds for the maintenance block allocation, the total of which was expected to be £193,800. It was advised this funding would assist to ensure ongoing improvements to the transport infrastructure and support ongoing improvements undertaken on the boroughs adopted highway network.

During the discussion Members enquired as to how local residents had been consulted and the feedback received. The Strategic Lead for Transport Services commented that officers had been in contact with the Chair and Vice-Chair of community forums to discuss the scheme proposals and seek feedback on any issues and concerns. He continued to explain the bus user groups and walking cycling network groups had also been consulted, as well as a separate page on council’s consultation web page. Councillor Kerin stated that ward councillors attended community forums and could help officers in receiving feedback from the consultation if needed.

The Committee were taken through the various allocated programs and projects with each one being explained and outlined. Councillor Gerrish enquired as to concerns raised by residents regarding HGVs on the road network and the impact they had on the road. He enquired what mitigation the Council had with regards to HGVs. It was explained the freight management strategy required amending and updating, the team were currently working on this as it would outline the priorities for freight management moving forwards.

RESOLVED:

Planning Transport and Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny provide comment on the report and the following Cabinet recommendations:

1.2       Endorse the ITB Capital Programme, policy and prioritisation direction for the DfT ITB Block funding under the key Policy areas of Road Safety Engineering, Safer Routes to School, Area Intervention Programme and EV charging programme.

1.3       Endorse the Highways Maintenance Block Allocation Programme (as detailed in Appendix 4) for 2021/22.

1.4       Support the process which delegates authority to the Director of Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, to review and make local changes to the ITB programme (and additional funding allocations that may arise) taking into account local views and priorities.

1.5       Delegate authority to the Director of Environment, Highways and Counter Fraud, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, to review and make local changes to the DfT Maintenance Block Allocation programme.

(The Committee agreed to suspend standing orders at 9.15pm to enable the rest of the items on the Agenda to be completed).