Agenda Document Pack - Ayrshire Shared Services Committee - 05/09/2025
North Ayrshire Council · 5 September 2025
Back to Ayrshire Shared Services Committee — 5 September 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE Ayrshire Shared Services Committee A Meeting of the Ayrshire Shared Services Committee of North Ayrshire Council will be held in the Council Chambers, Ground Floor, Cunninghame House, Irvine, KA12 8EE on Friday, 05 September 2025 at 10:00 to consider the undernoted business. Meeting Arrangements - Hybrid Meetings This meeting will be held on a predominantly physical basis but with provision, by prior notification, for remote attendance by Elected Members in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 2003. Where possible, the meeting will be live-streamed and available to view at https://north-ayrshire.public- i.tv/core/portal/home. 1 Declarations of Interest Members are requested to give notice of any declarations of interest in respect of items of business on the Agenda. 2 Revenue Financial Monitoring Report Submit report by the Chief Financial Officer and Head of Finance and ICT on the revenue budget monitoring position for the year to 31 March 2025, for the Ayrshire Roads Alliance and the budget for 2025-26 (copy enclosed). 3 Internal Audit Annual Update Submit report by the Chief Auditor – East Ayrshire Council on the internal audit work for the Ayrshire Roads Alliance (copy enclosed). 4 Performance Scorecard Submit report by the Head of Ayrshire Roads Alliance on the progress made to date against the Performance Scorecard (copy enclosed). 1
Page 2
North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE 5 Risk Report & Register Submit report by the Head of Ayrshire Roads Alliance on the management of risk associated with the Ayrshire Roads Alliance (copy enclosed). 6 Roadworks Programme 2025/2026 Submit report by the Head of Ayrshire Roads Alliance on the progress of work through the roads improvement programmes within East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire for financial year 2025 to 2026 (copy enclosed). 7 Improvement Action Plan Submit report by the Head of Ayrshire Roads Alliance on the management of the Improvement Action Plan by the Ayrshire Roads Alliance (copy enclosed). 8 Winter Service Review Progress Submit report by the Head of Ayrshire Roads Alliance on the review of the winter service (copy enclosed). 9 Asset Management Plan Update Submit report by the Head of Ayrshire Roads Alliance on the updated Asset Management Plan for the road networks of East and South Ayrshire (copy enclosed). 10 Urgent Items Any other items which the Chair considers to be urgent. 2
Page 3
North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE Webcasting Please note: this meeting may be filmed/recorded/live-streamed to the Council's internet site and available to view at https://north-ayrshire.public- i.tv/core/portal/home, where it will be capable of repeated viewing. At the start of the meeting, the Provost/Chair will confirm if all or part of the meeting is being filmed/recorded/live-streamed. You should be aware that the Council is a Data Controller under the Data Protection Act 2018. Data collected during the webcast will be retained in accordance with the Council’s published policy, including, but not limited to, for the purpose of keeping historical records and making those records available via the Council’s internet site. Generally, the press and public will not be filmed. However, by entering the Council Chambers and using the press or public seating area, you acknowledge that you may be filmed and that any information pertaining to you contained in the video and oral recording of the meeting will be used for webcasting or training purposes and for the purpose of keeping historical records and making those records available to the public. In making this use of your information the Council is processing data which is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest. If you have any queries regarding this and, in particular, if you believe that use and/or storage of any particular information would cause, or be likely to cause, substantial damage or distress to any individual, please contact dataprotectionofficer@north-ayrshire.gov.uk 3
Page 4
North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE Ayrshire Shared Services Committee Sederunt North Ayrshire Council Marie Burns Joe Cullinane Scott Davidson Cameron Inglis East Ayrshire Council Barry Douglas Jim McMahon Douglas Reid Neill Watts South Ayrshire Council Alec Clark Martin Kilbride Craig Mackay Philip Saxton Chair: Apologies: Attending: 4
Page 5
Official THE AYRSHIRE SHARED SERVICES JOINT COMMITTEE - 5 SEPTEMBER 2025 Report by Chief Financial Officer & Head of Finance & ICT AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE REVENUE FINANCIAL MONITORING REPORT Purpose of report 1. The purpose of this Report is to update the Joint Committee on the revenue budget monitoring position for the year to 31 March 2025, for the Ayrshire Roads Alliance and the budget for 2025-26. Recommendations 2. It is recommended that the Joint Committee (i) Note the financial management position of the Ayrshire Roads Alliance for 2024-25. (ii) Notes details of the 2025-26 Ayrshire Roads Alliance revenue budget (iii) Requests a further financial update at the next meeting of the Joint Committee. (iv) Otherwise, notes the content of this report Background 3. The Joint Committee approved a Report on 23 May 2014 describing the budget monitoring arrangements for the Ayrshire Roads Alliance. 4. As part of the Detailed Business Case the service budget is split between strategic service delivery and local service delivery. This separates out the core/recurring costs of service delivery from the local service costs at a single Council level. This ensures that decisions on the level of local spend remain with local Members and ensures that the local Members retain control of their local roads budgets. Appendix 1 provides a breakdown of this split. 5. At its meeting of 19th February 2016, Committee agreed a change to how Strategic Service Delivery would be allocated between the two Councils. A smaller group of core Strategic Delivery staff have been identified and their costs continue to be split equally. The remaining Strategic Delivery costs would be apportioned in line with Local Delivery budget inputs plus actual capital expenditure in-year. Agenda Item 2 5
Page 6
Official Budget Monitoring Position 6. The overall outturn for 2024-25 is £1.209m greater than budget. 7. Strategic Delivery out-turn is £0.211m less than budget. Strategic Service Delivery Combined (£m) Initial Budget 3.411 Probable Outturn 3.200 Probable Variance (0.211) 8. East Ayrshire Local Delivery out-turn is £0.551m greater than budget and South Ayrshire Local Delivery £0.869m greater than budget. 9. Summary information is provided in the table below. A full budget monitoring statement, including reasons for major variances is attached at Appendix 2. Service Division Annual Estimate 2024/25 £m Projected Actual to 31/3/25 £m Variance (Favourable) / Adverse £m STRATEGIC DELIVERY 3.411 3.200 (0.211) LOCAL DELIVERY - EAST AYRSHIRE 5.699 6.250 0.551 LOCAL DELIVERY - SOUTH AYRSHIRE 4.221 5.090 0.869 TOTAL 13.331 14.540 1.209 10. The position for each Council is shown below: EAC (£m) SAC (£m) TOTAL (£m) Strategic Delivery (0.222) 0.011 (0.211) Local Delivery 0.551 0.869 1.420 2024-25 Variance 0.329 0.880 1.209 11. To address the financial position, interventions have been put in place across ARA to apply financial restraint. These interventions will be challenging and will require an increased level of financial control and monitoring to ensure that their implementation has the desired impact. It is proposed that going forward and until further notice: • A freeze is placed on the filling of all non-essential vacancies; • An increased level of authorisation by Head of ARA is put in place for all orders and expenditure above a specific level; • Head of ARA is required to undertake detailed monthly monitoring of 6
Page 7
Official expenditure to ensure robust review of essential spend. • All contracts currently being tendered or appraised are to be reconsidered by Head of ARA regarding continued need and availability of resources. Progress will be reported to future meetings of Joint Committee. Timber Transport 12. At the meeting of the Joint Committee on 23rd June 2017, further information was requested in relation to timber transport funding. The undernoted table provides an analysis of relevant project and Timber Transport contributions for 2024-25. 2024-25 Actual to 31/3/23 (£m) South Ayrshire Expenditure on Projects 0.338 Timber Transport Contribution 0.159 BUDGET REALIGNMENT 13. In June 2017 South Ayrshire Council Internal Audit issued a report – “Ayrshire Roads Alliance: Review of South Ayrshire Council Monitoring Procedures”. 14. The report contains a recommendation “Executive Director (Economy, Neighbourhood and Environment) to request ARA management to present a budget statement showing any adjustments made between subjective budget headings to the ASSJC for information”. 15. This relates to the setting of 2025-26 ARA budgets. The budget is created by adding inflation and savings targets to a base budget (the base budget being the 2024-25 budget). The budget is then discussed with ARA management who have the opportunity to move funds based on the anticipated spend in the forthcoming year. In order to facilitate this exercise ARA management also considered 2024-25 outturn figures. No changes were made to Strategic, Local Delivery – East or Local Delivery – South net expenditure budget allocations. 7
Page 8
Official 16. An analysis of budget movement between 2024-25 and 2025-26 budget allocations along with an explanation of those movements is provided at Appendix 3. Implications 17. Implications Yes No Paragraph number in the report 1. Policy/Strategic Planning Yes 18 2. Governance Yes 19 3. Human Resources Yes 20 4. Equality and Fairer Scotland Duty No 5. Financial Yes 21 6. Risk Yes 22 7. Community Wealth Building No 8. Net Zero No Policy/strategic planning implications 18. The work undertaken by the Ayrshire Roads Alliance aligns with the Community Plan for East Ayrshire Council and the Council Plan for South Ayrshire Council. Governance implications 19. The work of the Ayrshire Roads Alliance is undertaken in accordance with relevant legislation. Human resources implications 20. The establishment of the Ayrshire Roads Alliance is dependent on the available budget. Available budget and human resource requirements will be reviewed as part of budget monitoring. Financial implications 21. The available revenue budget for the Ayrshire Roads Alliance for 2024-25 was £13.331m. The baseline budget for 2025-26 is £12.930m. The budget will continue to be monitored and reported to the Joint Committee. Risk implications 22. Appropriate financial monitoring arrangements are in place to mitigate risk. This is included in the Ayrshire Roads Alliance Risk Register. Regular meetings are held between relevant finance staff and the Ayrshire Roads Alliance. 8
Page 9
Official Appendices (if applicable) Appendix One - Split between Strategic and Local Service Delivery Appendix Two - Financial Monitoring Report Appendix Three – Analysis of Movements in Budgets 2024-25 to 2025-26 Background papers None Person to contact Jane Corrie, Head of Roads - Ayrshire Roads Alliance Tel No: 01563 503164 E-mail: jane.corrie@ayrshireroadsalliance.org Implementation Officer Jane Corrie, Head of Roads - Ayrshire Roads Alliance Tel No: 01563 503164 E-mail: jane.corrie@ayrshireroadsalliance.org 9
Page 10
CLASSIFICATION: PUBLIC Appendix 1 – Split Between Strategic and Local Service Delivery Strategic Service Delivery Local Service Delivery Transportation, Development Control and Road Safety Local Transport Strategy; Transportation Policy; Road Safety Plan; Travel Planning, Cycling Strategy; Planning Applications; Road Construction Consents; Development Planning; Council/Partner Liaison; Section 75 Agreements; Road Safety Schemes; Road Safety Audits; School Travel Plans; School Crossing Patrol; Road Safety Education. Transportation, Development Control and Road Safety Maintenance of Bus Shelters; Split Cycle Offset Optimisation Technique (SCOOT) systems (an adaptive control system for controlled road crossings); Development Control; Bus Shelter Advertising; Shopmobility; Construction of Road Safety Schemes. Asset, Traffic and Parking Asset Management Plan; Roads Improvement Plan; Infrastructure Surveys; Inventory Management; Scottish Roadworks Register; Issue of Permits; Performance Monitoring; Accident Investigation and Prevention; Traffic Orders; Traffic Counts; and Parking Strategy. Asset, Traffic and Parking Maintenance of Traffic Signals, Traffic Signs; Car Park Maintenance and Parking Enforcement. Design and Environment Flood Risk Management Strategy; Flood Risk Management Plans; Watercourses; Flood Mitigation; Coastal Protection; Inspection of Piers & Harbours; Bridge Inspections and Maintenance; Structural Assessments; Technical Approval; Abnormal Load Routing; and Design of Major and Minor Road Schemes and Improvements. Design and Environment Maintenance of Watercourses, Bridges, Retaining Walls, Piers and Harbours. Operations Carriageway Inspections; Winter Service Planning; Programming of Proactive, Reactive and Cyclic Maintenance; Street Lighting Design and Management; and Festive Lighting. Operations Proactive, Reactive, Cyclic Maintenance of Roads and Footways; Winter and Weather Emergency Service; Proactive and Reactive Maintenance of Streetlights; Electricity costs for streetlights. Support Services HR, Finance, ICT, and Administrative Support. 10
Page 11
APPENDIX 2 AYRSHIRE SHARED SERVICES JOINT COMMITTEE 2025 2024/25 GENERAL SERVICES REVENUE BUDGET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 – PERIOD 12 AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE SUMMARY CLASSIFICATION: OFFICIAL-PROTECT SERVICE SUMMARY - OVERVIEW POSITION The outturn for Ayrshire Roads Alliance at 31st March 2025 was £1.209m greater than budget. Actual Expenditure as at P12 £m Actual Expenditure as % of Ann. Est. £m Service Division Annual Estimate 2024/25 £m Actual to 31/3/25 £m Variance (Favourable) / Adverse £m 3.200 93.8% STRATEGIC DELIVERY 3.411 3.200 (0.211) 6.250 109.7% LOCAL DELIVERY - EAST AYRSHIRE 5.699 6.250 0.551 5.090 120.6% LOCAL DELIVERY - SOUTH AYRSHIRE 4.221 5.090 0.869 14.540 109.1% TOTAL 13.331 14.540 1.209 EARMARKED FUNDS TO BE CARRIED FORWARD 14.540 109.1% TOTAL INCLUDING EARMARKED FUNDS 13.331 14.540 1.209 STRATEGIC DELIVERY This variance reflects a number of employee vacancies and turnover within the service (£0.217m), a budget for unfunded superannuation costs within ARA – South which will not be required (£0.100m) and employee recharges (£0.103m), along with a saving on insurance costs (£0.086m). This is partly offset by a shortfall in income (£0.259m) LOCAL DELIVERY – EAST AYRSHIRE This variance mainly reflects shortfalls in income particularly in roads maintenance (£0.564m), capital fees (£0.217m) and parking (£0.152m), along with winter maintenance costs (£0.249m), overtime (£0.060m) and additional sub-contractor costs (£0.046m). This is partly offset by vacancies, particularly within Roads Maintenance (£0.602m) and employee recharges in respect of cross boundary working (£0.139m). LOCAL DELIVERY – SOUTH AYRSHIRE This variance mainly reflects shortfalls in parking income (£0.440m) and pier dues (£0.043m) along with street lighting electricity (£0.377m), subcontractors (£0.746m), additional overtime costs (£0.125m), cross boundary working (£0.134m) This is partly offset by vacancies/turnover (£0.339m), and roads maintenance income (£0.507m). 11
Page 12
APPENDIX 2 AYRSHIRE SHARED SERVICES JOINT COMMITTEE 2025 2024/25 GENERAL SERVICES REVENUE BUDGET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 – PERIOD 12 AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE SUMMARY CLASSIFICATION: OFFICIAL-PROTECT STRATEGIC DELIVERY Actual Expenditure as at P12 £m Actual Expenditure as % of Ann. Est. £m Service Division Annual Estimate 2024/25 £m Actual to 31/3/25 £m Variance (Favourable) / Adverse £m 3.208 88.1% EMPLOYEE COSTS 3.643 3.208 (0.435) 0.045 80.4% PREMISES COSTS 0.056 0.045 (0.011) 0.058 223.1% TRANSPORT COSTS 0.026 0.058 0.032 0.688 91.9% SUPPLIES & SERVICES 0.749 0.688 (0.061) 0.000 0.0% THIRD PARTY PAYMENTS 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.005 0.0% DEBT CHARGES 0.000 0.005 0.005 4.004 89.5% TOTAL EXPENDITURE 4.474 4.004 (0.470) (0.804) 75.6% INCOME (1.063) (0.804) 0.259 3.200 93.8% NET EXPENDITURE 3.411 3.200 (0.211) EARMARKED FUNDS TO BE CARRIED FORWARD 3.200 93.8% TOTAL INCLUDING EARMARKED FUNDS 3.411 3.200 (0.211) 12
Page 13
APPENDIX 2 AYRSHIRE SHARED SERVICES JOINT COMMITTEE 2025 2024/25 GENERAL SERVICES REVENUE BUDGET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 – PERIOD 12 AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE SUMMARY CLASSIFICATION: OFFICIAL-PROTECT Projected Variance at 31 March 2025 (£m) Strategic Delivery (0.435) (0.011) 0.032 (0.061) 0.259 0.005 Employee Costs This variance reflects vacant posts and turnover (£0.217m), a budget for severance costs within ARA – South which will not be required (£0.100m), employee recharges, mainly to local-delivery and capital programme (£0.103m) and a saving on training costs (£0.019m). Premises Costs This variance mainly reflects reduced non-domestic rates charges. Transport Costs This variance mainly reflects additional vehicle and plant hires (£0.012m), vehicle repairs (£0.008) along with additional expenditure on fuel and EV charging (£0.009m). Supplies & Services This variance reflects a saving on insurance premiums (£0.086m) mainly in relation to ARA-South, along with reduced expenditure on EV charging costs (£0.018m) and a reduction in road safety training materials (£0.009m). This is partly offset by computer related expenditure (£0.037m) and subscriptions (£0.012m). Income This variance mainly reflects a shortfall in fee income (£0.157m) reflecting reduced expenditure on Capital Programme and reduced income from permits and notices (£0.009m), along with inspection fees, penalty notices, temporary traffic regulation orders and temporary road closures (£0.092m), mainly as a result of an increased income target which wasn’t achieved. Other Variances This represents other non-material variances within Strategic Delivery. (0.211) Total reported variance 13
Page 14
APPENDIX 2 AYRSHIRE SHARED SERVICES JOINT COMMITTEE 2025 2024/25 GENERAL SERVICES REVENUE BUDGET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 – PERIOD 12 AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE SUMMARY CLASSIFICATION: OFFICIAL-PROTECT LOCAL DELIVERY – EAST AYRSHIRE Actual Expenditure as at P12 £m Actual Expenditure as % of Ann. Est. £m Detail Annual Estimate 2024/25 £m Actual to 31/3/25 £m Variance (Favourable) / Adverse £m 2.636 77.7% EMPLOYEE COSTS 3.392 2.636 (0.756) 0.277 98.2% PREMISES COSTS 0.282 0.277 (0.005) 1.001 100.9% TRANSPORT COSTS 0.992 1.001 0.009 3.860 133.3% SUPPLIES & SERVICES 2.896 3.860 0.964 1.702 102.8% THIRD PARTY PAYMENTS 1.656 1.702 0.046 0.338 105.3% DEBT CHARGES 0.321 0.338 0.017 9.814 102.9% TOTAL EXPENDITURE 9.539 9.814 0.275 (3.564) 92.8% INCOME (3.840) (3.564) 0.276 6.250 109.7% NET EXPENDITURE 5.699 6.250 0.551 EARMARKED FUNDS TO BE CARRIED FORWARD 6.250 109.7% TOTAL INCLUDING EARMARKED FUNDS 5.699 6.250 0.551 14
Page 15
APPENDIX 2 AYRSHIRE SHARED SERVICES JOINT COMMITTEE 2025 2024/25 GENERAL SERVICES REVENUE BUDGET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 – PERIOD 12 AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE SUMMARY CLASSIFICATION: OFFICIAL-PROTECT Projected Variance at 31 March 2025 (£m) Local Delivery - East Ayrshire (0.756) 0.964 0.046 0.017 0.276 0.004 Employee Costs This variance represents vacant posts and turnover (£0.602m), particularly within Roads Maintenance Unit, modern apprentices (£0.089m), employee recharges in respect of cross boundary working (£0.139m). This is partly offset by additional overtime (£0.060m) and standby (£0.024m). Supplies & Services This variance mainly reflects additional expenditure on EV electricity (£0.507m) which is rechargeable to users, winter maintenance materials (£0.249m) and security at Kilmarnock Bus Station (£0.163m) a portion of which is rechargeable, along with additional computing expenditure (£0.036m). Third Party Payments This variance reflects additional sub-contractor costs within Roads Maintenance (£0.022m) and Street Lighting (£0.056m). This is partly offset by a saving on car park (£0.022m) costs. Debt Charges This variance reflects higher debt charges for LED replacement projects (£0.053m) offset by lower vehicle debt charges (£0.036m) Income This variance reflects shortfalls in roads maintenance (£0.564m), reduced income due to slippage in capital programme (£0.217m) and an under recovery of parking (£0.152m) income. This is partly offset by EV charging income (£0.410m) and rechargeable income (£0.224m) within design and traffic. Other Variances This represents other non-material variances within Local Delivery 0.551 Total reported variance 15
Page 16
APPENDIX 2 AYRSHIRE SHARED SERVICES JOINT COMMITTEE 2025 2024/25 GENERAL SERVICES REVENUE BUDGET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 – PERIOD 12 AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE SUMMARY CLASSIFICATION: OFFICIAL-PROTECT LOCAL DELIVERY – SOUTH AYRSHIRE Actual Expenditure as at P12 £m Actual Expenditure as % of Ann. Est. £m Service Division Annual Estimate 2024/25 £m Actual to 31/3/25 £m Variance (Favourable) / Adverse £m 2.480 96.5% EMPLOYEE COSTS 2.570 2.480 (0.090) 0.302 146.6% PREMISES COSTS 0.206 0.302 0.096 1.241 111.1% TRANSPORT COSTS 1.117 1.241 0.124 2.676 127.9% SUPPLIES & SERVICES 2.093 2.676 0.583 1.947 162.1% THIRD PARTY PAYMENTS 1.201 1.947 0.746 0.206 96.7% DEBT CHARGES 0.213 0.206 (0.007) 8.852 42.5% TOTAL EXPENDITURE 7.400 8.852 1.452 (3.762) 118.3% INCOME (3.179) (3.762) (0.583) 5.090 120.6% NET EXPENDITURE 4.221 5.090 0.869 EARMARKED FUNDS TO BE CARRIED FORWARD 5.090 120.6% TOTAL INCLUDING EARMARKED FUNDS 4.221 5.090 0.869 16
Page 17
Official# Appendix 3 Ayrshire Roads Alliance Analysis of Movements in Budgets 2024-25 to 2025-26 Strategic Delivery Detail Annual Estimate 2024/25 £m Annual Estimate 2025/26 £m Movement 2024-25 to 2025-26 Explanation of Movement EMPLOYEE COSTS 3.577 3.713 0.136 Movement mainly reflects payroll inflation, including the impact of additional National Insurance contributions (£0.183m). This is partly offset by a budget realignment based on 2024-25 outturn and discussion with the service (£0.047m). PREMISES COSTS 0.042 0.030 (0.012) Movement mainly reflects a budget realignment based on 2024-25 outturn and discussion with the service, particularly in relation to non-domestic rates TRANSPORT COSTS 0.026 0.037 0.011 Movement mainly reflects a budget realignment based on 2024-25 outturn and discussion with the service, particularly in relation to vehicle hires and non-contract repairs. SUPPLIES & SERVICES 0.749 0.776 0.027 Movement mainly reflects a budget realignment based on 2024-25 outturn and discussion with the service, particularly in relation to computing costs and subscriptions. THIRD PARTY PAYMENTS 0.000 0.000 0.000 DEBT CHARGES 0.000 0.004 0.004 Movement mainly reflects a budget realignment based on 2024-25 outturn and discussion with the service. TOTAL EXPENDITURE 4.394 4.560 0.166 INCOME (1.058) (0.889) 0.169 Movement mainly reflects a budget realignment based on 2024-25 outturn and discussion with the service, particularly in relation to permits & notices (£0.183m). This is partly offset by the impact fees and charges inflation as part of the 2025-26 budget setting process (£0.014m). NET EXPENDITURE 3.336 3.671 0.335 17
Page 18
Official# Appendix 3 Ayrshire Roads Alliance Analysis of Movements in Budgets 2024-25 to 2025-26 Local Delivery - East Detail Annual Estimate 2024/25 £m Annual Estimate 2025/26 £m Movement 2024-25 to 2025-26 Explanation of Movement EMPLOYEE COSTS 3.361 3.440 0.079 Movement mainly reflects payroll inflation (£0.164m) and additional National Insurance charges (£0.167m). This is partly offset by a budget realignment based on 2024-25 outturn and discussion with the service (£0.207m) and the impact of 2025-26 savings package (£0.045m). PREMISES COSTS 0.323 0.320 (0.003) Movement mainly reflects a budget realignment based on 2024-25 outturn and discussion with the service, particularly in relation to water charges. TRANSPORT COSTS 0.837 0.829 (0.008) Movement mainly reflects a budget realignment based on 2024-25 outturn and discussion with the service, particularly in relation to vehicle / plant hire. SUPPLIES & SERVICES 1.891 2.457 0.566 Movement mainly reflects a budget realignment based on 2024-25 outturn and discussion with the service, particularly in relation to EV electricity costs (£0.550m). THIRD PARTY PAYMENTS 1.228 1.128 (0.100) Movement mainly reflects the impact of 2025-26 savings package (£0.090m) along with a budget realignment based on 2024-25 outturn and discussion with the service (£0.010m). DEBT CHARGES 0.321 0.365 0.044 Movement mainly reflects a budget realignment based on 2024-25 outturn and discussion with the service. TOTAL EXPENDITURE 7.961 8.539 0.578 INCOME (3.860) (4.471) (0.611) Movement mainly reflects fees and charges inflation (£0.030m) and the impact of 2025-26 savings package (£0.079m), both as part of 2025-26 budget setting process, along with a budget realignment based on 2024-25 outturn and discussion with the service (£0.502m), particularly in relation to EV charging income. NET EXPENDITURE 4.101 4.068 (0.033) 18
Page 19
Official# Appendix 3 Ayrshire Roads Alliance Analysis of Movements in Budgets 2024-25 to 2025-26 Local Delivery - South Detail Annual Estimate 2024/25 £m Annual Estimate 2025/26 £m Movement 2024-25 to 2025-26 Explanation of Movement EMPLOYEE COSTS 2.570 2.661 0.091 Movement mainly reflects payroll inflation (£0.048m) and a budget realignment based on 2024-25 outturn and discussion with the service (£0.042m). PREMISES COSTS 0.206 0.230 0.024 Movement mainly reflects a budget realignment based on 2024-25 outturn and discussion with the service, particularly in respect of electricity (£0.013m), waste collection (£0.007m) and property rent charges (£0.004m). TRANSPORT COSTS 1.117 1.100 (0.017) Movement mainly reflects a saving from a move away from HVO fuel (£0.025m) as part of 2025-26 budget setting exercise. This is partly offset by a budget realignment based on 2024-25 outturn and discussion with the service (£0.008m), particulary in relation to vehicle maintenance. SUPPLIES & SERVICES 2.093 2.325 0.232 Movement reflects additional resources in relation to street lighting electricity (£0.148m), along with a budget realignment based on 2024-25 outturn and discussion with the service (£0.079m), particularly in relation to EV elctricity (£0.050m) and computing (£0.011m) costs. THIRD PARTY PAYMENTS 1.201 1.549 0.348 This movement mainly reflects additional resources in relation to dredging at Girvan Harbour as part of 2025- 26 budget setting exercise (£0.325m) and a budget realignment based on 2024-25 outturn and discussion with the service (£0.023m), particularly in relation to roads maintenance sub-contractors. DEBT CHARGES 0.213 0.213 0.000 TOTAL EXPENDITURE 7.400 8.078 0.678 INCOME (3.179) (2.887) 0.292 Movement mainly reflects a reduction in the parking income target (£0.490m) as part of 2025-26 budget setting exercise. This is partly offset by an increased income targets in respect of pier dues (£0.003m) and Motorhome Parking Scheme (£0.019m), along with a budget realignment based on 2024-25 outturn and discussion with the service (£0.176m), particularly in relation to EV charging (£0.148m) and Roads Maintenance income (£0.025m). NET EXPENDITURE 4.221 5.191 0.970 19
Page 20
APPENDIX 2 AYRSHIRE SHARED SERVICES JOINT COMMITTEE 2025 2024/25 GENERAL SERVICES REVENUE BUDGET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 – PERIOD 12 AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE SUMMARY CLASSIFICATION: OFFICIAL-PROTECT Projected Variance at 31 March 2025 (£m) Local Delivery - South Ayrshire (0.090) 0.096 0.124 0.583 0.746 (0.007) (0.583) Employee Costs This variance mainly reflects staff turnover due to vacancies (£0.339m), partly offset by additional overtime (£0.125m) and employee recharges in respect of cross boundary working (£0.134m) Premises Costs This variance mainly reflects non-domestic rates (£0.023m), waste collection charges (£0.011m) and electricity (£0.053m) charges. Transport Costs This variance mainly reflects additional external hires (£0.160m) within Roads Maintenance which is offset by additional income. This is partly offset by reduced fuel charges (£0.048m). Supplies & Services This variance mainly reflects street lighting electricity charges (£0.377m), EV charging costs which are offset by additional income (£0.050m) consultancy costs which is partly offset by additional income (£0.258m), along with additional expenditure on computing (£0.069m) and tools & equipment (£0.049m). This is partly offset by savings on roads maintenance and lighting materials (£0.214m). Third Party Payments This variance reflects additional sub-contractors particularly within Roads Maintenance, this being offset by additional income. Debt Charges This variance reflects a reduction in debt charges for new vehicles within Roads Maintenance Income This variance mainly reflects additional roads maintenance income (£0.507m), particularly in relation to Ayrshire Growth Deal, promenade works and a cycling event, street lighting (£0.077m), design works (£0.076m), EV charging income (£0.125m) and traffic income (£0.281m), particularly in relation to Alloway Tunnel and LDP2. This is partly offset by a shortfall in parking income (£0.440m) and income at Girvan Harbour (£0.043m). 0.869 Total reported variance 20
Page 21
APPENDIX 2 AYRSHIRE SHARED SERVICES JOINT COMMITTEE 2025 2024/25 GENERAL SERVICES REVENUE BUDGET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 – PERIOD 12 AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE SUMMARY CLASSIFICATION: OFFICIAL-PROTECT 21
Page 22
22
Page 23
1 AYRSHIRE SHARED SERVICES JOINT COMMITTEE 5 SEPTEMBER 2025 INTERNAL AUDIT ANNUAL UPDATE REPORT: AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE Report by Chief Auditor, East Ayrshire Council SUBJECT: INTERNAL AUDIT ANNUAL UPDATE REPORT PURPOSE OF REPORT 1. This established annual report is intended to provide, for noting, an update on internal audit work for the Ayrshire Roads Alliance (ARA). RECOMMENDATIONS 2. It is recommended that Joint Committee: i. notes the outcomes of a wide range of Internal Audit work for ARA carried out by East Ayrshire Council since inception as summarised at paragraphs 11-12 and detailed at Appendices 1 and 2; ii. notes the Chief Auditor’s ongoing annual opinion for 2024/25 of reasonable assurance for EAC arrangements as laid out at paragraph 13; iii. notes the ARA items included in the 2025/26 EAC Internal Audit plan as referred to at paragraph 14 and listed in Appendices 1 and 2; and iv. otherwise notes the contents of this report. BACKGROUND FRAMEWORK FOR INTERNAL AUDIT WORK 3. As the lead authority EAC provides the internal audit service to ARA. South Ayrshire Council (SAC) is able to carry out Following the Public Pound (FtPP) type audits as desired and those reports would be a matter for SAC to consider. The Chief Auditors of both Councils work closely together including through the longstanding Pan-Ayrshire Chief Auditors Group. 4. ARA assignments are included in the annual EAC Internal Audit Plan approved by EAC’s Governance and Scrutiny Committee in line with current professional standards which, until 31 March 2025 were those set out in the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards (PSIAS) and from 1 April 2025 are those set out in the Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS) in the UK Public Sector. 5. Professional standards require the Chief Auditor to establish a follow-up process to monitor and ensure management actions have been effectively implemented. We follow-up by testing evidence to gauge implementation of recommendations (Appendix 2). Agenda Item 3 23
Page 24
2 6. Individual internal audit assignment reports and follow-up exercises are shared with both EAC and SAC as well as External Audit: • EAC - the established readership includes senior management and all Elected Members through the Councillors’ Noticeboard. • SAC – all reports are copied to the Director of Housing, Operations and Development and shared with the SAC Chief Internal Auditor for onward reporting in line with SAC arrangements. 7. The Head of Roads continues to accept and welcome Internal Audit recommendations. TRUST IN INTERNAL AUDIT - EXTERNAL AUDIT 8. External Audit report their annual conclusions on internal audit within their annual audit report to the Council. The most recent report is for 2023/24 with no significant issues arising providing assurance for those placing confidence in the work of Internal Audit. Our arrangements have remained stable since 2023/24. TRUST IN INTERNAL AUDIT - EXTERNAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT (EQA) 9. The PSIAS required a Quality Assurance and Improvement Programme (QAIP) to be in place including an independent EQA to be carried out every five years. EAC’s Governance and Scrutiny Committee considered the very positive outcomes from the most recent EQA exercise, carried out by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA), on 20 April 2023 as reported to the ASSJC on 1 September 2023. Our arrangements have remained stable since that EQA, with an equivalent exercise required in due course under the GIAS. MAIN REPORT ASSURANCE OUTCOMES FOR INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT REPORTS 10. Assignment reports, with the exception of some advisory work and fact- finding, conclude with an overall assessment of the controls under review using the list below as a guide. We also consider context including risk and materiality. sound assurance / sound assurance in most areas – objectives of internal control have been met in all/almost all areas within the scope of the audit; non-compliance has only been identified in low risk or medium risk areas. reasonable assurance - objectives of internal control have been met in the majority of areas; some weaknesses have been identified in medium risk areas; this tends to be the most common assurance outcome. limited assurance – the control objectives have not been fully achieved; control weaknesses have been identified in some high risk areas. no assurance – the control objectives have not been met; significant non- compliance and/or control weaknesses have been identified. 24
Page 25
3 INTERNAL AUDIT WORK – AN OVERVIEW 11. Appendix 1 lists internal audit work since 2013/14 at which point the EAC Chief Auditor was a member of the working group to establish ARA. An overview of all outcomes is listed in the table below. Assurance Outcome Number of outcomes sound assurance / sound assurance in most areas 5 reasonable assurance 7 limited assurance 4 no assurance 0 advisory 5 Total outcomes 21 12. Appendix 2 lists 10 completed follow-up exercises since 2016/17 to test implementation of internal audit recommendations made since the inception of ARA. Follow-up exercises show improved performance since 2018/19 with all exercises carried out since that year resulting in scores of 100% which means that all recommendations tested were either fully or sufficiently implemented demonstrating ongoing management commitment to continuous improvement. ANNUAL INTERNAL AUDIT OPINION: EAC 2024/25 13. ARA operates within the control systems of EAC, therefore the Chief Auditor’s annual opinion for EAC is of interest to the ASSJC. The most that Internal Audit can provide in an annual opinion for the Council is reasonable assurance based on the risk based plan and a rolling programme of work. This is similar to the scope of external audit work in the context of the Council’s financial statements which aims to give reasonable assurance on the statements. The Annual Internal Audit Opinion for East Ayrshire Council in 2024/25 stated that, “reasonable assurance can continue to be placed upon the adequacy and effectiveness of the Council’s framework of governance, risk management and control in the year to 31 March 2025”. The opinion was considered by EAC’s Governance and Scrutiny Committee on 24 April 2025. PLANNED AUDIT ASSIGNMENTS FOR ARA – 2025/26 14. In line with professional standards a full risk based plan was agreed by EAC’s Governance and Scrutiny Committee on 5 June 2025. SAC were consulted during the planning process. It should be noted, that in line with good practice the plan can be changed in year to accommodate emerging priorities. The planned ARA work for 2025/26 is included in Appendices 1 and 2. 25
Page 26
4 15. The EAC Depute Chief Executive (Communities and Economy), the Head of Roads and the EAC Chief Auditor will agree the scheduling and detailed content of assignments in line with established arrangements. IMPLICATIONS 16. Eight implications have been considered in the preparation of this report. Implications Yes No Paragraph number in report 1. Policy/Strategic Planning No 2.Governance No 3. Human Resources No 4. Equality and Fairer Scotland Duty No 5. Financial No 6. Risk Yes Para 17 7. Community Wealth Building No 8. Net Zero No RISK IMPLICATIONS 17. Each year there is the ongoing risk of significant unplanned work emerging, planned resources not being available and work not being carried out to an acceptable standard which would compromise the ability to complete sufficient work. The likelihood is low to medium risk but the impact would be high risk. The EAC Audit Manager and Chief Auditor oversee operations with the objective of mitigating this risk. APPENDICES 18. Two appendices support this report: • Appendix 1: Internal Audit Assignments: 2013/14 to 2025/26 • Appendix 2: Internal Audit Follow-Up Exercises 2016/17 to 2025/26 BACKGROUND PAPERS 1. Public Sector Internal Audit Standards (PSIAS) (3rd edition March 2017) 2. Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Local Government Application Note for the United Kingdom Public Sector Internal Audit Standards (2nd edition February 2019) 3. Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), Statement on the Role of the Head of Internal Audit in Public Service Organisations (2nd edition April 2019) 4. Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS) (January 2024) 26
Page 27
5 5. EAC Governance & Scrutiny Committee, 26 September 2024, Annual External Audit Report 6. Global Internal Audit Standards in the UK Public Sector: Application Note (IASAB, December 2024) 7. Code of Practice for the Governance of Internal Audit in UK Local Government (CIPFA, February 2025) 8. EAC Governance & Scrutiny Committee, 24 April 2025, Internal Audit 2024/25 Annual Report and Annual Internal Audit Opinion 9. EAC Governance & Scrutiny Committee, 5 June 2025, Internal Audit Plan 2025/26 Eilidh Mackay Chief Auditor, East Ayrshire Council 25 August 2025 Person to Contact: Eilidh Mackay, Chief Auditor eilidh.mackay@east-ayrshire.gov.uk Implementation Officer: Paul Davies, Audit Manager paul.davies@east-ayrshire.gov.uk 27
Page 28
6 Appendix 1 INTERNAL AUDIT ASSIGNMENTS: 2013/14 TO 2025/26 Year Name Summary Assurance Outcomes 2013/14 Support to working group to establish ARA Advisory to support governance, risk management and internal control arrangements. Advisory 1 April 2014 – ARA goes live 2014/15 Plant Hire Contract (coverage included ARA and other services) Objectives were to: • ensure that hires are awarded to the correct service provider in accordance with the framework agreement; • ensure that processes for managing plant on and off hire are rigidly controlled and properly recorded; and • ensure that the correct contractual prices are paid for plant hires provided in accordance with the framework terms and conditions. Reasonable 2014/15 Inventory Inspections (unannounced visits) Objectives of the assignment were to: • verify the accuracy of inventory levels recorded within the store • report any areas for improvement identified, and • recommend actions to address areas for improvement. Reasonable 2014/15 PROFESS Costing System The objectives of the assignment were to: • consider the overall costing and financial reporting arrangements put in place for the Ayrshire Roads Alliance; • assess the status of implementation and roll-out of the PROFESS costing system, including the integration of inputs from the former East and South Ayrshire roads services; • consider whether the information needs of management and stakeholders are being met by the current arrangements; Reasonable 28
Page 29
7 • report any areas for improvement identified, and recommend actions to address areas for improvement 2015/16 TRIPS System Advisory Advisory to support governance, risk and internal control arrangements regarding the development of the established Transparent Roads Infrastructure Procurement Software (TRIPS) system used to manage the Roads Minor Works Framework Contract to support best value. Advisory 2016/17 Parking Income and Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) The objectives of the assignment were to: • review the systems for Parking-related income • report any areas for improvement identified, and • recommend actions for improvement. Reasonable 2017/18 Performance Bonds The objectives of this audit assignment were to verify: • policy and procedures accord with Scottish Government strategy and national guidance on best practice; • corporate governance and reporting arrangements are fit for purpose and effectively applied; • practical processes and supervisory controls are in place in ARA for implementing approved policy; • ARA’ s bond management is supported by effective partnership arrangements with third parties (for example with South Ayrshire Council and with EAC’s Planning and Economic Development, Finance and ICT and Legal); • bond values reflect application of the above and give sufficient budget to fund any necessary remedial work. Limited 2017/18 Use of Contractors The objectives of this audit assignment were to: • establish the process for awarding roads works contracts procured through the Transparent Roads Infrastructure Procurement Software (TRIPS) • ensure roads works are being awarded appropriately in line with Standing Orders Relating to Contracts and assess whether Best Value is being achieved. Reasonable 29
Page 30
8 • ensure adequate controls are in place with regards to processes for awarding works, payment of invoices and monitoring of contractor performance. 2018/19 Girvan Harbour – office administration (unannounced visit) The objectives of this audit assignment were to: • understand the operation of Girvan Harbour and ensure that there are adequate arrangements in place to control income collected in respect of harbour operations • to identify areas for potential future audits. Limited 2018/19 Payment Controls The aims and objectives of this audit assignment were to: • review the procedures in place for payment of contractors • verify that there are adequate controls in place to verify the work completed prior to approving invoices for payment. Sound 2018/19 Bridge Inspections The EAC Depute Chief Executive (Safer Communities) with assistance from Internal Audit reviewed ARA-East’s arrangements for bridge inspection and reporting. Following this work, in 2019/20 Internal Audit undertook a full examination of arrangements for the Principal Inspections of road bridges. Advisory 2019/20 Arrangements for the Principal Inspection (PI) of road bridges The objective of this audit assignment was to: • update the findings of 2018/19 advisory work to reflect the undertaking and completion of the outsourced Principal Inspection programme and work done by ARA further to the Client Response agreed actions set out in the draft audit report and accompanying advisory note of 2018/19. Two outcomes: Sound in South and Reasonable in East 2019/20 Road Bonds review of new processes The objectives of this audit assignment were to: • verify procedures in relation to roads bonds are adequate, have been updated to reflect the findings of previous audit work and have been fully implemented within the service, and • the audit will also seek to confirm that ARA’s internal review of the process, and scrutiny by external assessor (SGS Ltd), have verified control effectiveness; and that if necessary, procedures have been further revised to improve controls. Sound in most areas 30
Page 31
9 2020/21 Roads Maintenance: materials and stores The objective of this audit assignment was to: • obtain assurance that the service has adequate arrangements in place to ensure proper control over the receiving, storing and issuing of materials and stores, and that these processes are operating efficiently and effectively. Reasonable 2021/22 Whistleblowing allegations – fact-finding Final report issued in 2021/22 to both Councils; interim outputs issued prior to that to support decision-makers following referral in summer 2019. Advisory 2022/23 Payment Controls (including measurement of works) The objective of this audit was to verify that payments made to contractors accurately reflect the quality and quantity of works carried out. If controls are absent or ineffective, then works may be incomplete, sub-standard or over-charged; • our audit involved reviewing ARA’s procedures for approving contractors’ invoices / certificates for payment, and confirming there are effective controls in place and operating to confirm the payments made for goods and services are appropriate; • we backed this up with a sample check of fifteen transactions, to confirm that approved procedures are being followed and controls applied to ensure the accuracy of payments and verify the evidencing of appropriate checks by the service; • our audit focussed on three high spend areas - bridge strengthening, road resurfacing and traffic management. Three outcomes: Limited (2) and sound assurance. Our audit confirmed that ARA has appropriate procedures in place incorporating robust controls, which when applied in practice, should ensure sound control of expenditure, and accurate payments to contractors. We noted an operational impact due to staff absence. ARA has responded positively to our findings. 31
Page 32
10 2023/24 Flood Risk Management The aims and objectives of this assignment were to support ARA self-assessment with regard to: • governance arrangements for statutory flood risk management duties, with a view to ensuring these are fit for the purpose of supporting strategic oversight, decision- making and accountability; • ARA’s contributions to the Local Flood Management Plans covering constituent council areas, with a view to ensuring Plans are consistent with East and South Ayrshire’s exposure to (and risk appetite for) flood risks; • Statutory obligations with regard to a watercourse inspection and clearance regime. Advisory. Service engaged with process; self- assessment checklist developed with assurance session being progressed with Depute Chief Executive and Head of Roads. 2024/25 Contract Controls The aims and objectives of this audit were to: • Verify payments made to major contractors accurately reflect the quality and quantity of works carried out; • Confirm service arrangements support achievement of best value and secure effective internal control. Report being finalised with seven recommendations which will further enhance the control environment. Scope expanded following request from EAC DCE (Communities & Economy). 2024/25 Stores The aims and objectives of this audit assignment were to: • Review processes for managing inventory within the Ayrshire Roads Alliance (ARA) stores. • Confirm that the security arrangements for ARA inventory are adequate. • Determine the arrangements for replenishing inventory when required and confirm adequate controls are in place. • Ensure inventory movements are recorded accurately Sound in most areas 32
Page 33
11 and reviewed; and confirm inventory on site can be matched to records. 2025/26 Digital Transformation of Workstreams The aims and objectives of this audit assignment are to: • Verify effective internal controls have been incorporated within processes subject to digital transformation. Work underway. 33
Page 34
12 Appendix 2 INTERNAL AUDIT FOLLOW-UP EXERCISES: 2016/17 TO 2025/26 Year Name Summary Score 1 April 2014 – ARA goes live 2016/17 PROFESS Costing System – Follow-up To test implementation of all ten recommendations made in 2014/15. Score 67%. Six recommendations tested with four fully or sufficiently implemented and two not implemented. The four other recommendations were dependent on the completion of the definitive build of PROFESS and could not be tested at the time of the follow-up; the Head of Service signed a Client Assurance Statement at that time agreeing actions required. 2016/17 Plant Hire – Follow-up To test implementation of all four recommendations made in 2014/15. Score 75%. Three recommendations fully implemented and one partially implemented. 2016/17 Inventory Inspections – Follow-up To test implementation of all five recommendations made in 2014/15. Score 60%. Three recommendations fully or sufficiently implemented; one partially and one not implemented. 2017/18 Parking Income and PCNs – Follow-up To test implementation of all 13 recommendations made in 2016/17. Score 92%. Twelve recommendations fully or sufficiently implemented and one partially implemented. 2018/19 Performance Bonds – Follow-up To test implementation of all two recommendations made in 2017/18. Score 100%. Both recommendations sufficiently implemented. 2018/19 Use of Contractors – Follow-up To test implementation of all two recommendations made in 2017/18. Score 100%. Both recommendations fully implemented. 34
Page 35
13 2019/20 ARA Girvan Harbour - Follow-up To test implementation of all five recommendations made in 2018/19. Score 100%. All recommendations either fully or sufficiently implemented. 2019/20 Arrangements for the Principal Inspection (PI) of road bridges – Follow-up To test implementation of all five recommendations made earlier in 2019/20. Score 100%. All recommendations either fully or sufficiently implemented. 2021/22 Roads Maintenance: materials and stores - Follow-up To test implementation of all five recommendations made in 2020/21. Score 100%. All recommendations fully implemented. 2021/22 Road Bonds review of new processes – Follow-Up To test implementation of all six recommendations made in 2019/20. Score 100%. All recommendations either fully or sufficiently implemented. 2024/25 Payment Controls (including measurement of works) – Follow-Up Follow up testing of implementation of all three recommendations made during the 2022/23 assignment. Rescheduled into 2025/26 – working with service to align with new digitised processes. 2024/25 Flood Risk Management – Follow-Up Advisory support as required for the self- assessment process previously created with formal follow-up of the recommendation raised. Rescheduled into 2025/26 due to recruitment of new flooding officer. Work anticipated to commence in late summer 2025. 2025/26 Contract Controls – Follow-Up To test implementation of the proposed seven recommendations in the current draft report. Work will be scheduled pending agreement of implementation schedules. END 35
Page 36
36
Page 37
AYRSHIRE SHARED SERVICE JOINT COMMITTEE 5 September 2025 Report by the Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE PERFORMANCE SCORECARD Purpose of report 1. The purpose of this Report is to advise the Joint Committee regarding the progress made to date against the Performance Scorecard. Recommendations 2 It is recommended that the Joint Committee: i. Notes the performance scorecard presented in this report; ii. Continues to receive the performance scorecard updates; and iii. Otherwise, notes the content of the report. Background 3. The purpose of the performance management and benchmarking is to work collaboratively to deliver tangible and sustained improvements within the Ayrshire Roads Alliance in order to manage the on-going development and delivery of benchmarking frameworks. 4. Improved performance management is fundamental to supporting the Ayrshire Roads Alliance. This drives change and improvement within the fully integrated roads service and support improved outcomes, better performance, and more effective use of resources. 5. The Performance Indicators are regularly refreshed when new useful performance measures are introduced by the Ayrshire Roads Alliance or there is an agreement to include a specific indicator. This will be a regular item for the Ayrshire Shared Service Joint Committee to review Main report/main issues 6. This scorecard is used to: • monitor the progress in meeting the Ayrshire Roads Alliance’s objectives; • help managers to have performance-related conversations with staff; and • identify any problem areas that need addressed. Agenda Item 4 37
Page 38
7. Some indicators are collated at different frequencies and so these will be included as appropriate. 8. The Performance Scorecard is presented in Appendix 1. Commentary against the specific red and amber performance measures are included in Appendix 1. There are a number of green performance measures which should be highlighted, especially: • Finance with respect to the percentage of invoices paid within 30 calendar days. This is currently at 98% for this financial year. • Priority 1 and Priority 2 Faults – with respect to the percentage of priority 1 and 2 faults completed within timescale. This is currently above target for this financial year. • Street Lighting Repairs – with respect to the percentage of street lighting repairs completed within the timescale. The service has achieved an average of 99% for this financial year. 9. The Improvement Action Plan continues to identify improvements to a number of existing processes for re-design within The Ayrshire Roads Alliance. Implications Implications Yes No Paragraph number in report 1. Policy/Strategic Planning Yes 10 and 11 2. Governance Yes 12 3. Human Resources Yes 13 4. Equality and Fairer Scotland Duty Yes 14 5. Financial Yes 15 6. Risk Yes 16 7. Community Wealth Building Yes 17 8. Net Zero Yes 18 Policy/strategic planning implications 10. A well-maintained road network will contribute to achieving the 2015-2030 Community Plan objectives and associated 2021-2024 Delivery Plans 11. The matters referred to in this report contribute to Priority 1 of the South Ayrshire Council Plan: Spaces and Places/ Moving around and the environment (Outcome 1). Governance Implications 12. The work of the Ayrshire Roads Alliance is undertaken in accordance with relevant legislation. 38
Page 39
Human resources Implications 13. The Performance Scorecard has no direct impact on human resources. Equality impact and Fairer Scotland duty implications 14. The Performance Scorecard complements the Equality Impact Assessment by ensuring that any issues arising are adequately prioritised, managed and either eliminated or mitigated. Financial implications 15. The Performance Scorecard facilitates the existing scrutiny arrangements to manage, prioritise, and review the budget provided by East Ayrshire Council and South Ayrshire Council to the Ayrshire Roads Alliance. Risk implications 16. The Performance Scorecard assists in the prioritisation of risks that need to be mitigated by the Ayrshire Roads Alliance in order to reduce the overall risk to either Council and to comply with the Community Plan/Council Plan in both partner bodies. Community Wealth Building implications 17. The works programme provides economic levers to develop resilient, inclusive local economies with more local spend and fair employment, as well as ensuring that wealth is more locally owned and benefits local people Net zero implications 18. The Ayrshire Roads Alliance Service Plan supports and links to East Ayrshire Climate Strategy Themes Theme 2: Transport Theme 4: Natural Environment 39
Page 40
Appendices (if applicable) 1. Performance Scorecard Background papers None Person to contact Jane Corrie, Head of Roads - Ayrshire Roads Alliance Tel No. 01563 503164 E-mail: jane.corrie@ayrshireroadsalliance.org Implementation Officer Jane Corrie, Head of Roads - Ayrshire Roads Alliance Tel No. 01563 503164 E-mail: jane.corrie@ayrshireroadsalliance.org 40
Page 41
Official# 2019/21 2019/21 Scotland Average 2020/22 2020/22 Scotland Average 2021/23 2021/23 Scotland Average 2022/24 2022/24 Scotland Average 2023/25 2023/25 Scotland Average 2019/21 2019/21 Scotland Average 2020/22 2020/22 Scotland Average 2021/23 2021/23 Scotland Average 2022/24 2022/24 Scotland Average 2023/25 2023/25 Scotland Average 2021 2022 2023 2024 2021 2022 2023 2024 ` 22.10% 29.80% 17.20% 27.60% 15.60% 27.40% 17.60% 28.90% 17.70% 30.60% 34.10% 29.80% 28.90% 27.60% 23.00% 27.40% 21.7% 28.90% 23.4% 30.60% Number of people killed or seriously injured in road accidents per 100,000 population 36 42 48 34 37 54 28 54 32.60% 34.00% 26.85% 33.60% 27.00% 31.50% 26.10% 32.50% 25.20% 34.60% 37.30% 34.00% 34.40% 33.60% 32.50% 31.50% 31.0% 32.50% 28.6% 34.60% Number of slightly injured casualties per 100,000 population 49 58 82 57 41 52 30 58 33.50% 33.60% 29.50% 33.20% 29.60% 32.70% 31.00% 33.40% 30.80% 34.20% 40.80% 33.60% 37.90% 33.20% 38.90% 32.70% 38.1% 33.40% 37.6% 34.20% 42.30% 38.30% 40.90% 36.70% 40.60% 36.40% 39.00% 36.20% 37.00% 36.20% 43.40% 38.30% 42.90% 36.70% 41.00% 36.40% 38.5% 36.20% 36.4% 36.20% 36.80% 35.50% 33.80% 34.20% 33.50% 33.60% 33.00% 34.10% 31.70% 34.70% 40.90% 35.50% 39.00% 34.20% 37.40% 33.60% 35.5% 34.10% 34.0% 34.70% MONTHLY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS APSE Average Target Current Status Apr May Jun Comments APSE Average Target Current Status Apr May Jun Comments No of invoices paid within 30 days 333 357 323 - - 1.43 0.78 No of Invoices Received 341 358 325 % of invoices paid within 30 days 98% 99% 99% - 49,000 per annum 1,751 3,928 6,316 Average Year to date of Number of Invoices paid within 30 days 98% 98% 98% - 4,576 4,561 4,559 - 1,800 per annum 140 562 1,258 Number of ARA Safety Inspections Completed within Timescale 25 24 20 Number of ARA Safety Inspections Scheduled 25 25 20 % of ARA Safety Inspections Completed within timescale 100% 96% 100% Average Number of days to report an incident to the Health and Safety Section 1.5 2.7 36.3 Target Current Status Apr May Jun Target Current Status Apr May Jun Target Current Status Apr May Jun Target Current Status Apr May Jun 100% - Number of Public Liability claims closed 5 3 3 10 6 6 Number of Public Liability claims received 6 7 3 7 3 3 Total number of open claims 57 63 63 65 46 40 Number of Public Liability Claims that were successful 0 0 0 0 1 0 % of Public Liability Claims that were successful 0% 0% 0% 0% 16% 0% - 0 0 5 34 - 9 11 2 Number of Priority 1 Road Emergency defect repairs made safe within 2 hours 0 2 1 3 2 2 53 35 34 50 39 30 AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE PERFORMANCE SCORECARD DETAILED MONITORING REPORT UPDATE : JOINT COMMITTEE - 6 SEPTEMBER 2025 40 5 South Ayrshire Council % of A Class roads that should be considered for maintenance % of B Class roads that should be considered for maintenance % of C Class roads that should be considered for maintenance 8% 98% -- 92.02% SOUTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (CALENDAR YEAR) East Ayrshire MONTHLY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS APSE Average EAST AYRSHIRE COUNCIL HEALTH AND SAFETY 100% - % of U Class roads that should be considered for maintenance Overall % of the road network that should be considered for maintenance Monthly visits to the website from social media ANNUAL PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (FINANCIAL YEAR) East Ayrshire Council EAST AYRSHIRE COUNCIL - 20 50 0 Comments FACETIME Managers are aware of the importance of completing FACE reviews with their staff - 2 0 PUBLIC LIABILITY CLAIMS 100%100% South Ayrshire AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE WELL ENGAGED Visits to the ARA Website every month ABSENCE MONITORINGAverage days lost per employee MONTHLY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE FINANCE - AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE No of Twitter Followers every month 0 27 47 12 7 61 7 32 STREET LIGHTING Number of Street Lighting repairs completed within 7 working days 0 APSE Average SOUTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL ROADWORKS PROGRAMME Physical % of Roadworks Programme Completed BRIDGES Number of General Bridge Inspections Number of Special Bridge Inspections Number of Principal Bridge Inspections 40- - - 36 27 11%1% 28% 40%20% Comments Number of staff who have received annual FACETIME review 2 - - PRIORITY 1 FAULTS 41
Page 42
Official# Target Current Status Apr May Jun Target Current Status Apr May Jun Target Current Status Apr May Jun Target Current Status Apr May Jun SOUTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL MONTHLY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS APSE Average EAST AYRSHIRE COUNCIL EAST AYRSHIRE COUNCIL Comments MONTHLY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS APSE Average SOUTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL Comments Number of Priority 1 Repair Lines issued 0 2 1 3 2 2 54 35 35 50 39 30 % of Priority 1 Road Emergency defect repairs made safe within 2 hours - 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 98% 100% 97% 100% 100% 100% Number of Priority 2 Road Emergency defect repairs made safe within 5 working days 8 17 8 20 5 6 26 27 14 22 11 18 Number of Priority 2 Repair Lines issued 10 18 10 21 5 7 26 27 14 23 13 18 % of Carriageway Priority 2 Defects repaired within 5 working days 80% 95% 80% 95% 100% 86% 100% 100% 100% 96% 85% 100% Number of Stage 1 Complaints responded to within allotted timescales 0 1 0 0 4 1 88 85 114 52 39 39 Numer of Stage 1 Complaints received 0 1 0 0 4 1 90 88 118 55 45 44 % of Stage 1 Complaints responded to within allotted timescales - 100% - - 100% 100% 98% 97% 97% 95% 87% 89% Number of Stage 2 complaints responded to within allotted timescales - 0 0 0 1 0 2 Number of Stage 2 complaints received 0 0 0 1 0 2 28 13 15 25 9 23 % of Stage 2 complaints responded to within allotted timescales - - - 100% - 100% 28 13 16 25 9 24 100% 100% 94% 100% 100% 96% Number of parking appeals accepted 30 29 33 62 75 52 Number of parking appeals received 99 113 108 182 214 245 % of parking appeals accepted 30% 26% 31% 34% 35% 21% Number of Street Lighting Repair Lines Issued % Street Lighting repairs completed within 7 working days % of enquiries responded to within allotted timescales 83.44% 80% 76.23% 80% Number of Traffic light repairs completed within 48 hours Number of Traffic light repair lines issued % of Traffic light repairs completed within 48 hours 88.23% 95% 95% ENQUIRIES Number of enquiries responded to within allotted timescales Number of enquiries received Officers are reminded of the importance of responding to enquiries within timescales 88.52% 100% 95%88% 95% COMPLAINTS FREEDOM OF INFORMATION TRAFFIC LIGHTS Number of FOI & EIR requests responded to within 20 working days 100%Number of FOI & EIR requests received % of FOI & EIR requests responded to within 20 working days - ---- 100% 100% 75% - 100% PARKING 50% 75%91.20% 50% 100% PRIORITY 2 FAULTS 42
Page 43
AYRSHIRE SHARED SERVICE JOINT COMMITTEE 5 September 2025 Report by the Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE RISK REPORT AND REGISTER Purpose of report 1. The purpose of this Report is to advise the Joint Committee on the management of risk associated with the Ayrshire Roads Alliance. Recommendations 2 It is recommended that the Joint Committee: i. Notes the risk register presented in this report; ii. Continues to receive updates on progress; and iii. Otherwise, notes the content of the report. Background 3 A report detailing the general approach to the Risk Report and Risk Register was presented to the Joint Committee on 21 August 2014, where it was agreed that the Risk Report and Risk Register would be a standing item on the agenda. This would ensure that the risks are monitored and scrutinised at a minimum on a quarterly basis. Main report/main issues 4 The management of risk aims to enable confident decision taking on risk, innovation, reduce waste and inefficiency, and lead to fewer unanticipated problems and crises that could undermine the performance and operation of the Ayrshire Roads Alliance. 5 The risk register is contained in Appendix 1. Since the last Joint Committee, there have been no risks added and no risks removed from the Risk Register. The revised risk register illustrates the red, amber and green status and also illustrates whether the risk severity relates to time, indicated by [T] or cost, indicated by [C]. Agenda Item 5 43
Page 44
Implications Implications Yes No Paragraph number in report 1. Policy/Strategic Planning Yes 6 and 7 2. Governance Yes 8 3. Human Resources Yes 9 4. Equality and Fairer Scotland Duty Yes 10 5. Financial Yes 11 6. Risk Yes 12 7. Community Wealth Building Yes 13 8. Net Zero Yes 14 Policy/strategic planning implications 6. A well maintained road network will contribute to achieving the Community Plan objectives in relation to Economy & Skills and Safer Communities to maintain good access to our communities within East Ayrshire. 7. The matters referred to in this report contribute to South Ayrshire Council strategic objective of ‘Enhanced Environment through Social, Cultural and Economic Activities’ and within that to the outcome ‘Work with partners to improve roads and other infrastructure, to encourage house building and business investment that sustains local communities’. Governance Implications 8. The work of the Ayrshire Roads Alliance is undertaken in accordance with relevant legislation. Humans resources Implications 9. The Risk Register has no direct impact on human resources. Equality impact and Fairer Scotland duty implications 10. The Risk Register complements the Equality Impact Assessment by ensuring that any issues arising are adequately prioritised, managed and either eliminated or mitigated. Financial implications 11. The Risk Register facilitates the existing scrutiny arrangements to manage, prioritise and review the budget provided by East Ayrshire Council and South Ayrshire Council to the Ayrshire Roads Alliance. 44
Page 45
Risk implications 12. The Risk Register assists in the prioritisation of risks that need to be mitigated by the Ayrshire Roads Alliance in order to reduce the overall risk to either Council and to comply with the Community Plan/Council Plan in both partner bodies. Community Wealth Building implications 13. The works programme provides economic levers to develop resilient, inclusive local economies with more local spend and fair employment, as well as ensuring that wealth is more locally owned and benefits local people Net zero implications 14. The Ayrshire Roads Alliance Service Plan supports and links to East Ayrshire Climate Strategy Themes Theme 2: Transport Theme 4: Natural Environment 45
Page 46
Appendices (if applicable) 1. Ayrshire Roads Alliance Risk Register Background papers None Person to contact Jane Corrie, Head of Roads - Ayrshire Roads Alliance Tel No. 01563 503164 E-mail: jane.corrie@ayrshireroadsalliance.org Implementation Officer Jane Corrie, Head of Roads - Ayrshire Roads Alliance Tel No. 01563 503164 E-mail: jane.corrie@ayrshireroadsalliance.org 46
Page 47
Appendix 1: Risk Register Scoring Matrix The Risk Matrix for deciding each of the risk factors (Likelihood x Severity) in a 5 by 5 matrix are illustrated in Table 1 below: Table 1: Risk Factors in Practical Form Rare (1) Unlikely (2) Possible (3) Likely (4) Almost Certain (5) Catastrophic (5) 5 10 15 20 25 Very Serious (4) 4 8 12 16 20 Moderate (3) 3 6 9 12 15 Minor (2) 2 4 6 8 10 Insignificant (1) 1 2 3 4 5 Risk Likelihood Risk Severity Following on from Table 1, the following Summary Risk Profile is colour coded to highlight the risk classification: Table 2: Summary Risk Profile Assessed Risk (LxS) Action Required Low Risk: 1 to 4 Acceptable/ can be accepted provided risk is managed. Medium Risk: 5 to 12 Undesirable/ must be avoided if reasonably practicable. High Risk: 15 to 25 Unacceptable risk - must be eliminated or moved to a lower level. 47
Page 48
APPENDIX 1: AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE RISK REGISTER Official NOTE: The Risk rating will be influenced by considering a combination of event effects Such as associated cost, event duration, and organisational reputation. The table below will provide some assistance with risk rating. Risk ID Risk Category Risk Description Risk Mitigation Actions Likelihood Severity Risk Rating after Mitigation measures Responsible for managing the risk Risk Owner Additional Comments Date of last review 1 a) b) Personnel Shortage due to: • Pandemic Event • Resignation • Retirement • Strike Action • Driver hour restrictions Loss of trained and competent personnel from all sections within ARA Business continuity plans in place (BUS-12, 13, & 14) to manage all ARA mission critical activities. . Additional usage of external contractors to ensure essential services / works programme targets are met. Pandemic safe workplaces / sites established to accommodate reduced number of staff Procedures are in place to manage a short / medium disruption of Technical / Supervisory / operational Personnel including re-assignment of duties and controlled overtime working as required. Over long term there would be recruitment / procurement of the necessary experience to fill the gaps. 3 4 12 [T] All Service Managers Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance The staff numbers are reviewed whenever there are significant changes in staffing level. The Ayrshire Roads Alliance has Modern Apprentices who are providing a strong foundation for future staffing levels as an addition, The Ayrshire Roads Alliance has appointed a Training Officer who will undertake refresher training to the existing workforce where skill gaps have been identified. Furthermore, the Training Officer will develop and enhance the skills and competency with our MAs and trainee road workers. 28/7/25 2 Fuel Shortage Loss or restriction due to relief events. Any event that has an effect on the cost of performing the Services, or the date of their completion, including the occurrence of risks both foreseen and unforeseen e.g. industrial action. To mitigate the impact of losing access or having a restricted access to fuel, a contingency plan has been established which sets out the emergency management actions that will be taken that include designated fuelling stations and the prioritisation of fleet, putting non-essential vehicles off the road. 3 3 9 [T] Strategic Manager Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance Continuation of public support will be dependent on outcomes, though expect some mixed reaction 28/7/25 To calculate the risk rating, multiply the Likelihood x Severity. Example…. Possible (3) X Significant (3) = Medium Risk Critical (5) Severe (4) Significant (3) Marginal (2) Insignificant (1) SEVERITY INDEX LIKELIHOOD INDEX Highly probable (5) 25 20 15 10 5 Probable (4) 20 16 12 8 4 Possible (3) 15 12 9 6 3 Unlikely (2) 10 8 6 4 2 Very Unlikely (1) 5 4 3 2 1 Incident Severity Cost (£) [C] Time [T] Reputation Min Max Min Max Insignificant (1) £0 £10,000 0 1 day Councillors/CEO Marginal (2) £10,001 £50,000 1 day 2 weeks Local Media Facebook etc. Significant (3) £50,001 £500,000 2 weeks 1 month Local Newspaper Severe (4) £500,001 £1,000,000 1 month 3 months National Newspaper Catastrophic (5) £1,000,001 >£1,000,001 3 months > 6 months National News (TV) KEY High Risk (16 – 25) Risks are not acceptable under any circumstances. Immediate action required Medium Risk (8 – 15) Additional controls measures may be required. Low Risk (1 – 6) Continue to monitor as part of review process or where changes occur. 48
Page 49
APPENDIX 1: AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE RISK REGISTER Official Risk ID Risk Category Risk Description Risk Mitigation Actions Likelihood Severity Risk Rating after Mitigation measures Responsible for managing the risk Risk Owner Additional Comments Date of last review 3 Failure to align with Budget requirements Level of investment required in road repairs and resurfacing and resulting cost of treatment higher than anticipated. Reduced budget could lead to the deterioration in the roads network, an increase in accidents, and insurance costs. Loss of parking income as a result of policy changes. Appropriate financial and performance monitoring arrangements in place to mitigate the risk. Regular meetings with and within partners Councils to advice on further resource and funding requirements. 2 4 8 [C] Business Support Manager Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance Adequate control measures are in place, specifically, monthly meetings held with budget holders to review revenue budget and take appropriate corrective actions to bring budgets within tolerance limits. Monthly meeting with service managers to review capital budgets and programmes. 28/7/25 4 a) b) C) Adverse Weather Staffing Issues Salt Damage to salt storage (Dome) Lack of trained and competent personnel including operatives and drivers to provide full complement required to fulfil all gritting routes due to lack of volunteers for existing staff, flu pandemic, mass resignation, strike action and breach of Working Time Directive and Driver Hours Legislation. Reduction and /or loss of salt stock materials for Winter Service operations. Reduction and /or loss of salt stock materials for Winter Service operations. Procedures in place to manage a short / medium disruption of Driver / Operative Personnel including banking workers and overtime working as required. Over the long term there would be recruitment / procurement of the necessary experience to fill the gaps. There is adequate salt stock resilience and conservation control measures. Transport Scotland has strategic salt stock piles. Areas identified within depot to stock pile storage. Transfer salt to alternative depots. 2 4 8 [C] Strategic Manager Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance Rolling programme established to ensure ongoing Health and Safety training. Appropriate and applicable checks are conducted on all new drivers to ensure that all reasonable precautions are taken to safeguard the ‘O’ licence, insurance payments and reputation. The service has extended the use of external companies to provide the winter service to increase resilience The Service has a framework salt supplier with a 14 day call down delivery. There is a joint agreement with other Councils to share available salt stocks. The existing weather service provides long term forecast indicating extreme and prolonged weather conditions. Cover salt exposed to the environmental elements. 28/7/25 5 Loss of Street Lighting & Traffic Signals Extended loss of Public Electricity supply creating issues with Street Lighting and Traffic Signals Some temporary traffic signals will be provided at key locations determined by the Traffic Management Section should these issues arise. Temporary traffic signals deployed by RMU. Contingency measures 3 3 9 [T] Traffic & Road Safety Manager Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance We consider that the overall risk is low due to the mitigation measures that are in place 28/7/25 49
Page 50
APPENDIX 1: AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE RISK REGISTER Official Risk ID Risk Category Risk Description Risk Mitigation Actions Likelihood Severity Risk Rating after Mitigation measures Responsible for managing the risk Risk Owner Additional Comments Date of last review detailed in Business Continuity Plans. 6 Transfer of Shared Services – Ayrshire Roads Alliance Any failure in Service provision would adversely affect the resilience of the Roads services. Extensive negotiations have taken place to ensure that the proposed joint service meets stakeholders needs 2 2 4 [T] Business Support Manager Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance The new service is over ten years old and it is considered that the initial transfer of the shared service has been completed. Nevertheless there will always remain issues on transfer issues which may still arise. 28/7/25 7 Council’s Waste Transfer Licence Loss off / restrictions on waste transfer licence for all depots Robust management systems and procedures in place to comply with Environmental legislation, permit conditions and health and safety 2 3 6 [T] Strategic Manager Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance We consider the overall risk is low, due to the current waste management systems in operation. Current contract allows 28/7/25 8 Council’s Operators Licence (‘O’ Licence) - Loss off / restrictions on Council’s ‘O’ Licence. A comprehensive maintenance regime has been established that follows all guidance from DVSA and the Traffic Commissioner to ensure that the O-Licence is protected. In addition, compliance activities are established and in place and a regular external audit is carried out by the Freight Transport Association every 2 years to ensure that all processes are performing to the required standard. 2 4 8 [C] Strategic Manager Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance Continue to work with fleet service in East Ayrshire Council. 28/7/25 9 Failure to meet statutory duties in relation to Road Safety Inspections Failure to provide a Risk based approach and Inspection System in accordance with the approved, Inspection Manual: Road Safety Inspections and defect categorisations.in accordance with the Well- Managed Highway Infrastructure: A Code of Practice. There are procedures in place to manage this process: 1. Short term by prioritising and reducing other works activities and realigning budgets; 2. Medium / long term there would be a request for additional budgets; 3. Operatives can be assigned from other duties and overtime working approved. 2 4 8 [T] Service Managers Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance Following implementation of the Inspection Manual: Road Safety Inspections and defect categorisations from 1st April 2019 in accordance with the Well-Managed Highway Infrastructure: A Code of Practice the Ayrshire Roads Alliance a) Inspects the entire road network within East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire, with performance in relation to the percentage of safety inspections carried out within the timescale being reported to the Joint Committee under the Performance Scorecard standing item on the agenda. b) Categorise defects in accordance with a risk based approach ranking defects one to four as 28/7/25 50
Page 51
APPENDIX 1: AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE RISK REGISTER Official Risk ID Risk Category Risk Description Risk Mitigation Actions Likelihood Severity Risk Rating after Mitigation measures Responsible for managing the risk Risk Owner Additional Comments Date of last review detailed in the Inspection Manual: Road Safety Inspections and defect categorisations c) Issue repair lines for defects on carriageways and footways with target response times determined by the category of defect, as identified in the Inspection Manual: Road Safety Inspections and defect categorisations d) Complete the vast majority of Category 1 defects within the target response time of two hours. 10 Business Continuity / Emergency Planning Incident affecting one or more of the Ayrshire Roads Alliance service functions (including ICT Failure). Business continuity plans developed for: Roads Maintenance (including the Winter Gritting Programme); Lighting Maintenance Unit; Network; Design and Traffic and Road Safety facilities within East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire. To prevent fallout from IT system failure, a business contingency plan has been developed as well as a back up process to revert to paper based recording systems for fleet management and maintenance. 2 4 8 [T] Business Support Manager Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance The overall risk is high due to the unknown nature of such an incident and because of the potential reputational damage and adverse effect on the service delivery, including discharge of statutory responsibilities. 28/7/25 11 Benefits Realisation Ayrshire Roads Alliance does not deliver the expected benefits outlined in the Detailed Business Case of June 2013. Benefit Realisation Plan to track the delivery of each benefit and take corrective action where appropriate it has been developed. A 10 year Service Review is due tol be completed within the next couple of years. 2 3 6 [C] Service Managers Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance The overall risk is medium due to the various reviews outlined in the Benefits Realisation Strategy and Plan now progressing towards fruition. Internal management reports to be prepared reflecting on progress against Benefits Realisation Strategy. As at 1 April 2018 had realised budget savings of £2.031m against a target of £1.510m 28/7/25 12 Performance Performance Metrics are missed. The Service monitors the metrics and also compares performance against the APSE average. A standardised operational process and procedures has been developed to ensure efficient and effective processes and verification measures are in place. 1 4 4 [C] Service Managers Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance Performance metrics are reviewed and developed with the Pentana System being used to review performance. Performance is reviewed at every Management meeting. 28/7/25 51
Page 52
APPENDIX 1: AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE RISK REGISTER Official Risk ID Risk Category Risk Description Risk Mitigation Actions Likelihood Severity Risk Rating after Mitigation measures Responsible for managing the risk Risk Owner Additional Comments Date of last review 13 Procurement Insufficient due diligence carried out by the Ayrshire Roads Alliance in the procurement of goods and services. – standardised processes and procedures in line with Council’s contract procedures. Standardised processes and procedures have been developed to ensure efficient and effective processes and verification measures are in place. 1 4 4 [C] Service Managers Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance Managed Risk. 28/7/25 14 Programme Management Programme scope, schedule, objectives, cost and deliverables are not clearly defined or understood. Estimating and / or scheduling errors. Unplanned work that must be accommodated. Lack of co-ordination / communication Underestimated support resources or overly optimistic delivery schedule Unresolved Programme conflicts not escalated in a timely manner. Unanticipated escalation in Programme costs as a result of uncontrolled changes or continuous Clear definition of scope, schedule, objectives, cost, and deliverables through Service Improvement Plan, Benefits Realisation Strategy & Plan, and Customer Service Strategy. A Programme Plan has been developed which illustrates key activities, team, timing, milestones, and delivery of products. Incorporate unplanned work within Programme Plan and minimise impact on delivery of products through parallel processes when feasible Programme co-ordination and communication conducted in accordance with Programme governance structure Support resources and delivery schedule developed from robust Programme Plan and previous experience of similar Programmes Programme conflicts recorded in Issues Log and progressed in accordance with reporting arrangements for project team Escalation of Programme costs addressed through appropriate and applicable corrective actions and control measures. 1 4 4 [C] Service Managers Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance Managed Risk 28/7/25 52
Page 53
APPENDIX 1: AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE RISK REGISTER Official Risk ID Risk Category Risk Description Risk Mitigation Actions Likelihood Severity Risk Rating after Mitigation measures Responsible for managing the risk Risk Owner Additional Comments Date of last review inflation of a project’s scope beyond initial remit Unanticipated delays in Programme timescale as a result of uncontrolled changes or continuous inflation of a project’s scope beyond initial remit Communication Strategy to engage public awareness not planned on a joint Ayrshire basis Priorities change on existing service delivery. Affordability of future service payments. Councils withdraw or cannot provide sufficient support, or agreed level of input is not provided resulting in Programme delays Delay of Programme timescale addressed through appropriate and applicable corrective actions and control measures. Ensure that a robust Communication Strategy and response network is developed during planning stages of Programme which incorporates sufficient key review stages to ensure effective communication of key messages regarding deliverables and progress Ensure that changes on existing service delivery are communicated in accordance with the existing Service Level Agreement Ensure that East Ayrshire Council and South Ayrshire Council are fully aware of the budgetary implications required to meet the on-going cost of service provision, as detailed in the DBC, and have fully committed sufficient financial resources following Business Case sign-off. Early identification of problems, and dialogue with Council. The Ayrshire Roads Alliance is developing a module to project manage work requests received by other Service providers with East and South Ayrshire Councils. 15 Health & Safety / Risk & Insurance Insufficient investment, resources and on-going maintenance to resolve issues identified in Health & Safety surveys of depots are on-going. This also includes ensuring security is adequate. New harbour facility was constructed along with Issues identified in Health and Safety Surveys are recorded on Issues Log along with corrective actions to rectify / bring up to the required standard. To ensure that Health and Safety processes are always followed, this is a standing agenda item held at monthly management meetings. In addition to a separate H&S group 2 4 8 [C] Strategic Manager Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance South Ayrshire Council continues to have ownership for and maintenance of depots/harbour within their area. Responsibility of funding the various mitigation actions identified in the Issues Log sits solely within the control of South Ayrshire Council. East Ayrshire 28/7/25 53
Page 54
APPENDIX 1: AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE RISK REGISTER Official Risk ID Risk Category Risk Description Risk Mitigation Actions Likelihood Severity Risk Rating after Mitigation measures Responsible for managing the risk Risk Owner Additional Comments Date of last review additional fencing, gates and stillage for timber. Dredging is carried out bi- annually. Works have been completed at lifeboat station and new sheet piling to be installed along timber jetty. The Ayrshire Roads Alliance operates from and manage risk of enforcement action and penalties should HSE become involved. that meets on a quarterly basis with the H&S Officer. Risk assessments and safe systems of work have also been developed and are in place with H&S assistance. Council has ownership and responsibility for their depots. 16 Development Control – Road Bonds Inadequate coupon values of Road Bonds exposes the Roads Authority to a potential shortfall if the roads works have to be completed by them in the event that a developer defaults. The coupon value of Road Bonds that are more than three years old are reviewed to determine their adequacy. Where a shortfall is identified, the developer will be advised to increase the value of the Road Bond held when an application is made for an extension to the Road Construction Consent (RCC), which is normally valid for three years. 2 4 8 [C] Strategic Manager Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance If the road authority is required to complete a development road then only the cost up to the value of the Road Bond can be recovered from the provider. Any shortfall has to be met by the roads authority. A complete review of the process of delivering road bonds has been completed 28/7/25 17 Bridges and Structures Inadequate inspection and maintenance of structures, bridges and culverts due to aging, increased live loads, cracking corrosion, environmental effects (freeze and thaw cycles) and fatigue Rolling programme of repair, rehabilitation or replacement (for weak bridges) through Council Capital Budgets. 2 4 8 [C] Bridges & Design Manager Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance Bridges and culverts are defined as structures with a span in excess of 900mm. 28/7/25 18 Flooding Receipt of less Grant Aided Expenditure funding than anticipated for flooding mitigation schemes administered by SEPA. Potential lack of sufficient funding for flooding mitigation schemes if cost of schemes exceeds Grant Aided Expenditure (GAE) due to Relief Events or Force Majeure. Seek capital funding from Council(s) to bridge funding gap for flooding mitigation schemes declared in Flood Risk Management Plan. 2 4 8 [C] Bridges & Design Manager Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance The Councils have a legal duty under the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 to implement flooding mitigation schemes declared in the Flood Risk Management Plan. Only 80% of principal funding for flooding mitigation scheme. However increased costs due to relief events or force majeure is not funded 28/7/25 19 Financial Potential swift decline in value of Pound Sterling due to Force Majeure or material adverse change Mitigation measures would be put in place to prioritise front line services as detailed in the specific Business 2 4 8 [C] Strategic Manager Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance Managed Risk. The impact of the United Kingdom exit from the European Union has still to be evaluated. On- 28/7/25 54
Page 55
APPENDIX 1: AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE RISK REGISTER Official Risk ID Risk Category Risk Description Risk Mitigation Actions Likelihood Severity Risk Rating after Mitigation measures Responsible for managing the risk Risk Owner Additional Comments Date of last review resulting in increased costs in terms of fuel prices, interest rates and insurance premiums. Continuity Plans for office, depot and harbour, as applicable going discussions with Transport Scotland, COSLA and Ayrshire Roads Alliance on the impacts on the transport network. 20 Contractual Agreement Potential swift decline in value of Pound Sterling followed by market volatility over the short to medium term resulting in suppliers and contractors terminating agreements due to Force Majeure or material adverse change. Mitigation measures would be put in place to prioritise front line services as detailed in the specific Business Continuity Plans for office, deport and harbour, as applicable. 3 3 9 [C] Strategic Manager Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance Managed Risk. The impact of the United Kingdom exit from the European Union has still to be evaluated. On- going discussions with Transport Scotland, COSLA and Ayrshire Roads Alliance on the impacts on the transport network. 28/7/25 21 GDPR The existing Data Protection Act 2018 was brought about by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which is an EU Regulation that sets out the changes that the UK will implement in a new Data Protection Act. Follow Corporate Procedures 3 3 9 [T] Strategic Manager Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance 28/7/25 22 Presence of Coal Tar within the carriageway networkimpac Coal Tar is a known material used in the construction of carriageways until the mid-80s and is now known as a carcinogen and hazardous waste material. Reduce the level of risk by coring all works prior to design. Ensure an appropriate solution within the design is prepared which is either to retain in-situ and record presence, or remove and dispose of in accordance with current guidelines. 3 3 9 [C] Strategic Manager Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance Managed Risk; Ayrshire Roads Alliance has a duty of care to all employees in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974,Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015 and the disposal of hazardous waste. 28/7/25 23 Service The impact of the United Kingdom exit from the European Union Mitigation measures are in place to prioritise front line services as detailed in the specific Business Continuity Plans for office, depot and harbour as applicable. 4 3 12 [C] Strategic Manager Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance Managed risk. Ongoing discussions with Transport Scotland, COSLA and Ayrshire Roads Alliance on the impacts on the transport network. 28/7/25 24 Transport Increased cost of vehicle maintenance due to lack of investment in fleet replacement To mitigate the risk of increased maintenance costs through lack of fleet investment a comprehensive maintenance programme is in place for all vehicles in addition to a vehicle replacement programme developed to identify the optimum life cycle for fleet. 3 3 9 [C] Strategic Manager Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance 28/7/25 25 Transport Loss of operational base for any reason (Crookedholm Depot) To mitigate the impact of the loss of the transport depot and garage, business contingency plans have been developed that highlight how and where office based staff will work in addition to the steps to ensure that 1 3 3 [T] Strategic Manager Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance 28/7/25 55
Page 56
APPENDIX 1: AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE RISK REGISTER Official Risk ID Risk Category Risk Description Risk Mitigation Actions Likelihood Severity Risk Rating after Mitigation measures Responsible for managing the risk Risk Owner Additional Comments Date of last review maintenance is undertaken, which would be to activate external maintenance frameworks. 26 Transport Loss of public utilities for an extended time including electricity and water. Business continuity plans are in place to allow for the whole service to continue to function in the case that utilities are lost for an extended period of time. 1 3 3 [T] Strategic Manager Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance 28/7/25 27 Transport Loss of confidential information and appropriate handling of information will lead to breaches of data protection and potential significant financial penalties being incurred by the Council All staff that handle personal details have undertaken e-learning to advise of appropriate data protection steps required and where appropriate electronic systems are in place for recording and management of personal data to avoid paper being lost or misplaced. 1 4 4 [T] Strategic Manager Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance 28/7/25 28 Transport Passenger transport – late / non-attendance / vehicle breakdown by pick up vehicle – Failure of service as Service as user would miss Transport link connection / arrives late at destination activity / part activity The delivery of passenger transport is managed on the Council’s behalf by SPT. If there is an issue where there is a failure in service provision SPT would be required to organise a replacement service, working in conjunction with Officer locally within EAC. 2 2 4 [T] Strategic Manager Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance 28/7/25 29 Transport Passenger transport – escort not in attendance ASN contracts / Council owned vehicles service failure. Service not able to be provided until escort arrives. Server user misses activity / part activity Should an escort not be available H&SC services would arrange to provide another responsible individual available to ensure that the service can be delivered. In the unlikely case this cannot be accommodated, the parent would be notified and alternative arrangements made for the transport of the child to the school. 1 4 4 [T] Strategic Manager Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance 28/7/25 30 Transport No driver available to deliver service due to annual leave / sickness absence. Service not able to be provided service user misses activity / part activity Any shortage of driver would result in arranging for an alternative qualified individual within transport services to drive, or to work with Coalfield Community Transport to deliver the service. 1 3 3 [T] Strategic Manager Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance 28/7/25 31 Transport Passenger transport : Emergency closure of schools and contractors unable to provide Should schools need to close unexpectedly, all parents will be contacted to request that children are collected ASAP. Teachers will remain with children until the last one 1 4 4 [T] Strategic Manager Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance 28/7/25 56
Page 57
APPENDIX 1: AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE RISK REGISTER Official Risk ID Risk Category Risk Description Risk Mitigation Actions Likelihood Severity Risk Rating after Mitigation measures Responsible for managing the risk Risk Owner Additional Comments Date of last review transport within relevant timescales - has been collected safely by a parent. 32 Transport Passenger Transport: Documentation out of date risk to service users. Potentially inappropriate individuals, inappropriate vehicles used being used to provide service Documentation is reviewed and approved on an annual basis to ensure that the correct data is held for pupils, parents, schools and transport operator information. 1 5 5 [T] Strategic Manager Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance 28/7/25 33 Transport Passenger Transport: Contractor unable to fulfil obligations due to bankruptcy etc. Service failure not able to be provided until alternative arrangements made. Server user misses activity / part activity SPT manage all transport on behalf of EAC. In the case of a contractor going out of business, an alternative contractor will be sought. Where this cannot be provided, parents will be contacted and alternative arrangements may need to be made for the provision of transporting school children such as providing a mileage allowance to parents until an alternative solution can be implemented. 1 4 4 [C] Strategic Manager Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance 28/7/25 34 EV Charging Tariff Negative feedback to both authorities On approval by Cabinets a full programme of public communication to be issued 2 3 6[R] Strategic Manager Head of Service Ayrshire Roads Alliance 16/2/24 35 Material Shortages and Price Increases Steel products, timber, electrical equipment and aggregates have seen a price increase with aggregates prices falling back in the spring. This is as a result of market cost increase of raw material affecting suppliers, supply chains, shipping, transportation and Construction costs. Increased admin at UK ports due to EU Trade Cooperation has resulted in increased transportation costs, raw materials and surcharges. Where there are problems we are working with supplier to optimise deliveries to get procure best value under the circumstances. 4 3 12 [C] Strategic Manager Head of Service – Ayrshire Roads Alliance This will be under constant review with contractors. 28/7/25 36 Storage Related Risks Theft / Damage of Stores Risk is very low as there are many measures that have been put in place. For example – CCTV cameras, secure entry to the depots, insurance covers all depots for theft / 1 4 4 [C] Strategic Manager Head of Service Ayrshire Roads Alliance 28/7/25 57
Page 58
APPENDIX 1: AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE RISK REGISTER Official Risk ID Risk Category Risk Description Risk Mitigation Actions Likelihood Severity Risk Rating after Mitigation measures Responsible for managing the risk Risk Owner Additional Comments Date of last review damage, robust store person / key holder procedures in place 37 Ash Die Back Potential for death or injury as a result of ash dieback related accidents, both to professionals working on trees, and to the general public Increased safety issues due to declining ash trees on roads, owned and managed land such as in county parks, housing, estates, schools, routes to school, active travel routes and other well- used paths Risks to statutory functions or service delivery such as retaining safe schools, public open spaces or roads Risks to staff and community from trees on adjacent land falling into your estate Ash Trees within the public network with a fall range will be inspected and prioritised. P1 Immediate Felling P2 Monitor and Fell if moved to P1 P3 Monitor and Fell if moved to P1 Private landowners will be advised of any trees within their land which could impact on the public network. Under Road Scotland Act 1984 ARA have the authority to pursue landowners and remove diseased trees and recharge 4 3 12 [C] Strategic Manager Head of Service Ayrshire Roads Alliance 28/7/25 38 Ukrainian Crisis / Middle East Crisis Increasing cost of bitumen and the potential of short supply due to Russian sanctions and increased costs. May also result in rising fuel and delivery costs Pre-programming with suppliers and contractors as well as monitoring through revenue period reviews. 4 3 12 [C] Strategic Manager Head of Service Ayrshire Roads Alliance 28/7/25 39 Fuel - Red Diesel No longer permitted to use red diesel within construction vehicles. This has an impact on project costs and the overall programme. Reviewing alternative forms of fleet, however, this brings additional cost. 4 3 12 [C] Strategic Manager Head of Service Ayrshire Roads Alliance 28/7/25 40 EV Charging concession contract Failure to attract a private partner Robust and detailed tender package to be issued through the procurement process 2 3 6[T] Strategic Manager Head of Service Ayrshire Roads Alliance 28/7/25 41 Energy Costs fluctuation Impact on revenue budgets Robust period review of energy costs for lighting and EV chargers. 3 3 9[C] Strategic Manager Head of Service Ayrshire Roads Alliance 28/7/25 58
Page 59
APPENDIX 1: AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE RISK REGISTER Official Risk ID Risk Category Risk Description Risk Mitigation Actions Likelihood Severity Risk Rating after Mitigation measures Responsible for managing the risk Risk Owner Additional Comments Date of last review 42 Land acquisition and other legal resource requirement Lack of available resources resulting in delays to projects Triage projects at regular update meetings. Consider outsourcing Legal work. 4 3 12 [T&R] Strategic Manager Head of Service Ayrshire Roads Alliance 19/05/25 43 Procurement Scotland Excel Contract Framework delays Review alternative Frameworks to procure Material and Services 5 3 15 [C] Service Managers Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance Alternative Framework documentation would be significantly different from SXL. Additional staff time may be require to complete. 28/7/25 44 United States Trade Agreement This is as a result of market cost increase of raw material affecting suppliers, supply chains, shipping, transportation and Construction costs. Where there are problems we are working with supplier to optimise deliveries to get procure best value under the circumstances. 4 3 12 [C] Strategic Manager Head of Service – Ayrshire Roads Alliance This will be under constant review with contractors. 28/7/25 59
Page 60
60
Page 61
Official AYRSHIRE SHARED SERVICE JOINT COMMITTEE 05 September 2025 Report by the Head of Ayrshire Roads Alliance ______________________________________________________________ SUBJECT: ROADWORKS PROGRAMME 2025/26 ______________________________________________________________ Purpose of report 1. The purpose of this report is to advise the Joint Committee on the progress of work through the road improvement programmes within East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire for financial year 2025 to 2026. Recommendations 2. It is recommended that Joint Committee: (i) Notes, the Ayrshire Roads Alliance programmed works 2025/26 (ii) Otherwise, notes the contents of this Report. Background 3. The budget allocation for East and South Ayrshire Councils Roads Investment Programme for FY 2025/26 can be seen in tables 1 and 2 below respectively. Table 1: East Ayrshire Council Roads Investment Programme 2025/26 Programme Area Budget (£m) Carriageway Resurfacing 2.081 Footway Resurfacing 0.084 Street Lighting 0.215 Traffic & Transportation incl. road safety 0.330 Active Travel 0.050 School Streets 0.050 Bridge and Culvert Strengthening (incl. road slips) 3.500 Car Parks incl. Multi-storey demolition 0.820 Fleet 0.600 Total £7.730 External Funding (Confirmed) SPT – Behaviour Change £0.385 Transport Scotland – Behaviour Change £0.116 ATIF - Tier 1 £0.758 Developer Contributions/Route Action Plans £0.359 Bus Infrastructure Fund – Tier 1 £0.645 SG – EV Infrastructure Fund £2.800 Agenda Item 6 61
Page 62
Official Total £ 5.063 External Funding (To be Confirmed) Sustrans – Annick Valley Stage 2 £0.165 (Award letter to be issued) ATIF Tier 2 - Design £2.405 (Tbc.) Road Safety Improvement Fund £0.300 (Tbc) Total £2.870 (Tbc.) Table 2: South Ayrshire Council Roads Investment Programme 2025/26 Programme Area Budget (£m) Carriageway & Footway Resurfacing 1.581 Street Lighting 0.150 Bridges Capital 0.881 Millennium and Craigholm Bridges 0.145 C12 Dunure slope stabilisation 0.130 Vehicle restraint barriers 0.073 Cattle grid renewal 0.033 Girvan Harbour Jetty repairs 0.504 Local Flood Risk Plan 0.153 Ayr Depot 0.250 Climate Changes St Ninians Park 0.255 EV Charging Infrastructure 0.281 Total £4.436 External Funding (Confirmed) SPT – Behaviour Change £0.170 Transport Scotland £0.116 Tier 1 – Active Travel Funding £0.737 ATIF–Tier 2(Dundonald – Barassie) £2.700 Ayrshire Growth Deal £0.857 Levelling Up Fund (Active Travel) £4.000 Levelling Up Fund (Burns Statue) £15.000 Bus Infrastructure Fund – Tier 1 £0.382 Total £23.962 External Funding (To be Confirmed) Sustrans £0.753 (Award letter to be issued) ATIF Tier 2 - Design £1.626 (Tbc.) Road Safety Improvement Fund £0.270 (Tbc.) Total £2.649 (Tbc.) Note: Several funding applications have still to be confirmed. The affected areas of potential funding are denoted by the use of “£Tbc.” in Tables 1 and 2 above. Main report/main issues 4. Surfacing programmes for FY 2025/26 are contained within Appendices 1 and 2. 62
Page 63
Official Capital Resurfacing 5. Due to carcinogenic properties in Coal Tar, additional control measures are in place which requires coal tar testing to be undertaken before the commencement of works. 6. The requirement for a new coring contract has meant that the start date for some of our resurfacing sites has been delayed until the sites can be tested when the coring contract is awarded in September. 7. The Capital budget for both authority areas is committed and it is anticipated remaining surfacing works will commence late November. Depending on weather conditions during the winter months there is a possibility that some works may require to be carried over into financial year 2026/27. 8. In South Ayrshire we have completed 40% of the carriageway programme with an anticipated completion date of March 2026. The footway resurfacing programme commences in September 2025 with an anticipated completion date of November 2025 with some sites identified for surfacing being carried over into financial year 2026/27 as detailed in appendix 1. 9. Due to the delay with the Coring Contract, there is a risk resurfacing works may not be completed as planned during December to March 2026, owing to potential unsuitable winter weather conditions. As an alternative in South Ayrshire we are proposing to carry out overlay works on sites which do not require planing and associated coal tar disposal prior to winter. These sites could potentially be surface dressed in the future. It is therefore proposed that 6 resurfacing sites be carried forward into 26/27 programme to ensure works are completed under more favourable conditions. 10. In East Ayrshire 11% of the carriageway resurfacing programme has been completed as detailed in appendix 2 11. During a more detailed inspection undertaken on the A71, Kilmarnock from Moorfield Roundabout to the North Ayrshire Boundary, it was discovered the condition of the carriageway surface was worse than initially anticipated and the engineering decision was made to allocate a further £400k+ towards this project thus allowing the full length to be completely resurfaced with new road markings and cats eyes being installed. King Street Fire – Kilmarnock Town Centre 12. At around 21:00 hrs on the evening of Monday 14th July a huge fire took hold of a property in King Street with the first 48 hours, the scene was under the direct control of Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue. Ayrshire Roads Alliance under the direction of the police incident commander coordinated road closures and diversions around the scene and arranged for heras fencing to secure the site. 63
Page 64
Official 13. Ayrshire Local Resilience Partnership (ALRP) was activated followed by a coordinated response to the immediate aftermath and recovery phase demonstrating the strength of partnership working between our blue light emergency services, East Ayrshire Council, Ayrshire Roads Alliance and Utility Companies. The President and Vice President of the United States visit to Ayrshire 14. Adopting a “Gold, Silver & Bronze” Command and Control structure chaired by Police Scotland, East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire & Ayrshire Roads Alliance in partnership with all agencies including the US Secret Service supported the policing operation around the Presidential visit on 25th until 31st July.25 and shortly thereafter also accommodated the Vice President visit on 13th August until 17th August.25. East Ayrshire Council residential road and footway repairs (Additional Revenue Funding) 15. At Cabinet on 13 March 2025, East Ayrshire Members Initiatives approved £800k revenue funding for residential and footway repairs with locations identified detailed within Appendix 2 of this report with 13% complete to date. South Ayrshire Council Ward Investment and Promenade Programme 2025/26 16. Officers within our engineering disciplines continue to develop work schemes identified by Ward Members under the South Ayrshire Council Ward Investment Programme for 2025/26 as detailed within Appendix 4 of the report. Sites will be further added as discussions progress with Officers and Ward Members. Timber Transport 17. As reported at the last joint committee in June 2025 neither authority area was successful in their bids for grant funding from the Timber Transport Fund. 18. Officers are committed to reviewing our application process and an early meeting will be arranged with the Timber Transport Consortium when the window opens for 2026/27 applications. Street Lighting 19. The Scotland Excel Street Lighting Material Framework has still not been issued and this is hampering the completion of the LED project in the East. This has been ongoing for 3 years and with assistance from our Procurement colleagues after exploring alternative options we have recently issued a tender via the YPO ‘Highway Electrical Installations’ procurement framework for the supply of street lighting materials and sundry electrical items. 20. The Street lighting column and cable replacement programme of works which incorporates LED lanterns is detailed in Appendix 1 and 2. 64
Page 65
Official Electric Vehicle Infrastructure 21. The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund (EVIF) programme with the number of public chargers installed to date is listed within Appendix 3 for South and East Ayrshire respectively. 22. East Ayrshire Council is the lead authority for the PAN Ayrshire Public Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy. The project has secured a grant of £2.8million and work continues on the procurement phase. Following the previously approved business case, further papers have been presented to the cabinet regarding the introduction of an EV charging tariff, which has been implemented across all three Ayrshires as of 1st January 2025. A further increase to tariff was implemented on 1st July 2025. This tariff aims to establish a sustainable funding model and attract private investment. 23. Work continues on the tender documentation for the Pan Ayrshire concession contract with the appointment of Mott MacDonald as consultants to assist with the collation of the relevant documents required for tender. The Single Procurement Document (SPD) was issued on 3rd March 2025 for the initial stage of tendering, followed which we received numerous bids. The second part of the tendering process is currently ongoing, with the Invitation to Tender (ITT) to be published in September 2025 for the shortlisted bidders, followed by contract award in January 2026. 24. Under the Public Charge point regulations 2023 legislation all Rapid Chargers are required to be able to accept contactless payment by 24th November 2024. Ayrshire Roads Alliance has secured funding from Transport Scotland Contactless Compliance Grant Funding to replace/activate/retrofit eligible CPS rapid chargers to incorporate contactless payment. Works have been carried out to replace the non-compatible units and to activate contactless terminals on compatible rapid chargers. 25. Replacement of 22kW charger at Troon Swimming Pool will be funded from SAC Capital budget but is on hold until the concession Contract is awarded in December 2025. 26. Replacement of 50kW chargers at Burns Statue Square, Ayr and Girvan Harbour have been replaced and commissioned. Structures 27. Land acquisition and/or access agreements alongside environmental license requirements continue to cause delays to a number of projects. ARA are working closely with EAC Legal/Estates and relevant stakeholders to progress these issues. 28. Appendix 2 details East Ayrshire Council Bridges Capital programme for 2025/26. 65
Page 66
Official 29. A713 Polnessan Upper Bridge - ARA have erected temporary traffic signals due to subsidence in the carriageway. Traffic lights will remain in place until the slope has been stabilised. Project is near tender ready. 30. B741 Coal Glen Embankments works to be retendered following discussion with SPEN regarding utilities in the vicinity of the works. 31. A735 Lochridge Culvert - general culvert repair works ongoing. Scope of work increased on site due to poor ground conditions. 32. ARA are working with EAC Legal/Estates to acquire land at West Clerkland Bridge through a Compulsory Purchase Order. The bridge has been shut to vehicular traffic since 2012 and shut to both pedestrians and vehicular traffic since 2021. 33. 3no. bridges on the A71 between the Bellfield Interchange and Moorfield Roundabout need replacement expansion joints. A consultant was appointed to explore options in removing the joints and making the structures semi/fully integral. It has been decided that in the meantime 2 joints that are repeatedly failing will be replaced with asphaltic plug joints. 34. B730/10 Littlemill Bridge - land acquisition complete after years of negotiation. Tender documents to be reviewed and works tendered with a view to start on site in Spring 26. 35. Contract awarded for low bridge sign upgrades at 5 structures in Kilmarnock and Kilmaurs. 36. South Pier Quay at Girvan Harbour – tenders for steel plate repairs to the existing sheet piles and grouting is anticipated to be issued in August/September with works completed by the end of 2025. 37. The detailed design of the Girvan Harbour Timber Jetty works are progressing with the Contract documentation substantially complete. The Tender will be issued once the South Pier Quay tenders have been returned and costs known. 38. The A79/30 Victoria Bridge Concrete Repairs and Painting has been completed. 39. The Contract Documentation for Girvan Harbour dredging and land based material disposal has been finalised and are with Procurement for Tender issue. 40. Ayr South Pier - as previously reported at the last Shared Service Joint Committee in June 2025, funding to employ a consultant to carry out an underwater dive survey and structural assessment has not been secured. This is a matter of concern as the importance of a dive survey and assessment was highlighted following the development of a sink hole in a verge area at the end of the South Pier. 66
Page 67
Official Traffic & Transportation 41. Active Travel Infrastructure Fund (ATIF) Tier 1 grant funding for both autjority areas has been received from Transport Scotland. Active Travel projects using the Tier 1 funding is currently in development, and will be implemented over the course of the current financial year. 42. Grant awards have been confirmed from Transport Scotland for both EAC (£645,000) and SAC (£382,000) from the Bus Infrastructure Fund – Tier 1. This unforeseen funding is directly awarded and paid to local authorities as part of the General Capital Block Grant (GCBG) Allocation. ARA are currently developing delivery programmes for both EAC and SAC areas and reports will be presented to both Cabinets with proposed programmes of work for review and approval. 43. Confirmation of the Road Safety Improvement Fund grant allocations is pending for both authority areas. Schemes are currently being identified and prioritised as listed in the appendices but may be subject to change pending Transport Scotland approval. 44. Kilmarnock Bus Station refurbishment programme is now complete with Officers currently reviewing the cleaning regime. 45. The Contract for Cumnock Bus Station which include changes to materials and the installation of a public address system is currently being prepared. Ayrshire Growth Deal (AGD) Roads Projects 46. A Case for Change seeking approval of the changes to the Roads Infrastructure project and also the Prestwick Proposition has now been approved by Scottish & UK Governments. Ayrshire Roads Alliance will assist in the delivery of all these projects for South Ayrshire Council. 47. A Planning application for the construction of a new car park at Shaw Road, Prestwick will be submitted in September 2025, this is a significant step forward in the delivery of the AGD. 48. Extensive ground investigations and environmental studies are currently being undertaken on the remaining phases of the AGD in an attempt to accelerate the design process and move more projects through to construction. Levelling Up Fund 49. South Ayrshire Council successfully secured £20million of funding from the Levelling Up Fund (LUF) round 3.£15million of this funding has been transferred to ARA and will be utilised to redevelop Burns Statue Square. Balfour Beatty have been appointed as the principle contractor, design is currently underway and a delivery programme will be produced in the coming weeks. 50. £1.2million of the LUF funding along with a £2.7million award from ATIF will be used to construct a new Active Travel Route linking Dundonald to Barassie 67
Page 68
Official Station, work is currently underway on this route and is scheduled to be complete by 31st March 2026. 51. The remaining £2.8million along with funding from the AGD & a bid to the ATIF in January 2026 will be utilised to carry out significant improvements to the NCN7 from Prestwick to Barassie railway stations. Work will commence on-site late 2025 and will be complete by 31st March 2027. Active Travel 52. The Active Travel Infrastructure Fund (ATIF) administered by Transport Scotland has awarded £2.7million towards the construction of the Dundonald to Barassie route. 53. ARA submitted several funding applications to Sustrans in January 2025 to carry out the next stages of the design process for several active travel routes across both South and East Ayrshire Council, it has now been confirmed that Sustrans will not receive funding from Transport Scotland as had originally been advised and these applications have now been transferred to ATIF. No decision has been taken on these application at this time. Ash Dieback & Other Species 54. Appendix 5 of the report details the current condition data on all High Risk roadside trees for both authority areas. Surveys and programmed works for removal are ongoing with 28-day notices being issued to owners and any objections received referred to legal service. Implications 55. Implications Yes No Paragraph number in report 1. Policy/Strategic Planning x 56 & 57 2. Governance x 58 3. Human Resources x 59 4. Equality and Fairer Scotland Duty x 60 5. Financial x 3, 61 & Appendix 1, 2 and 4 6. Risk x 62 & 63 7. Community Wealth Building x 64 8. Net Zero x 65 68
Page 69
Official Policy/strategic planning implications 56. A well-maintained road network will contribute to achieving the 2015-2030 Community Plan objectives and associated 2021-2024 Delivery Plans 57. The matters referred to in this report contribute to Priority 1 of the South Ayrshire Council Plan: Spaces and Places/ Moving around and the environment (Outcome 1). Governance implications 58. By virtue of the relevant statutory provisions, principally detailed within the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984, the Council as local roads authority is required to manage and maintain all publicly adopted roads within its area other than those which are maintained and managed by the Scottish Ministers. Human resources implications 59. The work programmes have direct impact on human resources and the Alliance will ensure all works are suitably resourced to maintain satisfactory progress. Equality impact and Fairer Scotland duty implications 60. Equality Impact and Fairer Scotland Duty screening assessments will be undertaken annually as required during the planning stage prior to the delivery of the programme of works. Financial implications 61. The Ayrshire Roads Alliance will deliver the strategic and local services as stated in the Service Plan. The budget is provided by East Ayrshire Council, South Ayrshire Council, and other external organisations. Appropriate scrutiny arrangements are in place to manage these budgets. Risk implications 62. The Ayrshire Roads Alliance Risk Register is reviewed and presented at every Joint Committee. 63. The Works Programmes, Service Plan and the Risk Register do not expose either Council to an increased risk as they have been developed from existing budgets and existing service commitment. Community Wealth Building implications 64. The works programme provides economic levers to develop resilient, inclusive local economies with more local spend and fair employment, as well as ensuring that wealth is more locally owned and benefits local people. 69
Page 70
Official Net zero implications 65. The Ayrshire Roads Alliance Service Plan and Carbon Strategy supports and links to East Ayrshire Climate Strategy Themes Theme 2: Transport Theme 4: Natural Environment Appendices Appendix 1 - South Ayrshire Council Programme of Works 2024/26 Appendix 2 - East Ayrshire Council Programme of Works 2025/26 Appendix 3 – EV Public Chargers Appendix 4 - South Ayrshire Council Ward Investment and Promenade Programme 2025/26 Appendix 5 – Ash Dieback Condition reports EAC & SAC Background papers • East Ayrshire Council – 2025/26 Road Asset Management Plan. Investment and Programme • South Ayrshire Council – Road Improvement Plan 2025 - 2026 Person to contact. Jane Corrie, Head of Roads - Ayrshire Roads Alliance Tel No. 01563 503164 E-mail. jane.corrie@ayrshireroadsalliance.org Implementation Officer Craig Knape, Strategic Manager - Ayrshire Roads Alliance Tel No. 01563 503164 E-mail. craig.knape@ayrshireroadsalliance.org 70
Page 71
Official Appendix 1 South Ayrshire Council – Programme of Works 2024/26 Ayrshire Roads Alliance - Carriageway Structural Maintenance Programme over two years 2024 to 2026 Route No Town Road Name Works Description Scheme Score Estimate d Cost Cost to Date Variance +/- Comments B734 Old Dailly Barr Old Dailly Old Dailly to Penkill + drainage improvements N/A £150,813 £163,932 -£13,119 Complete B7035 By Girvan Glendoune Houdston Road (Coalpots) Braetoll South + S Power shut down N/A £200,000 £206,251 -£6,251 Complete B743 By Mossblown Ayr / Mossblown? West from Brocklehill Farm 53 £249,002 £249,239 -£237 Complete C37 Auchincruive Barrackhall Gibbsyard 48 £123,861 123,873 -£12 Complete Uncl Tarbolton Springfield Road Garden Street to No 50 46 £54,275 £53,851 +£424 Complete B742 By Coylton B742 Council Boundary - A70/Hillhead, Coylton By Holebogs, S bend 59 £445,000 £440,506 +£4,494 Complete B742 By Coylton B742 Council Boundary - A70/Hillhead, Coylton From A70 at Hillhead south to C21 Craigs Road junction 56 B742 By Coylton B742 A70 Hillhead - B744 Jcn N Of Annbank, Coylton From Meadowhead Depot entrance south-wards 55 Complete B742 By Coylton B742 A70 Hillhead - B744 Jcn N Of Annbank, Coylton Bridge of Coyle to C2 52 B744 Annbank Weston Brae Full Length 53 £152,000 £207,822 -£55,822 Complete B744 Annbank Browns Crescent Weston Avenue Full Length Craighall Way to 101 Weston Avenue 53 56 U77 By Coylton Hole Road Full Length 46 £82,867 £83,064 -£197 Complete B7023 Maybole Crosshill Road Full Length 56 £74,687 £72,215 +£2,472 Complete Complete Complete B7023 Maybole St Cuthbert's Road Full Length 53 £30,669 £41,792 -£11,123 B7024 Maybole Alloway Road Redbrae to Bypass 51 £55,922 £96,288 -£40,366 C122 By Maybole C122 Gardenrose Path/Maybole - School Road/Minishant, Maybole School to new Bypass 50 £58,095 £58,097 -£2 Complete 71
Page 72
Official C122 Gardenrose Path/Maybole - School Road/Minishant, Maybole Ladycross to new Bypass B7023 Maybole Ballochbroe to Crosshill Dalhowan to C58 £275,435 £362,350 -£86,915 Complete A719 PH 2 By Maidens By Dunure Pennyglen/B7023 - Kirkoswald Road/Maidens, Maidens A719 Smithy Bridge/Dunure - Croy Brae, Dunure B7023 Enoch Lodge -Caravan Park Cemetery to Drumshang 67 £281,669 £326,746 -£45,077 Complete Complete A719 PH 1 By Maidens Pennyglen/B7023 - Kirkoswald Rd & Turnberry Rd /Maidens, Turnberry Morriston Farm to Jct Blawearie Maidens to Turnberry 56 £441,666 £540,857 -£99,191 Uncl Maybole Ashgrove Avenue Full Length £88,954 £102,985 -£14,031 Complete Ayrshire Roads Alliance - Carriageway Structural Maintenance Programme – New Sites identified for 2024 to 2026 B749 Troon Monktonhill Road Southwood jct to Isle of Pin 59 £210,000 £265,328 -£55,328 Complete. after excavation, additional material was required to regulate due to sand & soft spots localised to lots of areas in Troon B749 Troon Craigend Road Fullarton Drive railway bridge to South Beach 48 £167,500 £201,706 -£34,206 Complete Overspend same as Monktonhill Rd B749 Troon South Beach Lochend Road to Academy Street jct 54 £200,000 £307,540 -£107,540 Complete. Overspend same as Monktonhill and Craigend. 72
Page 73
Official C44 Dailly Dailly to Turnberry Farden 500m towards Drummock 39 £112,560 £71,137 +£41,422 Complete B7027 Barr Knowe Road Lochtonmill southwards £63,000 £53,406.44 +£9,593 Complete B734 Colmonell Colmonell to the A77 £106,560 £150,273 -£43,713 Complete B7023 Maybole C58 to Cemetary £297,606 £271,503 +£26,102 Complete A70 C39 Coylton Ayr Joppa Doonholm Road Hole Road jct to Pharmacy Alloway to The Loaning 35 43 £179,321 £155,377 +£23,944 Complete C145 Ayr Hillfoot Road Holmston Rd to Holmston Dr 54 £91,875 £123,733 -£31,858 Complete Uncl Maybole Queens Terrace/Chesney Grove/Kincraig Avenue Full Road 33 33 £166,275 £174,448 -£8,173 Complete Uncl Maybole Cargill Road Full Road 47 £46,900 £48,224 -£1,324 Complete C1 (STTS) Straiton Newton Stewart Road U8 towards Straiton to U57 44 £120,400 £119.293 +£1,107 Complete B7045 (STTS) Maybole Cassilis to Kirkmichael Rd Crorieshill Farm northwards for 360m 44 £46,750 £51,700 -£4,950 Complete Uncl Ayr Saltpans Road North from Glebe Road 46 £112,249 £118,940 -£6,691 Complete Uncl Prestwick Morris Road Full Road 43 £55,000 £107,345 -£52,345 Complete (presence of coal tar increased costs) Uncl Ayr Green Street Waggon Road to Crown Street 42 £130,000 £214,584 -£84,584 Complete (presence of coal tar increased costs) Uncl Prestwick Craigie Street Full length 39 £30,000 £36,725 -£6,725 Complete B744 By Annbank B744 Belston/A70 - Weston Avenue/Annbank, Ayr Auchincruive Junction to Glenview 52 £120,000 £139,872 -£19,872 Complete B742 By Maybole Dalrymple to Barnford Farm Dalrymple Road 46 £130,000 £138,058 -£8,058 Complete 73
Page 74
Official Uncl Maybole Hicks Avenue Full cway & fway 30 £104,000 £133,263 -£29,263 Complete Increased costs due to combining footway, kerbing C59 Colmonell Craigneil Road B734 to Bridge £67,000 £53,129 +£13,871 Complete Uncl Ayr Peggieshill (PH1) Dalmilling Rd to Nursery Rd 44 £92,000 £99,038 -£7,038 Complete Uncl Ayr Kincaidston (PH1) Marigold Sq to Honeysuckle Park 52 £185,000 £181,768 +£3,232 Complete Uncl Girvan Louisa Drive Knockcushion St to Duncan St £103,640 £91,410 +£12,230 Complete Uncl Ayr Peggieshill Rd (PH2) Nursery Rd to Fenwickland Ave 44 £100,000 £81,228 +18,772 Complete C74 By Ayr MacNairston Rd C105 to B742 junction 52 £97,608 £112,326 -£14,718 Complete B742 By Maybole Nether Culzean Dalrymple Rd Barnford farm to Nether Culzean 42 £135,000 £130,022 +£4,978 Complete Uncl Ayr Ellisland Square (Contains Coal Tar) Full Length 42 £125,000 £85,289 +£39,710.80 Complete – final measure Uncl Ayr Kincaidston Drive (PH2) Honeysuckle Park to Dalmellington Rd 52 £100,000 £51,730 +£48,270 Complete – final measure B742 Mossblown Sandyford Road From a point 180 metres east of A719 junction eastwards for 680m 53 £140,700 £169,432 -£28,732 Complete Uncl Ayr Dalmilling Road (Contains Coal Tar) Harthall to Mainholm Rd 37 £275,000 £37,032.78 +£212,967.22 Complete – final measure Uncl Prestwick Bellevue Road (TO BE TESTED) From Main Street to Adamton Road £38,039 c/f to 2026/27 TBC Uncl Girvan Todd Street (TO BE TESTED) Full length 31 £32,894 c/f to 2026/27 TBC Uncl Girvan Fauldribbon Road (TO BE TESTED) Full length 34 £31,813 c/f to 2026/27 TBC Uncl Girvan B741 Linfern Road (TO BE TESTED) NO.79 to no.3 near Main Street 29 £100,517 Programmed to Commence 26/01/26 Uncl Maybole Carrick Street (TO BE TESTED) Ladyland Rd to B77 33 £26,130 c/f to 2026/27 TBC Uncl Maybole Wellington Street (TO BE TESTED) Ladyland Rd to Carrick St 30 £18,090 c/f to 2026/27 TBC Uncl Maybole Manse Street (TO BE TESTED) Drumellan St to Abbott St £20,100 c/f to 2026/27 TBC 74
Page 75
Official Uncl Girvan Hamilton Street (TO BE TESTED) Church Sq to Bridge St 46 £49,655.55 Programmed to Commence 09/02/26 Uncl Ayr Chapel Park Road Full length 40 £55,984 2026/27 Uncl Prestwick St Cuthbert’s Rd St Andrew’s Ave to Kirklandholm £38,587 2026/27 Ayrshire Roads Alliance – Overlay surfacing (potential future surface dressing) U39 Dailly Hawkhill Road Old Dailly from number 1 to number 12 N/A £125,000 TBC Ayrshire Roads Alliance - Footway Structural Maintenance Programme over two years 2024 to 2026 C17 Tarbolton Westport Footway North side 28 £17,370 £24,984 -£7,644 Complete Uncl Prestwick Hunters Avenue South from Heathfield Road, west side 23 £7,500 £5,393 +£2,107 Complete Uncl Troon Morven Drive Cessnock Rd to Dundonald Rd (Northside) £15,072 £28,820 -£13,748 Complete C151 Dailly Woodside Both sides from Back St and Hadyard Terr 30 £20,400 £17,147 +£3,253 Complete Uncl Crosshill Newton Street Church Side of road 30 £15,795 £14,440 +£1,355 Complete Uncl Dailly Hadyard Terrace Inside footway + part outer section 28 £54,400 £20,110 +£34,290 Complete Ayrshire Roads Alliance - Footway Structural Maintenance Programme – sites identified for 2024 to 2026 Uncl Mossblown Martin Avenue Mossblown 28 £28,300 £30,829 -£2,529 Complete B744 Annbank Weston Brae Full Length 28 £10,700 £5,761 +£4,939 Complete B730 Dundonald Drybridge Road Bowling Green to Kilnford Dr 28 £19,223 Works progressing on site Uncl Ayr Bellevue Crescent Full Length 34 £37,800 TBC - tree inspection, scope of work to be determined 75
Page 76
Official Uncl Maidens Ardlochan Road Full Length 30 £21,000 Programmed to Commence 24/10/25 Uncl Dailly Church Crecent Odd numbers full length 30 £16,800 Programmed to Commence 03/11/25 Ayrshire Roads Alliance - Footway Structural Maintenance Programme – sites identified for future budget allocation B743 Mossblown Mauchline Road Fourways to railway bridge north side 28 £15,300 2026/27 Uncl Ayr Lochpark Slab replacement 23 £20,425 2026/27 Ayrshire Roads Alliance - Lighting Programme 2025/26 Town Location Work Type No of columns Estimated Programme Cost Comments Variance +/- Ayr Ayr - Old Hillfoot Road, Hillfoot Crescent & Souter Place Old steel columns & unreliable 5th Core 5 £30,000 Complete Ayr Cunningham Crescent & Area Unreliable 5th Core Supplies 16 £40,000 Complete Troon Concrete Column Replacements Ph3 Old deteriorated concrete columns 43 £55,000 Awarded £125,000 Ayrshire Roads Alliance - Traffic, Transportation and Road Safety Programmes 2025/26 (i) Road Safety Programme Town/Route Location Proposed Scheme Progress Various Various locations Various schemes (TBC), anticipated to include: • Route Action Plan for the B743 at St Quivox; • B743 review at Failford Bridge; • Speed reduction measures at Coalpots Road at The Avenue; Development of a finalised programme for the current financial year will follow confirmation of any grant award from Transport Scotland’s Road Safety Improvement Fund (RSIF). 76
Page 77
Official (ii) Safer Neighborhoods Town Location Proposed Scheme Progress Phase 4 20mph schemes Various roads (TBC) 20mph speed limit schemes Discussion with SAC required to identify appropriate settlements for inclusion in Phase 4. Various Various locations Vehicle activated signs upgrade Pending implementation of new contract, and extents of upgrades will be subject to budget. (iii) Rural Route Action Plans Route Location Proposed Scheme Progress B743 Between the A77(T) and Auchincruive (St Quivox) TBC Listed under RSIF schemes above – subject to confirmation of funding. (iv) Active Travel Infrastructure – ATIF & Sustrans Town Location Proposed Scheme Progress Various Various locations • Various smaller schemes under Tier 1 funding, details TBC. Currently developing a package of schemes to be progressed during the current financial year making use of the Tier 1 grant award. Loans From Buchan Road to the A759 Loans to Troon Phase 3 Funding application unsuccessful, new application submitted to ATIF for 2025/26 Loans From Dundonald Road to Buchan Road Loans to Troon Phase 2 £24,500 received to install permanent monitoring equipment • Bradan Road, Troon – enhanced crossing points; • Road Safety scheme, Links Road, Prestwick. 77
Page 78
Official Dundonald To the northern side of the A759 Dundonald to Barassie Phase 1 Award received to treat Japanese Knotweed on-site, full construction funding application submitted to ATIF for 2025/26. Various Various Various Funding application unsuccessful, new application submitted to ATIF for 2025/26 Girvan Quay to Grangeston Girvan to Grangeston £27,378 received to complete RIBA Stage 1, Ayr Town Centre Accessible Ayr £778,780 received to complete RIBA Stage 4 of Route 1 Phase 1 Ayr-Girvan Ayr to Girvan Culzean Way £47,755 received to complete RIBA Stage 1 Coylton Coylton Primary Access for All – Coylton £27,378 received to install permanent monitoring equipment Ayr, Prestwick & Troon NCN7 NCN Barrier Removal £113,500 received to remove barriers from the NCN7 in Ayr Prestwick & Troon to make the route inclusive. Prestwick, Troon & Barassie NCN7 from Prestick Station to A759 Barassie Prestwick to Barassie £82,979 received to complete RIBA Stage 2 Dundonald Junction of A759/B730 Dundonald Cross £80,000 received to install signals at the junction of the A759/B730 Ayrshire Roads Alliance - Structures Capital Programme 2025/26 [Includes works carried forward from 2023/24/25] Description Work Type Estimated Programme Cost Comments Variance +/- A79-30 Victoria Bridge Concrete Repairs and Painting £432,776 Completed 0 A79-40 John Street, Ayr, Railway Bridge Parapets £362,000 Design Phase. -£294,225 FB.AYR-70 River Doon Cycleway Footbridge (Millenium Br) Refurbishment £145,000 Design Phase Tender Documents completed and Marine Licence applied for. £143,951 U740-10 Barbieston Bridge Replacement Design £86,820.00 Design Phase 50% - 50% EAC / SAC funded project as this is a boundary bridge. £80,025 Various Locations Vehicle Restraint Barrier Renewal £50,000 Design Phase Contract awarded works ongoing +£50,000 78
Page 79
Official Various Locations Cattle Grid Renewal Programme £33,600 Design Phase Contract awarded works ongoing £-33,600 C12 Dunure Station Road Dunure, Slope Stabilisation £130,000 A 70m long gravity retaining wall option has been selected as the most optimum solution. Detailed design and contract preparation is currently underway, however the capital budget currently available for this project is insufficient for the proposed solution – additional funding required. To be discussed with finance. -£124,087 Girvan Harbour Girvan Harbour South Pier Repairs £136,000 The South Pier Quay has been assessed to have a load carrying capacity of 0.5 tonnes per square metre. Following dive surveys undertaken earlier this year the option chosen to extend the life of the structure is steel plate repairs to the existing sheet piles and grouting of the voids. Completion and submission of the contract documentation was delayed in order that the significant damage caused to the South Pier Quay by the Q-Varl boat, when it broke its moorings in a storm, could be assessed and any repairs required could be included in the contract documents. Tenders to be issued in August with works completed by the end of 2025. £118,989 Girvan Harbour Girvan Harbour Timber Jetty Sheet Piles £504,887 The sediment transfer model has been completed including options to deal with the defective sheet piling. The recommended option is to replace only the piling on the curved section from the lifeboat station. Contract documentation substantially complete and will be issued once tenders for the South Pier Quay works have been returned and costs are known. -£504,887 £1,881,083 79
Page 80
Official Appendix 2 East Ayrshire Council Ayrshire Roads Alliance – Carriageway Structural Maintenance Programme 2025/26 incl works carried over from 2024/25 ROAD LOCATION Estimated Cost Cost to Date variance +/- Comment A71 Dual Carriageway From Moorfield Roundabout – Target Worst Sections £300,000.00 Complete – final measure A736/U20 Junction Contribution to North Ayrshire to complete EAC section Junction Contribution to North Ayrshire to complete EAC section £15,000.00 To be programmed A735 From Lochridge House North Entrance to Windmill factory Farm £182,354.25 To be programmed A735 Rigg Street Stewarton From B778 to Brown Street £60,606.00 To be programmed B7046 Skares From Junction Newfield Rd to Recycling Centre Additional section into Skares £116,000.00 £152,936.00 Complete – final measure B769 Stewarton From Stewarton to North Ayrshire Boundary £219,375.00 To be programmed B743 Mauchline High Street From A76 to Loans (School) £52,680.60 Programmed to Commence 11/10/25 B7037 Titchfield Street Galston From Mini Roundabout to Orchard Street £97,500.00 Programmed to Commence 06/10/25 B7038 Kilmarnock Campbell Street From: Fire Station AC / To: Willock Street £41,595.40 Programmed to Commence 24/01/26 C3 Barskimming Road Mauchline From Loudoun Street to StationRoad £74,074.00 Programmed to Commence 18/10/25 C108 Stewarton From Greensland to Boundary £114,750.00 To be programmed C22 Coal Road Auchinleck From Railway bridge to Barbieston Road £35,612.50 To be programmed U55 Galston From U56 approx 1000m Westwards £78,750.00 £60,954.21 Complete – final measure Kilmarnock New Mill Road From Chapmans Terrace to end £45,584.00 To be programmed Kilmarnock Whatriggs Road From Tinto Avenue to Haining Avenue £35,612.50 To be programmed Kilmarnock East Shaw Street From Lidle to and around mini roundabout £37,814.00 Programmed to Commence 04/10/25 Kilmarnock Bentink Street On Approach to Mini roundabout £20,797.70 Programmed to Commence 04/10/25 80
Page 81
Official Kilmarnock Bellsland Grove Full Length £19,080.00 Programmed to Commence 04/10/25 Kimarnock Beech Avenue From Portland Road to Larch Place £84,501.40 Programmed to Commence 11/10/25 Kilmarnock Pine Road Full Length £42,022.75 Programmed to Commence 25/10/25 Kilmarnock Old Irvine Road From Lindsay Street to Grange Street £37,464.35 To be programmed Kilmarnock Brackenhill Avenue Full Length £32,323.20 To be programmed Kilmarnock Arran Avenue Full length £36,182.30 To be programmed Kilmarnock Lainshaw Avenue One Section £71,225.00 To be programmed Kilmarnock Townend Full Length £27,065.50 To be programmed Stewarton Avenue Square Access Road into car park £11,396.00 To be programmed Kilmaurs East Park Crescent Full Length £34,045.55 To be programmed Galston Western Road Outside Primary School £29,487.15 Complete – final measure Hurlford Mayfield Avenue Full Length £57,855.42 To be programmed Fenwick Skernieland Road From Old A77 Slip to Rysland Terrace £44,053.31 To be programmed Cumnock Hearth Road Full length £89,909.25 Programmed to Commence 15/12/25 Drongan Lane Crescent Full Length £27,195.00 To be programmed Bellsbank Corserene Terrace Full Length £29,526.00 To be programmed Dalmellington Gateside Road Broomknowe to B741 £31,080.00 To be programmed Dalrymple Cedar Terrace Full Length £15,540.00 To be programmed Drongan Mill o Shield Road From Coyle Avenue and Garrowhill Drive £37,749.25 To be programmed 81
Page 82
Official Ayrshire Roads Alliance – Footway Structural Maintenance Programme 2025/26 incl works carried over from 2024/25 Ayrshire Roads Alliance - £800k Residential Carriageway/Footway Improvement Programme 2025/26 WARD Location Estimated Costs Cost to Date Variance +/- Comment 1 Carriageway - Stewarton Dornie Close £9,120.00 To be programmed 1 Carriageway - Stewarton Braemore Road £11,310.00 To be programmed 1 Carriageway - Stewarton Kirkmuir Drive £54,000.00 To be programmed 2 Carriageway - Kilmarnock Tourhill Road £5,580.00 Complete – final measure 2 Carriageway - KilmarnockAuchencar Drive £15,120.00 Complete – final measure 2 Carriageway - KilmarnockWardneuk Drive £6,165.00 Complete – final measure 3 Carriageway - Kilmarnock Woodside Avenue To be programmed FOOTWAY LOCATION Estimated Cost Cost to Date variance +/- Comment Catrine - Newton Street Outside School £7,290.00 To be programmed Auchinleck - Main Street From Surgery to Council Car Park £21,870.00 To be programmed Cumnock - Glaisnock Road Outside Cemetery £19,044.00 To be programmed Kilmarnock - Dundonald Road Outside School £16,200.00 To be programmed Kilmarnock - Gilmour Street Various Locations £21,060.00 To be programmed Stewarton - High Street From Old Bank to Church £16,200.00 To be programmed Stewarton - Lainshaw Street Standalane to Sainsbury’s Rear Entrance £19,260.00 To be programmed Fenwick - Skerniland Road Both Sides £22,680.00 To be programmed Galston - A719 Opposite Loudoun Academy From Nursing Home to Barriered Section £8,100.00 To be programmed 82
Page 83
Official £60,000.00 4 Carriageway - Kilmarnock - Anderson Place/Bannerman Drive and Drummond Place £46,200.00 Programmed to Commence 25/10/25 4 Carriageway - Kilmarnock Sparrow Gardens £12,960.00 Programmed to Commence 12/01/26 5 Carriageway - Kilmarnock Simonsburn Road £9,225.00 To be programmed 5 Carriageway - Kilmarnock Elderslie Crescent/Ayr Road £13,500.00 To be programmed 6 Carriageway - Newmilns Sheilds Road £28,050.00 To be programmed 6 Carriageway - Darvel West Donnington Street £16,800.00 Programmed to Commence 06/12/25 6 Carriageway - Darvel Jaimieson Road £17,400.00 Complete – final measure 7 Carriageway - Mauchline Clarinda Crescent £23,100.00 Programmed to Commence 08/09/25 7 Carriageway - Mauchline East Park Avenue £25,560.00 Programmed to Commence 08/09/25 7 Carriageway - Mauchline Southpark Avenue £7,800.00 Programmed to Commence 08/09/25 7 Carriageway - Mauchline Welton Road £19,950.00 Programmed to Commence 23/09/25 7 Carriageway - Mauchline Mansfield Road £43,500.00 Programmed to Commence 23/09/25 8 Carriageway - Cumnock Latta Crescent £20,010.00 Programmed to Commence 12/01/26 8 Carriageway - Cumnock Nans Terrace £16,500.00 Programmed to Commence 24/11/25 8 Carriageway - Cumnock Lorimer Crescent £44,550.00 Programmed to Commence 01/12/25 8 Carriageway - Cumnock Hearth Place £24,000.00 Programmed to Commence 08/12/25 8 Carriageway - Cumnock Bank Avenue £21,420.00 To be programmed 8 Carriageway - Logan Holmhead Crescent £36,600.00 To be programmed 8 Carriageway - Logan Dixton Avenue £21,690.00 To be programmed 9 Carriageway - New Cumnock Castlemains Avenue £42,000.00 To be programmed 9 Carriageway - Dalmellington Church Hill/Melling Terrace £36,330.00 To be programmed 9 Carriageway - Dalmellington Knowehead £41,820.00 To be programmed 9 Carriageway - Ochiltree Gallowlee Avenue £20,490.00 To be programmed 4 Footway – Hurlford Furnace Court £15,750.00 To be programmed 83
Page 84
Official 6 Footway – Galston Bridge Street £3,750.00 To be programmed 6 Footway – Darvel Glen Crescent £17,500.00 To be programmed Ayrshire Roads Alliance - Lighting Capital Programme 2025/26 Town Location Work Type No of columns Estimated Programme Cost Comments Variance +/- Dalmellington Riecawr Ave, Area. Unreliable 5th Core. 22 £65,000 Completed 16 Jun 2025 Galston Maxwood Road. Unreliable 5th Core/Concrete columns. 10 £30,000 Completed 14 Jul 2025 New Cumnock Highpark Ave, Area. Unreliable 5th Core/Concrete columns. 19 £60,000 Started 04 Aug 2025 Stewarton Lothian Rd, Area. Unreliable 5th Core 23 £60,000 £215,000 Ayrshire Roads Alliance - LED Lighting Programme Update 2025/26 [Works carried over from 2024/25] Town Lantern Amount Status Delivery / start install Install complete by Kilmarnock - Central 1400 In progress Mar 2024 Mar 2026 East Ayrshire - Decorative 350 75% complete tender to be awarded for next stage Mar 2026 Ayrshire Roads Alliance - LED Lighting Programme 2025/26 Programme completed conversions to date 15,267 Replacement programme 97% complete Overall LED units completed 20,910 LEDs now 98% of total EAC inventory 84
Page 85
Official Ayrshire Roads Alliance - Bridge and Culvert Strengthening Programme 2025/26 Structure Reference Structure Name Proposed Works 2025/26 Estimate Comments Bridge Strengthening and Replacement A71/280 C80 Mathews Burn Culvert West Donnington St, Darvel Slab Replacement £250,000 Internal design ongoing. U751/10 Crossflats Bridge Replacement £40,000 Awarded to consultant to design replacement. Temporary bridge will be required during the works. U760/00 C93 Glenhead Bridge Replacement £60,000 Internal design ongoing, near tender ready. U740/10 Barbieston Bridge Replacement £60,000 SAC leading design. Award to consultant. Road Slips B713 South of Sorn £400,000 Works complete. Final measure being agreed. B741 Coal Glen Embankment Slip Remediation Works £690,000 Discussions ongoing with SPEN. Works to be retendered ASAP U13 Aitket Road Slip Remediation Works £500,000 Site clearance complete. With procurement to be tendered. A713/60 C61 Polnessan Upper Bridge Culvert Extension £500,000 Detailed design ongoing. Near tender ready. Upgrade Works Identified from Inspections B705/10 C91 Cowan Place Culvert Part Replacement/Scour Repairs £60,000 Near tender ready. A70/130 W31 Thornwood Wall, Lugar Replacement £500,000 Near tender ready. Discussion regarding requirement for road closure ongoing. A736/60 C84 Lochridge Culvert Masonry and Drainage Repairs £70,000 Works ongoing. A71 Riccarton Viaduct Refurbish - expansion joint removal/replacement £100,000 Design ongoing to replace 1 failing expansion joint with asphaltic plug joints. Works to be carried out ASAP. 85
Page 86
Official A71 River Irvine Bridge Refurbish - expansion joint removal/replacement Design ongoing to replace 1 failing expansion joint with asphaltic plug joints. Works to be carried out ASAP. C85/10 Fenwick Bridge Masonry Refurbishment £40,000 Award to consultant to progress with assessment and detailed design. U729/00 C64 Hayholm Bridge Masonry and Scour Repairs £60,000 Internal design ongoing. C95/10 Furnace Road Bridge Arch Strengthening £100,000 Awaiting PI report from consultant. Internal design ongoing. Parapet Upgrades A70/110 Causeyhead Bridge Parapet Repairs £60,000 Discussions ongoing regarding options to reduce disruption at Dumfries House. A736/50 Bloak Road Bridge Parapet Repairs £30,000 NAC/EAC boundary, EAC progressing design. Other Various Investigative Works Topographical Survey, Paint Inspection etc £8,000 Annual cost of surveys/inspections. Principal Inspection Consultant Fees £100,000 Consultant fees for 24/25 PI’s Various Low Bridge Signage Sign Upgrades £40,000 Upgrades to signage at 6 bridges with low head room. Contract awarded. Ayrshire Roads Alliance - Traffic, Transportation and Road Safety Programmes 2025/26 Funding Source Project ID Location Project Description Detail Progress Allocation EAC Capital Road Safety Budget: £200,000 (£198,000 Road Safety + £2,000 Safer Neigh.) 22.23 A71 / Campbell Street Off Slip, Kilmarnock Junction signalisation Installation of new traffic signals, stopping up of Willock Street and new carriageway layout to improve capacity Final junction designs from traffic lights contractor still pending. Works planned to start January 2026 £105,000 86
Page 87
Official 22.50 B741 Dalmellington to New Cumnock Road safety review General route review to identify safety measures Driven survey along rural section to be completed. Ongoing. £2,000 22.38 Glaisnock Street, Cumnock Traffic calming Speed reduction/traffic calming measures Design works started - Late 25/26 for completion £15,000 22.15 VAS signs, various location Upgrades and new installations New contract to be implemented In progress £10,000 25.20 A713 - Waterside Road safety improvements 40mph repeaters, HFS gateway features and road markings upgrade October 25 £25,000 24.05 Various Traffic calming Speed surveys Ongoing £10,000 25.03 / 25.16 Various Road safety improvements HFS Schemes Ongoing £33,000 24.20 B751 - Kilmaurs to Fenwick Route Review General route review, VAS improvements, Road Markings and Signage, Studs Ongoing design works with Construction expected Sept 25 £125,000 25.11 A71 – Priestland Safer system improvements Vehicle restraint barriers Design work ongoing with Construction expected early 26 £75,000 25.13 A719 – Waterside Road Safety improvements VAS improvements , HFS and carriageway studs Design work ongoing with Construction expected early 26 £50,000 25.17 A70 – Dumfries House Road Safety improvements VAS improvements , HFS, carriageway studs and resurfacing Design work ongoing with Construction expected early 26 £50,000 Rural Route Action Plans Budget: £359,000 £134,000 (EAC) + £225,000 (Dev. Contributions) 22.08 B778 Stewarton to Fenwick Road alignment improvements at three key locations Agreement to proceed with site 1 improvements Process started £359,000 87
Page 88
Official Tier 1 Budget: £758,000 22.13 Grougar Road, Crookedholm Pedestrian crossing and road widening Installation of new crossing and layby Works started with planned completion late August 2025 £90,000 23.07 Strawberrybank Road, Kilmarnock Pedestrian crossing Appraisal for new crossing point Ped counts low so project reduced to consideration of ped refuge island £10,000 23.10 St Germain Street, Catrine Pedestrian safety improvements Installation of bollards and TRO Works complete with TRO to be finalised £10,000 N/A Kilmarnock Green Infinity Loop Cycling Infrastructure Route 1 & 2, Sturrock St and MSCP Route 1 & 2 design placed on hold due to lack of funding, MSCP site redevelopment application submitted to ATIF 2025/26. Sturrock St modelling completed. £100,000 24.18 A759 West of Gatehead Pedestrian improvements Footway designs and build out Design work ongoing with Construction expected early 26 £30,000 25.15 B751 Kilmaurs to Knockentiber Pedestrian improvements Footway improvements Design work ongoing with Construction expected early 26 £30,000 24.28 Kilmarnock Pedestrian improvements Footway designs and buildouts Onsite consultation to £30,000 88
Page 89
Official be completed prior to design work with Construction expected early 26 23.12 A713 Bellsbank Rd, Dalmellington Traffic calming 1 x speed table Construction expected June 25 £10,000 25.12 A71 Priestland Traffic Calming and pedestrian crossing Design work ongoing with Construction expected early 26 £50,000 Irvine Road Kilmaurs Pedestrian improvements Design work ongoing with Construction expected late 25 £35,000 Various location Various To be Confirmed £363,000 EAC Bus Infrastructure Budget: £645,000 22.51 Onthank Terminus, Kilmarnock Upgrades to existing infrastructure Improve crossing and boarding points Drawings complete to be paired with Stewarton Terminus £20,000 22.52 Stewarton Terminus, Stewarton Upgrades to existing infrastructure Improve turning circle and boarding points Design stage in progress £20,000 EAC Active Travel Budget £50,000 24.03 School Streets Programme Introduction of trial sites Three further schools to be trialled with further trials to be developed Live trials have commenced at Bellsbank and Dalrymple. Auchinleck in development. Further sites to be determined following completion of trial sites. £50,000 89
Page 90
Official Appendix 3 Ayrshire Roads Alliance - EV Public Chargers EAST AYRSHIRE CPS ID Type Make Location 51171 7kw eVolt Queens Street Car Park, Queen Street, Kilmarnock, KA1 1LU 50821 22kw eVolt Foregate Noth Car Park, Kilmarnock, KA1 1LU 51324 22kw eVolt Titchfield Street Car Park, Kilmarnock, KA1 1PH 52474 22kw eVolt Ayrshire Athletics Arena EV Hub, Queens Drive, Kilmarnock, KA1 1HU 52470 Rapid eVolt Ayrshire Athletics Arena EV Hub, Queens Drive, Kilmarnock, KA1 1HU 52471 Rapid eVolt Ayrshire Athletics Arena EV Hub, Queens Drive, Kilmarnock, KA1 1HU 52472 Rapid eVolt Ayrshire Athletics Arena EV Hub, Queens Drive, Kilmarnock, KA1 1HU 52473 Rapid eVolt Ayrshire Athletics Arena EV Hub, Queens Drive, Kilmarnock, KA1 1HU 52020 Rapid eVolt East George Street Car Park, Kilmarnock, KA1 1GB 52021 7kw eVolt East George Street Car Park, Kilmarnock, KA1 1GB 52022 7kw eVolt East George Street Car Park, Kilmarnock, KA1 1GB 52023 7kw eVolt East George Street Car Park, Kilmarnock, KA1 1GB 51233 22kw eVolt EAC Headquarters, London Road, Kilmarnock, KA3 7BU 52035 7kw eVolt EAC Headquarters, London Road, Kilmarnock, KA3 7BU 52036 7kw eVolt EAC Headquarters, London Road, Kilmarnock, KA3 7BU 52037 7kw eVolt EAC Headquarters, London Road, Kilmarnock, KA3 7BU 52026 7kw eVolt Waterside Street Car Park, Kilmarnock, KA1 1RJ 52027 7kw eVolt Waterside Street Car Park, Kilmarnock, KA1 1RJ 52028 7kw eVolt Waterside Street Car Park, Kilmarnock, KA1 1RJ 52025 Rapid eVolt Waterside Street Car Park, Kilmarnock, KA1 1RJ 50819 22kw eVolt Beechwood Avenue Car Park, Beechwood Avenue, Auchinleck, KA18 2AW 70279 Rapid eVolt Area Office, 33 Main Street, Dalmellington, KA6 7QL 50507 22kw eVolt Avenue Square Car Park, Stewarton, KA3 5AP 60301 Rapid eVolt Castle Car Park, New Cumnock, KA18 4AR 52024 Rapid eVolt Ranouldcoup Road, Darvel, KA17 0JU 52042 Rapid eVolt Loudoun Street Car Park, Mauchline, KA5 5BE 90
Page 91
Official 52018 Rapid eVolt Tanyard Car Park, Cumnock, KA18 1BG 52034 22kw eVolt Glaisnock Street Car Park, Cumnock, KA18 1JS 52017 Rapid eVolt Mill Bank Car Park, Mill Bank, Cumnock, KA18 1AB 52039 7kw eVolt Townhead Street Car Park, Cumnock, KA18 1LY 52040 7kw eVolt Townhead Street Car Park, Cumnock, KA18 1LY 52041 7kw eVolt Townhead Street Car Park, Cumnock, KA18 1LY 51792 22kw eVolt Rothesay House, Greenholm Road, Cumnock, KA18 1LH 52966 7kw eVolt Area Office, 33 Main Street, Dalmellington, KA6 7QL 52967 7kw eVolt Area Office, 33 Main Street, Dalmellington, KA6 7QL 52968 7kw eVolt Area Office, 33 Main Street, Dalmellington, KA6 7QL 52972 7kw eVolt Saint Germain Street Car Park, Catrine, KA5 6RQ 52969 22kw eVolt Dean Castle Country Park, Dean Road, Kilmarnock, KA3 1XB 52970 7kw eVolt Fenwick Road Car Park, Fenwick Road, Kilmaurs, KA3 2RQ 52971 7kw eVolt Fenwick Road Car Park, Fenwick Road, Kilmaurs, KA3 2RQ 52953 7kw eVolt Northwest Area Centre, Western Road, Kilmarnock, KA3 1NQ 52954 7kw eVolt Northwest Area Centre, Western Road, Kilmarnock, KA3 1NQ 52955 7kw eVolt Northwest Area Centre, Western Road, Kilmarnock, KA3 1NQ 52956 7kw eVolt Rothesay House, Greenholm Road, Cumnock, KA18 1LH 52957 7kw eVolt Rothesay House, Greenholm Road, Cumnock, KA18 1LH 52958 7kw eVolt Rothesay House, Greenholm Road, Cumnock, KA18 1LH 52965 22kw eVolt Morton Place Car Park, Morton Place, Kilmarnock, KA1 2AY 53778 Rapid eVolt Main Street Car Park, Muirkirk 53775 22kw eVolt Rose Reilly Sports Centre, Stewarton 53776 7kw eVolt Standalane Car Park, Stewarton 60786 7kW eVolt Academy Street, Hurlford 60792 22kW eVolt Drongan Centre car park, Mill of Shield Road 51210 22kW eVolt Carnshalloch Avenue car park, Patna 60950 22kW eVolt New Cumnock Outdoor Swimming Pool car park 60954 22kW eVolt Gatehead Road car park, Crosshouse 61021 7kW eVolt East Ayrshire Community Hospital, Cumnock 61022 7kW eVolt East Ayrshire Community Hospital, Cumnock 61983 7kW eVolt Morton Place car park, Kilmarnock 61984 7kW eVolt Morton Place car park, Kilmarnock 91
Page 92
Official 61985 7kW eVolt Morton Place car park, Kilmarnock 62184 7kW eVolt Browns Road car park, Newmilns 61886 22kW eVolt Sturrock Street, Kilmarnock 62938 7kW eVolt New London Road car park, Kilmarnock SOUTH AYRSHIRE CPS ID Type Make Location 51930 7kw eVolt Barns Crescent Car Park, Ayr, KA7 2BW 51793 7kw eVolt Mill Brae Car Park, Ayr, KA7 2HU 70278 Rapid eVolt Burns Statue Square, Ayr, KA7 UT 52029 22kw eVolt Belleisle Park, Ayr, KA7 4BN 52030 7kw eVolt Castlehill Road Car Park, Ayr, KA7 2HT 52031 7kw eVolt Castlehill Road Car Park, Ayr, KA7 2HT 52032 7kw eVolt Castlehill Road Car Park, Ayr, KA7 2HT 51325 22kw eVolt Cromwell Road Car Park, Ayr, KA7 1DY 50818 22kw eVolt Bellevue Car Park, Bellevue Road, Prestwick, KA9 1NW 50817 22kw eVolt Jubilee Road, Troon Swimming Pool, Troon, KA10 6XQ 50290 22kw eVolt South Beach Road Car Park, Troon, KA10 6EF 52033 22kw eVolt Girvan Harbour, Girvan, KA26 9AG 70280 Rapid eVolt Girvan Harbour, Girvan, KA26 9AG 52038 22kw eVolt Harbour Road Car Park, Maidens, KA26 9NR 52019 Rapid eVolt The Vennel, Ballantrae, KA26 0NH 52975 Rapid eVolt Mill Brae Car Park, Ayr, KA7 2HU 52974 7kw eVolt New Road Car Park, New Road, Ayr, KA8 8HE 52973 Rapid eVolt New Road Car Park, New Road, Ayr, KA8 8HE 52959 7kw eVolt Bellevue Car Park, Bellevue Road, Prestwick, KA9 1NW 52960 7kw eVolt Bellevue Car Park, Bellevue Road, Prestwick, KA9 1NW 52961 7kw eVolt Bellevue Car Park, Bellevue Road, Prestwick, KA9 1NW 53555 Rapid eVolt Bellevue Car Park, Bellevue Road, Prestwick, KA9 1NW 52976 Rapid eVolt Coylton Activity Centre, Hole Road, Coylton, KA6 6JL 53774 Rapid eVolt Academy Street, Troon 53773 Rapid eVolt Lodge Road Car Park, Turnberry 53777 22kw eVolt Burnside Road, Monkton 92
Page 93
Official 60793 22kw eVolt Dailly Activity Centre, Victory Crescent, Dailly 60081 22kw eVolt Inches Close car park, Maybole 61982 22kw eVolt Tarbolton Community Campus car park, Tarbolton 61986 22kw eVolt Dundonald Primary School car park, Dundonald 60086 22kw eVolt Mossblown Activity Centre car park, Mossblown 60082 22kw eVolt Kirkoswald Main Street car park, Kirkoswald 61979 7kW eVolt Chalmers Arcade car park, Girvan 61980 7kW eVolt Chalmers Arcade car park, Girvan 61981 7kW eVolt Chalmers Arcade car park, Girvan 62000 22kW eVolt Barrhill Community car park, Main Street, Barrhill 93
Page 94
Official Appendix 4 South Ayrshire Ward Investment and Promenade Programme for 2025/26 incl. works carried over from 2024/25 Roads Maintenance Unit LOCATION Description PO Value Cost to Date variance +/- Comment Troon Resurfacing of Troon Esplanade (Ph.3). Measuring works on site Prestwick Repair / renew steps to Boydfield Gardens £85,000.00 Complete – Final measure Prestwick Install power supply to Boydfield Gardens and Links Road Scottish Power quote to be received. Followed by agreed site start date Ayr North Provision of Bike Shelter at Lochside Community Centre £15,000.00 Bike shelter currently being fabricated Ayr East Glencairn Park – footpath upgrade Quote issued for approval Ayr East Car parking provision Peggieshill Road Quote provided, consultation required Ayr West Promenade raised footway works Feasibility study ongoing with Professional Design Services Kyle Install a History Park at Loans Community Hall and link to Smugglers trail Car park quote issued for approval. Garden and block paving quote being prepared Kyle Improve accessibility at Mossblown village hall Quote issued for approval Kyle Link path from Collins Drive to Collenan Avenue, Loans Quote provided, consultation required Kyle Resurface Bowling Green Car Park, Symington Quote provided, currently being assessed Kyle Construct new footpath at southern edge of Collenan Reservoir On Hold. Scope of works changed Design and Flooding Section Troon Shore Defence Structural Stabilisation £10,000.00 £15,432.00 -£5,432.00 Complete Citadel Footbridge Refurbishment Remove and renew timber deck parapet elements. Surface prepare and paint. Remove or repair lighting £140,000.00 £259,957.00 -£119,957.00 Complete 94
Page 95
Official Appendix 5 Ash dieback East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire 2025/26 2024 High Risk Works_EAC Highway 2024 High Risk Works_SAC Highway Girvan Boating Pond Refurbishment Install new stainless steel reinforced concrete base slab to reduce water leakage. £175,000.00 £170,641.00 £4,359.00 Complete Dunure Castle Footbridge Replacement Replace existing small span concrete footbridge with a larger footbridge with a view and good aesthetics £230,000.00 Ongoing. Lighting Section Ayr East Glencairn Park – Install footpath lighting £23,000.00 Design complete. Tender issued Ayr West Replacement of column lighting on Ayr Promenade £145,000.00 Column and street lighting works complete and operational. Additional works to install public Wi-Fi ongoing Ayr West New Bridge & Auld Brig. Design fees for installation of architectural floodlighting to structures £50,000.00 Exploring other means to procure Consultant as delay with SXL Technical & Consultancy Framework Ayr West Wrap round decorative lighting to columns on Ayr Promenade SAC PO to be issued 95
Page 96
96
Page 97
Official AYRSHIRE SHARED SERVICE JOINT COMMITTEE 5 September 2025 Report by the Head of Roads - Ayrshire Roads Alliance _________________________________________________________________ AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE IMPROVEMENT ACTION PLAN ________________________________________________________________ PURPOSE OF REPORT 1. The purpose of this Report is to advise the Joint Committee on the management of the Improvement Action Plan by the Ayrshire Roads Alliance. RECOMMENDATIONS 2. It is recommended that the Joint Committee: i. Notes the Improvement Action Plan presented in this report; ii. Notes the Improvement Action Plan presented in this report for Fleet Management East Ayrshire Only. iii. Continues to receive updates on progress; and iv. Otherwise, notes the content of the report. BACKGROUND 3. The purpose of the report is to provide regular updates on the Improvement Action Plan. This ensures that the actions are monitored and scrutinised at a minimum of a quarterly basis and is contained in Appendices 1-3. MAIN REPORT/MAIN ISSUES 4. This Improvement Action Plan is collated by the Head of Service and used to: • monitor the progress in meeting the Ayrshire Roads Alliance’s objectives; • help managers to continually review the actions and progress to date; and • identify any risk / problem areas that need addressed regarding the Improvement Action Plan. 5. ARA’s Digital Improvement Programme of work continues with recent completion of an External Works module to better manage works that ARA carry out for other Council Services and work is ongoing on Additional Support Needs (ASN) Transport and Professional Design modules in conjunction with other Council Services across both South and East Ayrshire. Agenda Item 7 97
Page 98
Official 6. Ayrshire Roads Alliance is assisting with the delivery of the Ayrshire Growth Deal (AGD) Roads Infrastructure Project and Prestwick Proposition for South Ayrshire Council (SAC) and meet colleagues from SAC regularly to update progress. 7. In respect of our Public EV Charging, work continues on the tender documentation for the pan Ayrshire concession contract. The initial stage of tendering resulted in numerous bids which are currently being evaluated and Invitation to Tender will be published in September 2025 with contract award in January 2026. Further updates will be provided to both Cabinets and to North Ayrshire Council once the procurement process has been finalised. 8. An EV charging tariff increase was implemented across all three Ayrshires on 1st July 2025 as approved by both area’s Cabinets. 9. Following approval of Ayrshire Roads Alliance Pavement Parking Enforcement reports by both Cabinets, enforcement commenced with a soft approach followed by full enforcement in South Ayrshire from 1st May 2025 and in East Ayrshire from 1st June 2025. There has been good compliance with the new restrictions in both authority areas and officers are currently reviewing requests for further exemptions in both areas. Once this review is complete any additional exemption orders considered necessary will be reported to future Cabinets. 10. The Active Travel Member Officer Working Group established in South Ayrshire continues to meet 6 weekly as do the Community Action Groups. These meetings are supported by SAC’s Thriving Communities team. In East Ayrshire an Active Travel Strategy Group led by East Ayrshire Leisure will meet in September with a view to Community Action Groups being established thereafter. Work is ongoing in both areas to review and develop an up to date Active Travel Strategies which will be presented to these groups. 11. South Ayrshire Council successfully secured £20m from the Levelling Up Fund and ARA will deliver £15m worth of improvements to Burns Statue Square, Ayr. The reminder will be used by ARA along with ATIF funding to construct a new Active Travel Route linking Dundonald to Barassie and for improvements to the NCN7 route between Prestwick and Barassie station. 12. IMPLICATIONS Implications Yes No Paragraph number in report 1. Policy/Strategic Planning Yes 13&14 2. Governance Yes 15 3. Human Resources No 16 98
Page 99
Official 4. Equality and Fairer Scotland Duty Yes 17 5. Financial Yes 18 6. Risk Yes 19 7. Community Wealth Building Yes 20 8. Net Zero Yes 21 POLICY/STRATEGIC PLANNING IMPLICATIONS 13. A well-maintained road network will contribute to achieving the 2015-2030 Community Plan objectives and associated 2021-2024 Delivery Plans. 14. The matters referred to in this report contribute to Priority 1 of the South Ayrshire Council Plan: Spaces and Places/ Moving around and the environment (Outcome 1). GOVERNANCE IMPLICATIONS 15. The Improvement Action Plan is a management tool and this will not replace the existing statutory returns for risk and performance related information. HUMAN RESOURCES IMPLICATIONS 16. The Improvement Action Plan has no direct impact on human resources. EQUALITY IMPACT AND FAIRER SCOTLAND DUTY IMPLICATIONS 17. The Improvement Action Plan complements the Equality Impact Assessment by ensuring that any issues arising are adequately prioritised, managed and either eliminated or mitigated. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 18. The Improvement Action Plan facilitates the existing scrutiny arrangements to manage, prioritise, and review the budget provided by East Ayrshire Council and South Ayrshire Council to the Ayrshire Roads Alliance RISK IMPLICATIONS 19. The Improvement Action Plan assists in the prioritisation of risks that need to be mitigated by the Ayrshire Roads Alliance in order to reduce the overall risk to either Council and to comply with the Community Plan/Council Plan in both partner bodies. 99
Page 100
Official COMMUNITY WEALTH BUILDING IMPLICATIONS 20. The Improvement Action Plan supports economic levers to develop resilient, inclusive local economies with more local spend and fair employment, as well as ensuring that wealth is more locally owned and benefits local people. NET ZERO IMPLICATIONS 21. The Ayrshire Roads Alliance Improvement Action Plan and Carbon Strategy supports and links to East Ayrshire Climate Strategy Themes; Theme 2: Transport Theme 4: Natural Environment Jane Corrie Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance 21st August 2025 BACKGROUND PAPERS Ayrshire Roads Alliance Service Plan 2025/26 LIST OF APPENDICES 1. Ayrshire Roads Alliance Improvement Action Plan 2. East Ayrshire Council Strategic Priorities 2025/26 3. South Ayrshire Council Strategic Priorities 2025/26 Person to contact: Jane Corrie, Head of Roads - Ayrshire Roads Alliance Tel No. 01563 503164 E-mail: jane.corrie@ayrshireroadsalliance.org Implementation officer: Jane Corrie, Head of Roads - Ayrshire Roads Alliance Tel No. 01563 503164 E-mail: jane.corrie@ayrshireroadsalliance.org 100
Page 101
1 Official APPENDIX 1 - AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE IMPROVEMENT ACTION PLAN 2024/25 Action Success Criteria/ Desired Outcome Responsible Timescale Details 1 Continue to use the integrated Roads Asset Management Plan across the Ayrshire Roads Alliance. There is one Asset Plan for the Service delivering a risk based approach for full service delivery Head of Service Completed Document has been presented to Joint committee and will be reviewed annually. 2 Continue to prepare details for developing an integrated Local Transport Strategy. A Strategy covering both Council areas, which will involve consultation with stakeholders. Information will be gathered to inform the future Local Transport Strategy. Continue to contribute to the Scottish National Transport Strategy, Regional Transport Strategy and Strategic Transport Projects Review work. Head of Service Ongoing The Regional Transport Strategy, through SPT, on which the Alliance has Board membership, has now been published. The Local Transport Strategy will now be progressed. 3 Action the Flood Risk Management Plan Inform the next national cycle of potential flood risk management schemes beyond 2022. Complete schemes and undertake studies. Head of Service Complete March 2026 Reports submitted to both Cabinets Early 2023 New Cumnock Flood Defences Complete Flood studies for Doon and River Ayr and the Troon Coastal Flood study are complete. Work on the River Irvine and Pow Burn flood studies is ongoing. 101
Page 102
2 Official Action Success Criteria/ Desired Outcome Responsible Timescale Details 4 Improve the condition of the road network. Improve annual roads survey results which are part of the SRMCS work. Ensure the Alliance undertakes more proactive maintenance. Head of Service Site works will be undertaken throughout 2025/26. Key dependencies are the Road Improvement Plans approved by the relevant Committees in East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire in spring 2025. Progress is provided to members, and relevant Committees. 5 Ensure the road network remains safe through raising awareness and improving road safety through education, engineering and enforcement. Reduce road accidents in line with government targets. Provide appropriate traffic management schemes and initiatives. Strategic Manager March 2026 Scottish Government and SCOTS guidance is used. A key dependency is the Road Improvement Plans which are presented to Cabinet each year. 6 Improve the condition of the bridge stock. Improve bridge condition index. Reduce the number of weight restricted bridges. Complete all general, special and principal bridge inspections. Strategic Manager March 2026 Through the Road Asset Management Plan. Key dependencies are Road Improvement programmes approved by Committees in East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire in spring 2025. Deliver the capital and revenue programmes. 7 Manage and improve the street lighting asset and install energy efficient lighting schemes. Maintain high standard of fixing dark street lights. Complete the LED lighting replacement programme in both East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire. Head of Service March 2026 Through the Road Asset Management Plan, with additional funding being provided to commence the LED programme. At present performance is 98% of street lights are now LED in EAC; and 100% in SAC. On target for completion within timescales. 8 Maximise and deliver externally funded sources of work Identify external funding sources and deliver work on time and on budget. Improve infrastructure; and contribute to improving the condition of the network. Head of Service Works will be undertaken throughout 2025/26. External sources, including Timber Transport, Transport Scotland Active Travel Infrastructure Tier 1 and Tier 2 Funding, SPT, SUSTRANS Scottish Government, Ayrshire Growth Deal & Levelling Up Fund 102
Page 103
3 Official Action Success Criteria/ Desired Outcome Responsible Timescale Details 9 Implementation of Parking Strategy Develop Head of Service Ongoing through 2025/26 Amendments to TRO’s, lining, signing and residential parking permits and implementing an improved process using digital technology 10 Prepare Service Plan Publish Head of Service Annual East Ayrshire Council Community Plan. South Ayrshire - Local Outcomes Improvement Plan and Local Place Plans. Regular updates will be provided to joint committee. 11 Continue to review insurance costs and insurance issues. Review current practices to minimise insurance costs. Head of Service Complete Ayrshire Roads Alliance Monthly Insurance Report. There is good dialogue with the Risk & Insurance to ensure our work improves the number of repudiated claims. The number of claims has greatly reduced due to the implementation of the new Code of Practice. 12 Review Depots and Accommodation Continue to review in 2024/25 from initial work was completed in 2017 as a result of amended working practices. Head of Service Complete Joint Committee Reports of November 2016. Although initial work has been completed we continue to strive to make depot and accommodation cost savings. Further work will continue on this as a result of COVID and the return to office space during 2022/23. 13 Review vehicle and plant costs Continue to review in 2021/22 from initial work that was completed in 2017. Head of Service March 2026 The service will continue to review the fleet requirements through the use of utilization reports and improvements to the management of the Vehicle Replacement Plan. 14 Monitor and exercise Business Continuity Plans Improved resilience. Business Support Manager Review and update following Existing East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire Council plans 103
Page 104
4 Official Action Success Criteria/ Desired Outcome Responsible Timescale Details Relevant local and national events. 15 Continue to use the Roads Costing System to its full potential. Improve service performance from both an on-site and financial perspective. Business Support Manager Ongoing Revised roads costing system was fully operational from November 2018. The system continues to be used to monitor performance and work is ongoing to implement digital timesheets linked to the Roads Costing System. 16 Support and contribute to the Ayrshire Growth Deal Project Management of Roads Delivery Projects. Head of Service Ongoing Ayrshire Roads Alliance is assisting with the planning and delivery of the roads & enabling infrastructure requirements to allow the Ayrshire Growth Deal development to progress 17 Regional Transport Strategy Successfully contribute to the preparation of this work being led by SPT. The Alliance has Board representation. Head of Service Complete SPT documents and existing Regional Transport Strategy 18 Regional Transport Appraisal Ensure the various projects identified as part of this work are included in the Strategic Transport Projects Review. Head of Service Complete Transport Scotland has published the final STPR2 with delivery programme to be published. 19 National Transport Strategy East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire Councils contribute to this process to ensure the sustainable transport hierarchy and sustainable investment hierarchy are delivered. Head of Service Complete In recognition of the anticipated increase in Active Travel work, it is proposed that a member of staff is dedicated directly to this work. 20 National Transport Strategy – review of Governance East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire Councils contribute to this process to ensure that the outcome/output meets the Head of Service Complete National Transport Strategy 104
Page 105
5 Official 21 Transport (Scotland) Bill – Pavement Parking ban East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire Councils contribute to this process to ensure a pragmatic approach is taken in delivering the pavement parking ban in both Council areas Head of Service March 2026 Pavement Parking enforcement commenced in South Ayrshire with soft approach from 1st April 2025 and full enforcement from 1st May 2025. Enforcement to commence in East Ayrshire from 1st June 2025. Exemption Orders for both authorities to be in place by end March 2026. 22 Digital Transformation Develop modules to deliver end to end digital processes Business Support Manager Ongoing TTRO applications –Implemented TRIPS – Implemented Traffic Signal permits – Implemented Management of external works for EAC & SAC – Implemented ASN School Transport – in Development Professional Design Services – in Development 105
Page 106
6 Official Appendix 2 - East Ayrshire Council Strategic Priorities 2025/26 Action Success Criteria/ Desired Outcome Responsible Timescale Details 1 Progress and complete the New Cumnock Flood Protection Project Complete the flood prevention projects at the Leggate and beside the Afton Water. Phases 1 & 2 Head of Service Complete East Ayrshire Council and Scottish Government funding. The full Scheme was completed April 2023. Final defects certificate issued August 2024 2 Develop Projects approved from the Flood Risk Management Plan Progress relevant studies and inform the developing list of schemes for cycle two of the national protection schemes to be delivered from 2022. Head of Service March 2026 The studies for the River Ayr and the Doon are now fully complete and options being appraised. The Irvine Valley Flood Study is currently being updated to identify options for a potential scheme that is more likely to attract funding. 3 Active Travel Strategy Develop active strategy for travel across South Ayrshire Network and East Ayrshire Network Head of Service Ongoing Work is ongoing in both areas to review and develop up to date Active Travel Strategies. 4 EV Strategy Develop EV strategy across East Ayrshire Network Head of Service January 2026 Work on PAN Ayrshire Concession Contract ongoing with anticipated contract award in January 2026. 5 Ash Die back Strategy Develop a risk based strategy for the management of Ash Die Back. Head of Service Strategy – Complete Surveys - Ongoing through 2025/26 Risk based strategy complete. Surveys & works ongoing. 28-day notices to owners with objections received referred to legal services. 106
Page 107
7 Official Appendix 3 - South Ayrshire Council Strategic Priorities 2025/26 Action Success Criteria/ Desired Outcome Responsible Timescale Details 1 Implementation of car parking strategy for South Ayrshire. Complete this work with improved parking provision and management. Head of Service Ongoing – through 2025/26 Ayr parking report is being further developed and expanded to include a review of 2 hours free parking and off street parking. Report will be presented late 2025. The Prestwick paper is also finalised. Troon to follow thereafter. 2 Develop Projects approved from the Flood Risk Management Plan Progress relevant studies and inform the developing list of schemes for cycle two of the national protection schemes to be delivered from 2022. Head of Service Ongoing through 2025/26 A Surface Water Management Plan has been developed for Ayr, Prestwick and Dundonald. Identified actions are being progressed on a priority basis and as resources become available. Troon Coastal Flood Study is complete up to the Options Appraisal stage. Pow Burn Prestwick Flood Study is ongoing. 3 Support and contribute to the Ayrshire Growth Deal Stimulate economic growth and address inclusive growth concerns. Contribute to infrastructure projects which are being developed through the Regional Transport Appraisal work being led by Transport Scotland. Head of Service Ongoing – through 2025/26 Ayrshire Roads Alliance are assisting with the planning and delivery of the roads & enabling infrastructure requirements to allow the Ayrshire Growth Deal development to progress 4 20mph speed restrictions in villages Progress with the 20mph speed restrictions in all villages. Maintain engagement with the local communities. Head of Service Ongoing – through 2025/26 Phase 1 & 2 complete. Phase 3 complete Phase 4 programme being developed for remaining villages 5 Anticipated Budget Reductions in 2026/27 Continue to provide a high quality roads service within decreasing available budgets. Head of Service March 2026 Reports to various Committees. 107
Page 108
8 Official Action Success Criteria/ Desired Outcome Responsible Timescale Details 6 Active Travel Strategy Review South Ayrshire Active Travel Strategy Head of Service Ongoing – through 2025/26 The Active Travel Strategy will be reviewed and discussed with the Active Travel Community Action Group, any amendments will be presented to the Active Travel Member Officer Working Group 7 EV Charging Strategy Develop further the EV strategy for South Ayrshire Network Head of Service January 2026 Work on PAN Ayrshire concession contract ongoing with contract award due in January 2026. 8 Levelling Up Fund Active Travel bid Head of Service Ongoing – through 2025/26/27 LUF bid successful for construction of new Active Travel Route between Dundonald and Barrassie – works ongoing with completion expected by 31st March 2026. A 2nd bid for improvements to the NCN7 route from Prestwick to Barassie station also successful with work due to start late 2025 and complete 31st March 2027. 9 Motorhome Trials Develop Campervan sites along the coastline. Head of Service Ongoing Permanent schemes now apply at the Ballantrae, Girvan, Ayr and Troon sites. Further facilities have been trialled at The Battery Ayr. 10 Strategic Economic Impact Assessment A75/A77 There is a growing desire to understand the importance / effectiveness of the improvements outlined along the A75 and A77. Head of Service Ongoing SEIA complete, ARA to progress STAG for the A77 or a combined A75/A77 STAG on behalf of SAC and D&G Council. Lobbying Group formed with D&G. 11 Ash Dieback Develop a risk based strategy for the management of Ash Die Back jointly with South Ayrshire Council. Head of Service Complete Risk based strategy complete. Surveys ongoing issuing 28-day notices to owners with objections received referred to legal services. 12 152nd Open Championship Delivery of Event Traffic and Transport Management Head of Service Complete Successfully delivered. Debrief September 2024 13 The International Ayrshow - Festival Of Flight Delivery of Event Traffic and Transport Management Head of Service Ongoing Successfully delivered. Debrief November 2024. Planning ongoing for 2025 event. 108
Page 109
AYRSHIRE SHARED SERVICE JOINT COMMITTEE 05 September 2025 Report by the Head of Roads - Ayrshire Roads Alliance _____________________________________________________________ WINTER SERVICE REVIEW PROGRESS REPORT ______________________________________________________________ Purpose of report 1. The purpose of this Report is to advise the Joint Committee regarding the Review of the Winter Service Recommendations 2. It is recommended that the Joint Committee: (i) Consider improvements introduced for 2025/26 Winter Season (ii) Acknowledge ongoing improvements (iii) Consider winter and other emergencies funding levels in relation to current levels of service. Background 3. The Winter season began with the first treatment for below-zero temperatures, hoar frost and ice on 11 Nov ’24, marking the start of winter operations, The coldest temperature in November was recorded on 29th, dropping to -7.5. December ’24 was generally mild, though it saw a minimum road surface temperature (RST) of -5.8. The first snow flurries were forecast on 18 December, but overall conditions remained manageable. Rain was more prevalent than snow and by Christmas day, RSTs had risen to +8.0, reflecting unseasonably mild conditions. Through January to March ’25, snow was forecast on occasion, but no prolonged or extreme weather events occurred. The lowest RST for winter was recorded during this period, dropping to -9.0, prompting precautionary treatments. In summary, Winter 24/25 was relatively mild and manageable. Despite some sharp overnight frosts and brief snow forecasts, there were no significant extreme events and conditions allowed for consistent and effective winter maintenance responses Agenda Item 8 109
Page 110
The combined figures for winter 2024/25 across both East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire are noted below: Year Salt Used (t) Treatment Runs 2024/25 13,972 2,755 2023/24 12,514 2,449 2022/23 12,356 2,295 2021/22 11,689 2,299 2020/21 17,647 3,016 Main report/main issues 4. Gritting Gritting routes were originally established in 1996 and have only been fully reviewed once in South Ayrshire since that time. SAC existing Priority 1 (P1) gritting routes treat 507.63km (43.12%) of the overall public road network of 1177.30km. However, 442.11km (37.55%) of the public road network is travelled as part of a priority 1 gritting operation. EAC existing Priority 1 (P1) gritting routes treat 563.88 km (46.29%) of the overall public road network of 1,218.11km. However, 347.40km (28.52%) of the public road network is travelled as part of a priority 1 gritting operation. 5. Route Optimisation Following the 2024 Route Optimisation exercise undertaken in collaboration with consultants, Safecote, across South and East Ayrshire Councils, it has been concluded that no further efficiencies can be achieved within SAC. Current route design and coverage already meet the required standards and no additional reductions are feasible. In EAC, analysis of data identified potential efficiencies by reducing the number of P1 gritting routes from 10 to 8. While this reduction retains existing network treatment coverage, it has introduced challenges in completing all routes within the previously stated 3-hour target. Dry runs are currently being carried out with local knowledge amendments applied where required to address these issues before these route changes can be confirmed. A target date of mid-September 2025 has been set for the completion of all preparatory activities in advance of the winter season commencing on 20th October 2025. This includes, • Finalisation of optimised route designs • Software licensing and system updates • Staff training and familiarisation sessions 110
Page 111
• Production of operational support packs for frontline teams. These preparatory steps are essential to ensure a smooth transition to the new routing structure and to support effective service delivery throughout the winter period. 6. Storm Eowyn In January 2025 Ayrshire was hit by Storm Eowyn. Standby teams were on call throughout the duration of the storm offering assistance to partners such as Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue, and council teams such as Housing. In addition to the above, the Director of Housing Operations and Development was delegated by all three Ayrshire to provide direct liaison with the Scottish Government and Emergency Services from within Police Scotland Incident Room at Helen St Glasgow. During the severe weather event roads were closed, and fallen tree and other debris was removed to ensure or communities remained as safe as possible: Storm Eowyn reported issues Issue reported East Ayrshire South Ayrshire Unsafe Building/Structure 7 3 Debris 9 4 Flooding 1 3 Tree down Blocked/ Closed Road 118 129 Power line 2 2 Traffic light 2 0 A dedicated Ayrshire Roads Alliance webpage was created and acted as a central point of live information updating our communities on road closures, where our teams were working and how to get in touch. During this time the Ayrshire Roads Alliance Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) channels were fully utilised with staff responding to messages and comments on each channel ensuring the ever-changing needs of our communities were met in an efficient and timely manner. Updates on Storm Eowyn recorded throughout the event, demonstrated that social media posts reached 231,313 people a 244% increase on other storm (Ashley, Bert and Daragh) social media posts. Ayrshire Roads Alliance social media Metric Reach Storm Eowyn Reach 231,313 Combined Reach (Storm Ashley, Bert,Darragh) 94,875 111
Page 112
Analytic data on the Ayrshire Roads Alliance website also highlights significant engagement levels with the Ayrshire Roads Alliance dedicated Storm Eowyn webpage, which accounted for 46% of the total website visits in January 2025. Ayrshire Roads Alliance website Metric Visits Storm Eowyn webpage views 6262 Total ARA website visits January 13494 7. Winter Service Plan, Gritter Tracking System & Community Grit Bins Based on valuable feedback from stakeholders, the Ayrshire Roads Alliance website and Winter Service Plan continually undergo significant improvements. These enhancements include the provision of more detailed winter information and improvements to Gritter Tracking, highlighting all streets on Priority 1 gritting routes as well as grit bin locations and the ability to request a grit bin or the filling of a grit bin online. The Ayrshire Roads Alliance continue to monitor and review stakeholder feedback ensuring that our services meet the needs of the community we serve. 8. The Ayrshire Roads Alliance teamed up with TrueView Visuals to advance the digital capabilities of its Gritter Tracking system. This system monitors the position of gritters and grit bins in real time during the winter period for East and South Ayrshire Councils. Gritting information is securely stored for 10 hours and is readily available to users who can easily access the system on various devices from the Ayrshire Roads Alliance website and obtain detailed information on out-of-hours winter service vehicle operations. 9. Social Media statistics continue to improve: 2023/2024 2024/2025 Post Type Number of posts Reach Number of posts Reach Winter gritting 43 470,099 33 754,170 Weather warning 44 121,502 26 161,107 Flood event 19 53,152 6 15,149 Storm Ashley 6 40,204 Storm Bert 8 18,445 Storm Darragh 5 36,266 Storm Eowyn 20 231,313 644,753 1,256,654 Figures taken from October to May 112
Page 113
10. The treatment of footway routes across ARA network involves collaboration and assistance from various stakeholders, such as: • ARA Roads Maintenance Unit, • EAC Greener Communities • Private Contractors These parties assist with salt spreading and brine treatments, while the routes undergo annual reviews to ensure optimal functionality. 11. Grit Bins remain on site throughout the entire year and are monitored throughout for acts of vandalism or misuse. 12. Details of grit bin and community grit bin locations are published on Gritter Tracker, accessible from the Ayrshire Roads Alliance website. Members of the public can report a problem, or request their nearest grit bin is refilled by entering a postcode. Grit bins can be requested online with mandatory fields highlighted to ensure consistent information is received, resulting in timely decision-making and response to the recipient. 13. Since the 2023/24 winter season, a single Winter Controller has overseen treatment decisions across the entire Ayrshire Roads Alliance (ARA) network, covering six domains. This centralized approach has worked well and continued to do so during winter 2024/25, improving communications and coordination across all Winter operational depots. Wherever possible, treatments were reduced during the period 2200hrs and 0400hrs. However, when forecasts indicated a requirement, treatments were carried out during these hours. Treating roads during periods of minimal traffic offers limited benefit and incurs high costs. For treatments to be most effective, vehicle movements are needed to assist with salt dispersal and to help break up any accumulation of snow and ice. 14. We continue to monitor and report on the total number of Treatment Plan Actions (TPAs), with a particular focus on those occurring between 2200hrs and 0400hrs. Comparisons for the 2024/25 winter season are as follows: This data provides ongoing insight into operational efficiency and helps support decisions around timings of treatments, ensuring both effectiveness and cost control. EAC TPAs TPAs 2200- 0400hrs % 2200-0400hrs P1 Routes 82 (74 in 23/24) 13 (15 in 23/234) 15% Patrol only 12 (12 in 23/24) 3 (5 23/24) 25% 113
Page 114
SAC TPAs TPAs 2200- 0500hrs % 2200-0400hrs P1 Routes 78 (48 in 23/24) 7 (7 in 23/24) 8% Patrol only 4 (2 in 23/24 0 (1 in 23/24) - Domains Routes 40 (24 in 23/24) 8 (8 in 23/24) 20% 15. ARA recognises the potential cost savings of reducing treatments between 2200hrs and 0400hrs, where weather conditions permit. One key factor influencing cost is the rolling impact of overnight treatments, particularly the requirement to provide compensatory rest periods in line with the Working Time Directive. SAC • 2023/24 rest period costs - £14,997 • 2024/25 rest period costs - £18,135 • Increase - £3,138 SAC treats 8 routes internally, outsourcing only 2 routes to external Contractors. This heavier reliance on in-house operatives increases the requirement for rest periods following overnight treatments. The rise in rest period costs is also linked to an increase in TPAs, including Priority 1, patrol and domain routes, which necessitated more overnight working. EAC • 2023/24 rest period costs - £13,413 • 2024/25 rest period costs - £9,437 • Reduction - £3,976 EAC treats 5 routes internally, outsourcing 5 routes to external Contractors, which reduces reliance on internal operatives during overnight periods and results in lower rest period costs. However, this approach carries a significantly higher external Contractor cost, with a difference of approximately £291,000 compared to SAC. This highlights the trade off between internal delivery models and outsourcing – balancing labour-related costs against Contractor expenditure remains a key consideration in future service planning. 16. Salt Usage and Post Winter Review Salt orders were placed in September, November, January and March with a total of 14,500tonnes procured throughout the 2024/25 winter season to ensure continuous and responsive treatment coverage. 114
Page 115
Following the end of season, review meetings were held with Winter Controllers and Winter Supervisors to reflect on operational performance, identify challenges and discuss potential improvements. These discussions will inform planning and preparation for Winter 2025/26, ensuring the service continues to evolve and adapt based on lessons learned. 17. The Winter Service Plan is issued and made available to an agreed distribution list (2.3.1 in the Plan). This document will be reviewed and updated annually prior to winter commencing in October to include revisions/changes to the service delivery. Implications 19. Implications Yes No Paragraph number in report 1. Policy/Strategic Planning X 20, 21 & 22 2. Governance X 23 & 24 3. Human Resources X 4. Equality and Fairer Scotland Duty X 5. Financial X 27 6. Risk X 28 7. Community Wealth Building X 29 8. Net Zero X 30 Policy/Strategic planning implications 20. Winter Controller (WC) and Winter Supervisor (WS) current Roles and Responsibilities are detailed within the Winter Service Plan. This is being reviewed for the coming winter 2024/25 with roles being established and clearly defined for responsible officers. 21. Summer Controller (SC) was introduced in 2018/19 and continued throughout this Summer to improve communication across the Service. Duties include: • Risk to communities, SC will contact Senior Management immediately, from this the SC will then escalate to Chief Executive, Elected Members and Community Councils • SC assesses the Met Office forecast on a daily basis and will email Senior Management when preparations are required for a forecasted event i.e. high winds, severe cold weather, hot weather, heavy rain etc. • SC have familiarised themselves with organised events across Ayrshire • SC have familiarised themselves with the protocol for esplanades (SAC) i.e. in heavy rain/wind events, car parks are closed off to ensure safety of road users. 115
Page 116
22. Winter Resilience – Community Self-Help Gritting Groups Since 2018/19, the number of winter resilience groups across the ARA area has grown significantly – from 44 groups to 129. These volunteer groups play a vital role in supporting self-help footway gritting, enhancing community resilience during winter weather. ARA continues to support these groups by providing training, materials, equipment and PPE. Engagement with additional communities is ongoing and we aim to further expand our participation for Winter 2025/26, strengthening local capacity and ensuring greater coverage across our network. Governance Implications 23. The work of the Ayrshire Roads Alliance is undertaken in accordance with relevant legislation. 24. By virtue of the relevant statutory provisions, principally detailed within the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984, the Council as local roads authority is required to manage and maintain all publicly adopted roads within its area other than those which are maintained and managed by the Scottish Ministers. Human resources implications 25. The Winter Service Review has no direct impact on human resources. Equality Impact and Fairer Scotland duty implications 26. The Winter Service Review has no direct impact on Equality. Financial Implications Winter Service Outturn Summary 2024/25 vs 2023/24 2023/24 Labour Materials Hired Plant Fleet/ Plant Contractors TOTAL OUTTURN SAC £118,279 £270,654 £150,156 £3,238 £42,424 £584,751 EAC £127,240 £376,751 £113,451 £3,554 £127,270 £748,266 116
Page 117
2024/25 Labour Materials Hired Plant Fleet/ Plant Contractors TOTAL OUTTURN SAC £222,080 £289,856 £176,742 £4,706 £31,390 £724,773 EAC £182,774 £436,043 £125,858 £4,166 £322,399 £1,067,984 (incl. income £3,255) SAC • 2024/25 Total Outturn: £724,773 • 2023/24 Total Outturn: £584,751 • Increase: £140,022 The main contributor to the increase is labour costs, which rose by £103,801, due to factors such as increased staff hours and overtime requirements during prolonged treatment periods, evident in the increased TPAs above. There was a decrease in spend on external contractors by £11,934 reflecting a greater use of internal resources and reduced need for support services. EAC • 2024/25 Total Outturn: £1,067,984 • 2023/24 Total Outturn: £748,266 • Increase: £319,718 The most significant rise was in external contractors costs, up by £195,129, due to increased outsourcing to support treatment delivery during peak events. Material costs also increased by £59,292 which is attributed to higher salt usage due to weather conditions and increased TPAs. Risk Implications 27. Funding for winter service delivery remains an area of concern. The allocated budgets for 2024/25 were £600,000 (SAC) and £633,190 (EAC). Although Winter 24/25 was relatively mild and manageable, with some overnight frosts but no significant extreme weather events, both areas experienced outturns well above their allocated budgets. This highlights the financial pressures of delivering the service even under moderate conditions. Given this context, any future winter requiring above-average treatment frequencies or response to severe weather would present a significant financial challenge. This underscores the importance of ongoing efficiency measures and robust contingency planning. 117
Page 118
Community Wealth Building implications 28. The winter service contributes to the principles of Community Wealth Building by supporting resilient and inclusive local economies. It encourages local spending, promotes fair employment practices, and helps ensure that economic benefits are retained within the community, contributing to greater ownership and improved outcomes for local people. Net zero implications 29. The Ayrshire Roads Alliance Service Plan supports and links to East Ayrshire Climate Strategy Themes Theme 2: Transport Theme 4: Natural Environment Appendices (if applicable) None Background papers None Person to contact Jane Corrie, Head of Roads - Ayrshire Roads Alliance Tel No. 01563 503164 E-mail: jane.corrie@ayrshireroadsalliance.org Implementation Officer(s) Craig Knape – Strategic Manager – Ayrshire Roads Alliance Tel No. 01563 503164 E-mail: craig.knape@ayrshireroadsalliance.org Janice Kelly, Team Leader & Winter Lead - Ayrshire Roads Alliance Tel No. 01563 503164 E-mail: janice.kelly5@ayrshireroadsalliance.org 118
Page 119
Official AYRSHIRE SHARED SERVICE JOINT COMMITTEE 05 September 2025 Report by the Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE ASSET MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE Purpose of report 1. The purpose of this Report is to seek approval from the Joint Committee on the updated Asset Management Plan for the road networks of East and South Ayrshire. Recommendations 2 It is recommended that the Joint Committee: i. Approves the updated Asset Management Plan contained within Appendix 1 ii. Requests that amendments and updates are provided to future meetings of the Joint Committee. iii. Otherwise notes the contents of this Report Background 3 Road infrastructure is the most valuable community’s assets. In any economic situation, expenditure in efficient and responsible ways is of great importance. It is widely recognised that the application of modern, innovative, asset management practices can enable improved value for money. In these challenging times is it essential that Ayrshire Roads Alliance embraces these methods and strives to ensure that every penny spent is invested as wisely as possible. 4 Asset Management provides Ayrshire Roads Alliance with the necessary tools for efficient and sustainable management of our roads with a short and long term approach. The Roads Asset Management Plan forms an important part of the Ayrshire Roads Alliances’ commitment to apply good asset management to roads. 5 Our roads ensure mobility in the local communities of East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire enhancing accessibility, improved health benefits through active travel, creates employment opportunities & supports economic productivity. Agenda Item 9 119
Page 120
Official Main report/main issues 6 This Roads Asset Management Plan sets out the Ayrshire Roads Alliance’s plans for the maintenance of road assets for the period 2025 to 2030 on behalf of East Ayrshire Council, and South Ayrshire Council. 7 The Roads Asset Management Plan was last submitted to Joint Committee on 24 September 2024. Amendments from last year’s RAMP include: - • Data tables updated throughout. • Section 02.2 – Asset Inventory Updates to Table 1 • Section 05.1 - Asset Growth tables updated • Section 05.2 - Traffic Growth figures updated • Section 05.4 – Utility Company Works – Update on data, including warranty duration. • Section 05.5 - Legislative updates • Section 06.1 – Road Condition Indicators updated • Section 07.1 – Asset Valuation updated • Section 07.2 – Historical Expenditure updated • Section 07.3 – Planned Funding updated • Section 08.1 - RCI Backlog – Data amended. • Section 11 – References. Addition of last two documents (“Highways – Maintaining a Vital Asset. What Should Councillors Know About Asset Management?” and “Managing a valuable asset: improving local road condition. All Party Parliamentary Group on Highway Maintenance.” 120
Page 121
Official Implications Implications Yes No Paragraph number in report 1. Policy/Strategic Planning Yes 8 / 9 2. Governance Yes 10 3. Human Resources Yes 11 4. Equality and Fairer Scotland Duty Yes 12 5. Financial Yes 13 6. Risk Yes 14 7. Community Wealth Building Yes 15 8. Net Zero Yes 16 Policy/strategic planning implications 8. A well maintained road network will contribute to achieving the Community Plan objectives in relation to Economy & Skills and Safer Communities to maintain good access to our communities within East Ayrshire. 9. The matters referred to in this report contribute to Priority 1 of the Council Plan: Spaces and Places / Moving around and the environment (Outcome 1). Governance Implications 10. The work of the Ayrshire Roads Alliance is undertaken in accordance with relevant legislation. Human resource Implications 11. There are no implications. Equality impact and Fairer Scotland duty implications 12. The Roads Asset Management Plan complements the Equality Impact Assessment by ensuring that any issues arising are adequately prioritised, managed and either eliminated or mitigated. Financial implications 13. The budget for Asset Improvement is set by East Ayrshire Council and South Ayrshire Council. Appropriate scrutiny arrangements are in place to manage these budgets. 121
Page 122
Official Risk implications 14. The Asset Management Plan assists in the prioritisation of risks that need to be mitigated by the Ayrshire Roads Alliance in order to reduce the overall risk to eitherCouncil and to comply with the Community Plan/Council Plan in both partner bodies. Community Wealth Building implications 15. The works programme provides economic levers to develop resilient, inclusive local economies with more local spend and fair employment, as well as ensuring that wealth is more locally owned and benefits local people Net zero implications 16. The Ayrshire Roads Alliance Service Plan supports and links to East Ayrshire Climate Strategy Themes Theme 2: Transport Theme 4: Natural Environment Appendices (if applicable) 1. Roads Asset Management Plan Background papers None Person to contact Jane Corrie, Head of Roads - Ayrshire Roads Alliance Tel No. 01563 503164 E-mail: jane.corrie@ayrshireroadsalliance.org Implementation Officer Jane Corrie, Head of Roads - Ayrshire Roads Alliance Tel No. 01563 503164 E-mail: jane.corrie@ayrshireroadsalliance.org 122
Page 123
Ayrshire Roads Alliance Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 123
Page 124
i Control Page Document Information Title Ayrshire Roads Alliance Roads Asset Management Plan Author David Allen (Road Asset Officer) Description Roads Asset Management Plan setting out the plans for the management of the East Ayrshire Council and the South Ayrshire Council road assets. This document has been produced in accordance with national guidance & recommended good practices. Document Owner Jane Corrie (Head of Roads) 124
Page 125
ii Document Changes Revision SCOTS Template Version Date Author Changes from Previous Version 1 3.0 03/05/2023 David Allen ARA Roads Asset Officer Not Applicable 2 3.0 21/05/2024 David Allen ARA Roads Asset Officer Data tables updated; legislative updates; addition of inventory data improvements and asset management systems (02.4 & 02.5). Traffic Growth figures updated Addition of “Public Space CCTV” in 02.3. Addition of final paragraph Page 48, 08.1 RCI Backlog. 3 3.0 14/08/2025 David Allen ARA Roads Asset Officer • Change to Organisation Chart • Data tables & graphs updated • Traffic Count data updated • Updates to data management systems • Updates to EV charger numbers 125
Page 126
iii Contents CONTROL PAGE ................................................................................................................. I Document Information ................................................................................................................................. i Document Changes ................................................................................................................................... ii CONTENTS ........................................................................................................................ III LIST OF TABLES .............................................................................................................. VI LIST OF FIGURES .......................................................................................................... VIII FOREWORD ....................................................................................................................... 1 01. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................... 1 01.1 Strategic Context .............................................................................................................................. 1 01.2. Overview .......................................................................................................................................... 3 01.3. Purpose of Road Asset Management Plan...................................................................................... 3 02. OUR ROAD ASSETS .................................................................................................... 4 02.1. Road Network .................................................................................................................................. 4 02.2. Assets Inventory .............................................................................................................................. 5 02.3. Assets Not Covered ......................................................................................................................... 8 02.4. Inventory Data Improvement ........................................................................................................... 9 02.4.1. KaarbonTech Gully Smart ................................................................................................................. 9 02.4.2. Vaisala RoadAI .................................................................................................................................. 9 02.4.3. WDM Highways Asset Management System ................................................................................... 9 02.5. Asset Management Systems ........................................................................................................... 9 02.5.1. Ayrshire Roads Alliance HIAMS ........................................................................................................ 9 02.5.2 Vaisala RoadAI ................................................................................................................................. 10 02.5.3 KaarbonTech Gully Smart ................................................................................................................ 10 02.5.4 Asset Management Systems Conclusion ........................................................................................ 11 126
Page 127
iv 03. STAKEHOLDERS ....................................................................................................... 12 03.1. Road Service Key Stakeholders .................................................................................................... 12 Table 3. Stakeholder Groups .................................................................................................................. 12 Stakeholder Group .................................................................................................................................. 12 Examples ................................................................................................................................................ 12 03.2. Stakeholder Communication & Engagement ................................................................................. 13 03.3. Customer Surveys ......................................................................................................................... 13 03.4. Customer Contacts ........................................................................................................................ 14 04. OUR ROAD ASSET MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES .................................................. 15 05. DEMANDS ................................................................................................................... 17 05.1. Asset Growth ................................................................................................................................. 17 05.2. Traffic Growth & Composition ........................................................................................................ 18 05.2.1. Scotland (2015–2024) ..................................................................................................................... 20 05.2.2. East Ayrshire (2015–2024) ............................................................................................................. 21 05.2.3. South Ayrshire (2015–2024) ........................................................................................................... 22 05.2.4. Key Insights ..................................................................................................................................... 22 05.3. Environmental Conditions .............................................................................................................. 24 05.3.1 Winters ............................................................................................................................................. 25 05.3.2 Flooding ............................................................................................................................................ 26 05.3.3 Ayrshire Shoreline Management Plan.............................................................................................. 28 05.3.4 Climate Change ................................................................................................................................ 29 05.3.5 Twenty Minute Neighbourhood ........................................................................................................ 31 05.3.6. Sustainable Materials in Maintenance of Highways Infrastructure ................................................. 32 05.4. Utility Company Works………………………………………………………………………………………33 05.5. Legislative Changes .......................................................................................................................... 34 06. SERVICE STANDARDS .............................................................................................. 35 06.1 Road Condition Indicators............................................................................................................... 39 127
Page 128
v 07. FINANCIAL SUMMARY .............................................................................................. 41 07.1. How is the Roads Service Funded? .............................................................................................. 41 07.2 Differences between Expenditure and Capital Expenditure ........................................................... 41 07.3. Asset Valuation .............................................................................................................................. 42 07.4. Historical Expenditure .................................................................................................................... 44 07.5. Planned Funding ............................................................................................................................ 46 08. ASSET INVESTMENT STRATEGIES ......................................................................... 49 08.1. Road Condition Indicator Backlog ................................................................................................. 49 09. RISK MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................. 52 09.1. Risk Management Introduction ...................................................................................................... 52 09.2. Safety Inspection Strategy ............................................................................................................. 54 09.3. Risk Strategy .................................................................................................................................. 57 09.3.1. Defect Risk Assessment ................................................................................................................. 57 09.3.2. Priority Response Times ................................................................................................................. 60 10. GLOSSARY ................................................................................................................. 62 10.1. Abbreviations ................................................................................................................................. 62 10.2. Main Definitions ............................................................................................................................. 67 11. REFERENCES ............................................................................................................ 70 128
Page 129
vi List of Tables Table 1. Inventory Data as of 31st March 2025 ................................................................................ 6 Table 2. Snapshot of the percentage of road network surveyed with Vaisala RoadAI (June 2025). ........................................................................................................................................................ 10 Table 3. Stakeholder Groups .......................................................................................................... 12 Table 4. Sum lengths of Carriageway & Footway that have been adopted or disposed of for East Ayrshire Council .............................................................................................................................. 17 Table 5. Sum lengths of Carriageway & Footway that have been adopted or disposed of for South Ayrshire Council .............................................................................................................................. 17 Table 5. Service Standards for Carriageways 2024/25 (APSE Data - Carriageways) .................... 35 Table 6. Service Standards for Footways 2024/25 (APSE Data - Footways) ................................. 36 Table 7. Service Standards for Street Lighting 2024/25 (APSE Data) ............................................ 37 Table 8. Service Standards for Structures 2024/25 (APSE Data) .................................................. 38 Table 9. Service Standards for Traffic Signals 2024/25 (APSE Data) ............................................ 38 Table 10. East Ayrshire Council Road Condition Indicators (RCI) .................................................. 40 Table 11. South Ayrshire Council Road Condition Indicators (RCI) ............................................... 40 Table 12. East Ayrshire Council Asset Valuation as of 31st March 2025 ....................................... 42 Table 13 South Ayrshire Council Asset Valuation as of 31st March 2025 ...................................... 43 Table 14. East Ayrshire Council Historical Expenditure .................................................................. 44 Table 15. South Ayrshire Council Historical expenditure ................................................................ 45 Table 16. East Ayrshire Council Planned Capital Funding – 2025/26 to 2030/31 .......................... 46 Table 17. South Ayrshire Council Capital Investment Budgets 2024/25 to 2033/34 ...................... 47 Table 20. Network RCI Data for East Ayrshire Council & for South Ayrshire Council .................... 50 Table 21. Risk Likelihood ................................................................................................................ 57 Table 22. Impact/ Severity Score .................................................................................................... 58 Table 23. Risk Matrix ...................................................................................................................... 59 Table 24. Risk Management Matrix ................................................................................................ 59 129
Page 130
vii Table 25. Defect Priority and Response Times .............................................................................. 60 Table 26. Abbreviations .................................................................................................................. 62 Table 27. Definitions ...................................................................................................................... 67 130
Page 131
viii List of Figures Figure 1. Ayrshire Roads Alliance Organisation Chart ..................................................................... 2 Figure 2: Map Showing EAC and SAC Areas .................................................................................. 4 Figure 3 - Objectives ....................................................................................................................... 16 Figure 4: Annual Traffic by Vehicle Type in East Ayrshire. 1993 To 2024 Inclusive. ...................... 19 Figure 5: Annual Traffic by Vehicle Type in South Ayrshire. 1993 To 2024 Inclusive. ................... 19 Figure 6: Graph Showing Number Utility Company Works for Financial Years 2017/18 to 2024/25 in East Ayrshire. .................................................................................................................................. 33 Figure 7: Graph Showing Number of Utility Company Works for Financial Years 2017/18 to 2024/25 in South Ayrshire. ............................................................................................................................ 34 Figure 8: Strategy Key Steps .......................................................................................................... 55 131
Page 132
Foreword This Roads Asset Management Plan sets out Ayrshire Roads Alliances’ proposals for the management of East Ayrshire Council and South Ayrshire Council road assets for the next three years and beyond. It has been produced in accordance with national guidance and recommended good practices. Road infrastructure is the most valuable of a community’s public assets. In any economic situation, expenditure in efficient and responsible ways is of great importance. It is widely recognised that the application of modern, innovative, asset management practices can enable improved value for money. In these challenging times is it essential that Ayrshire Roads Alliance embraces these methods and strives to ensure that every penny spent is invested as wisely as possible. Asset Management provides decision makers with the necessary tools for efficient and sustainable management of roads with a short term and a long term view point. This Roads Asset Management Plan forms an important part of the Ayrshire Roads Alliances’ commitment to apply good asset management to roads. Roads ensure mobility in your local community, and also in the wider Ayrshire area & beyond. Roads enhance accessibility, health, mobility, facilitate trade & tourism, generates employment opportunities & boosts economic productivity. Consideration is given to the levels of investment in the road network to maintain and ultimately improve on the East Ayrshire Council & South Ayrshire Councils strategic objectives that include: - Reducing inequalities Delivering inclusive economic growth Taking climate action Improving health & wellbeing of the community and visitors Signature Councillor Douglas Reid Leader East Ayrshire Council Signature Councillor Brian Connolly Leader South Ayrshire Council 132
Page 133
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 1 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 01. Introduction 01.1 Strategic Context The Ayrshire Roads Alliance (ARA) came in to being on the 1st of April, 2014, to deliver shared Council roads and transportation services to communities across East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire. The Alliance is governed by a joint committee of elected members from the two Councils, with East Ayrshire Council as the lead authority. It delivers roads services including roads maintenance, street lighting, winter maintenance, design, traffic, transportation and road safety. The Ayrshire Roads Alliance organisation chart is shown in Figure 1, below. The shared service ensures a consistent standard of service delivery while improving service efficiency and resilience, against a backdrop of reducing public sector budgets. Ayrshire Roads Alliance Road Asset Management Policy confirms our commitment to asset management and aligns our approach with the SCOTS Road Asset Management (RAM) Framework of Recommended Practices, including the “Well Managed Highways” Code of Practice. Ayrshire Roads Alliance Road Asset Management Plan (RAMP), takes the Corporate Outcomes, Objectives & Visions, for both East Ayrshire Council and South Ayrshire Council, translating them in to a clear & concise Roads Asset Management objectives. The level of service that the Council is aiming to achieve provides a means of identifying and prioritising the overall funding required for road assets. This RAMP summarises the status of our road assets in terms of size, value and condition and presents a number of investment options for our major road assets. The scenarios presented and issues raised are designed to assist with the budget setting process. Asset groups are Carriageways, Footways, Structures, Street Lighting, and Traffic Signals. Condition assessments are carried out for carriageways and for structures. The information collected provides an accurate picture of the extent of the area’s roads infrastructure. An accurate record of condition allows us to anticipate overall funding needs and predict the impact investment scenarios will have on condition. Road infrastructure deterioration is generally slow and often unseen, meaning that the impact of investment cannot be assessed in the short term. Over time, the rate of deterioration accelerates with insufficient maintenance. The investment scenarios presented consider the projected impact over a 5 year period. This allows decisions to be taken with an understanding of medium and long term implications. 133
Page 134
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 2 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 FIGURE 1. Ayrshire Roads Alliance Organisation Chart 134
Page 135
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 3 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 01.2. Overview This Roads Asset Management Plan sets out the Ayrshire Roads Alliance’s plans for the maintenance of road assets for the period 2025 to 2030, on behalf of East Ayrshire Council, and South Ayrshire Council. Roads comprising carriageways, footways, structures, street lighting and traffic management systems are the largest value assets in our local communities. A communities road network has impacts that are not only the replacement costs, but also on business, employment, tourism, health, education, and helping to ensure that East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire are more attractive places to live. East Ayrshire Council, and South Ayrshire Council, objectives align with Scottish Government purposes & values that include: - Create a more successful country; Give opportunities to all people living in Scotland; Increase the wellbeing of people living in Scotland; Create sustainable and inclusive growth; Reduce inequalities and give equal importance to economic, environmental and social progress. 01.3. Purpose of Road Asset Management Plan The purpose of the Road Asset Management Plan (RAMP) is to: Formalise strategies for investment in road asset groups; Define service standards; Improve how the road asset is managed; Support optimised service delivery across both Council areas. 135
Page 136
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 4 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 02. Our Road Assets 02.1. Road Network FIGURE 2: Map Showing EAC and SAC Areas 136
Page 137
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 5 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 02.2. Assets Inventory The roads networks are the single biggest assets that East Ayrshire Council and South Ayrshire Council own. The Gross Replacement Cost (GRC), for East Ayrshire Council is £1.84 billion, and £1.56 billion for South Ayrshire Council as of 31st of March 2024. The roads asset is made up of five major asset groups:- Carriageway; Footways and Footpaths; Structures; Street Lighting; Traffic Management Systems. Data, shown in table 1 below, is based on historical records and new data that is reviewed and updated at the end of each financial year. Inventory data for non-roads assets is also included. 137
Page 138
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 6 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 Table 1. Inventory Data as of 31st March 2025 Asset Type Units East Ayrshire Council South Ayrshire Council Totals Carriageway km 1,233 1,183 2,416 Footways & Footpaths km 1,050 945 1,995 Street Lighting Columns No. 21,675 20,590 42,265 Illuminated Signs & Bollards No. 1,384 1,053 2,437 Structures No. 618 371 989 Retaining Walls km 7 3 10 Cattle Grids No. 11 34 45 Traffic Signals No. of Sets 99 94 193 Zebra Crossings No. 27 0 27 Variable Message Signs No. 123 45 168 Vehicle Activated Signs No. 156 60 216 Real Time Passenger Information No. 67 50 117 Gullies No. 27,125 25,402 52,527 Grit Bins No. 760 284 1044 Weather Stations No. 3 1 4 Harbours No. 0 1 1 Protected Shoreline km 0 24 24 Public Car Parks No. 47 38 85 EV Dual Charging Points (Public) No. 63 36 93 138
Page 139
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 7 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 Table 1. Inventory Data as of 31st March 2025 Asset Type Units East Ayrshire Council South Ayrshire Council Totals EV Dual Charging Points (Fleet) No. 44 3 47 Depots No. 1 2 3 139
Page 140
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 8 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 02.3. Assets Not Covered The RAMP covers assets maintained by Ayrshire Roads Alliance on behalf of East Ayrshire Council and South Ayrshire Council, as local roads authorities. Other Assets have been specifically excluded from this plan, i.e. being privately owned, or not being directly linked to the public road network. These include: Private Roads and Footways – those roads that are maintained by persons or bodies other than the Councils as the local roads authority; Trunk Roads – managed and maintained by Transport Scotland, on behalf of the Scottish Ministers; Proposed Public Roads – those roads which will become public roads sometime in the future; Private Bridges (i.e. Network rail structures); Council owned bridges, not on or crossing the public road network; Decorative, seasonal lighting; Public Space CCTV; Assets relating to the other five key areas of Council asset ownership (e.g. Buildings and Property, Council Housing, Open Space, Vehicle Fleet and Information and Communications Technology); Public Rights of Way – landscape and countryside. 140
Page 141
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 9 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 02.4. Inventory Data Improvement 02.4.1. KaarbonTech Gully Smart A gully asset data collection programme commenced on the 4th of March 2024 for East Ayrshire Council and for South Ayrshire Council. The data collection was completed August 2024. This allows for improved management of gully cleansing programmes and improved data as to the state of gullies over time. 02.4.2. Vaisala RoadAI Data, for road traffic signs is to be extracted from Vaisala Roads AI, and imported to the ARA Highways Infrastructure Asset Management System (HIAMS). A manual review will be required to remove temporary traffic signs and to remove any duplicate road signs. 02.4.3. WDM Highways Asset Management System A module has been developed, within HIAMS, to allow for Vehicle Restraint Systems (VRS) asset data to be entered. VRS data is being collected in East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire. 02.5. Asset Management Systems 02.5.1. Ayrshire Roads Alliance HIAMS The Ayrshire Roads Alliance has, for many years, utilised digital solutions, including WDMs’ Roads Management System (RMS), WDMs’ Lighting Management System (LMS) and WDMs’ Structures Management System (SMS). Since the WDM Highways Infrastructure Asset Management System (HIAMS) went live, additional fixed reports have been developed, and are being developed, reducing time to extract information for analysis and reporting. These reports also allow anyone, who has the necessary permissions, to run these reports when required. The ARA Pavement Management System (PMS) was migrated to the new cloud based model, on HIAMS by the first quarter of 2025, and was utilised to create the carriageway resurfacing works programme for 2025/26 financial year. 141
Page 142
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 10 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 02.5.2 Vaisala RoadAI Vaisala RoadAI utilises a mobile phone camera to record information about visual road condition data, traffic signs and road markings. The use of Vaisala RoadAI enhances safety, compliance, and overall asset management data. An exercise to extract road condition data from the Vaisala RoadAI system was carried out in 2025, and this data is now integrated into the Scheme Builder System which is part of the WDM HIAMS Pavement Management System (PMS) module. The Scheme Builder System, which is used to score Carriageway Schemes for the annual programme of works, was approved by the Ayrshire Shared Services Joint Committee at their meeting on the 10th November 2017. Traffic sign data will also be collected from Vaisala RoadAI, and exported to the ARA HIAMS Roads Management System module. This will provide accurate inventory data within ARA HIAMS. For the year 2024/25, Vaisala RoadAI data collection has improved over previous years. Table 2. Snapshot of the percentage of road network surveyed with Vaisala RoadAI (June 2025). Council Area Filtered Data (KM) & % Unfiltered Data (KM) & % East Ayrshire Council 805.38 (65.6%) 873.49 (71.1%) South Ayrshire Council 871.22 (73.6%) 911.94 (77.1%) Filtered data is where the road is videoed and where the RoadAI is able to analyse the data. Unfiltered data is where the road is videoed and includes lengths where the RoadAI has not been able to analyse the data – perhaps due to wet weather, snow on the roads, poor lighting, sun in the camera, or due to the polarising filter not having been set up correctly. In November 2024, a Vaisala representative provided live demonstrations of the capabilities of Vaisala RoadAI to the Roads Maintenance Unit, and to other departments within East Ayrshire Council. 02.5.3 KaarbonTech Gully Smart East Ayrshire Council and South Ayrshire Council gully cleaning data has been historically maintained in Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. The information collected is minimal and does is not conducive to best practice maintenance, nor data analysis. 142
Page 143
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 11 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 There is an intention, for future development of a link between the ARA HIAMS and the Gully Smart systems, to allow gully asset and condition information to be automatically transferred between both software systems. 02.5.4 Asset Management Systems Conclusion The above systems contribute to efficient operations and cost savings. Inspections, and maintenance activities, generate records that serve as evidence of compliance, maintenance, and safety. These records are essential for audits, insurance claims, and legal purposes. 143
Page 144
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 12 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 03. Stakeholders 03.1. Road Service Key Stakeholders Ayrshire Roads Alliance has a wide variety of stakeholders, which include: Table 3. Stakeholder Groups Stakeholder Group Examples Customers Pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, commuters, logistics, tourists, businesses Transport providers Bus companies, Network Rail, ScotRail, Ferry Companies, SPT, Prestwick Airport Statutory Undertakers Water, gas, oil, electricity, telecommunications Politicians Local Councillors, MSPs, MPs, Scottish Ministers, UK Government Ministers Senior Council Executive/Management Finance, Legal, ICT, Department Heads, Procurement Council Road Infrastructure Officers Section Heads and Team Leaders within the Ayrshire Roads Alliance Emergency Services Police Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Coastguard Industry bodies SCOTS, RAC, AA, Cycling Scotland, Sustrans, Scottish Chambers of Commerce, Regional Timber Transport group, UKRLG Other Council Services & Organisations Refuse Collections, Social Services, Regeneration, Education, Community Councils Delivery partners & Supply chain Consultants, Contractors, Suppliers Neighbouring Roads Authorities North Ayrshire Council, Dumfries & Galloway Council, South Lanarkshire Council, East Renfrewshire Council, and Transport Scotland Environmental SEPA, Scottish Government 144
Page 145
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 13 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 03.2. Stakeholder Communication & Engagement Involving stakeholders, including communities and their representatives, is core to allowing Ayrshire Roads Alliance deliver their commitments to the community. Consultation facilitates the creation of shared values and objectives, allowing for developing and delivering of meaningful services and setting stakeholder expectations. East Ayrshire Council strategic framework 2022 to 2027 is available, online, where it is also possible to provide comments. South Ayrshire Council, via the “Have Your Say” section of the website have the ability to comment on current consultations as well as to review historic consultations Ayrshire Roads Alliance, on behalf of South Ayrshire Council, and East Ayrshire Council carry out public consultations that may be accessed on line at the East Ayrshire Council and South Ayrshire Council websites. Through improvement plans, which are created from the outcomes of consultation, both East Ayrshire Council, and South Ayrshire Council, show understanding of local needs and aspirations. These plans are reviewed and supplemented as necessary. Ayrshire Roads Alliance has a procedure in place for the management of complaints, from logging a complaint (by email, telephone, or online), to a complaint being closed out. 03.3. Customer Surveys From 2022/23 financial year Ayrshire Roads Alliance have been using the online APSE Scotland Road Survey questionnaire for the East Ayrshire Council area and for the South Ayrshire Council area. The online surveys are available to the public from the Council websites, the Ayrshire Roads Alliance website and on social media. Link to the East Ayrshire Council survey is: - https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/east-ayrshire-2 Link to the South Ayrshire Council Survey is: - https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/south-ayrshire- council-2 Due to too few people completing the surveys in 2023 and 2024, a review of how the surveys are publicised will take place. 145
Page 146
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 14 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 03.4. Customer Contacts Roads and street lighting faults reported by customers are recorded on the WDM HIAMS which incorporates the previous WDM Routine Management System and the WDM Lighting Management System, respectively. Faults may be logged online, by email, by letter or by telephone. The URL, for reporting a roads or street lighting fault, is online at: - https://www.ayrshireroadsalliance.org/Report/Report-a- Fault.aspx 146
Page 147
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 15 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 Official 04. Our Road Asset Management Objectives The Ayrshire Roads Alliance Asset Management Objectives support the alignment with the East Ayrshire Council and the South Ayrshire Council corporate management strategies and provide direction for the implementation of Asset Management Practices across the Roads Service. Within East Ayrshire, a well maintained road network will contribute to achieving the Community Plan objectives in relation to Economy & Skills and Safer Communities to maintain good access to our communities. The South Ayrshire Council has the strategic objective of ‘Enhanced Environment through Social, Cultural and Economic Activities’ and, within that, the outcome ‘Work with partners to improve roads and other infrastructure, to encourage house building and business investment that sustains local communities’. With reference to winter, East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire Council have a statutory obligation under Section 34 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 to prevent snow and ice endangering the safe passage of pedestrian and vehicles over public roads in terms of the above legislation a ‘road’ includes carriageways, footways, and footpaths areas. Both South Ayrshire Council and East Ayrshire Council aim to provide an effective and efficient Winter Service in accordance with “Well Maintained Highways”, and within the resources available to: - Allow the safe passage of vehicles and pedestrians; Minimise delays due to winter weather; Ensure operations are undertaken safely. The Asset Management Objectives support Ayrshire Roads Alliance to: Take a strategic approach to asset management; Focus on customer needs; Measure Performance; Communicate decision risks and opportunities; Provide a consistent approach to managing the asset. 147
Page 148
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 16 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 Official Environmental Long-term option and planning analysis to minimise the environmental of impacts of maintenance. Safety Provide a safe network for all road users through the continuous refinement of the authority’s intelligence-led approach. Healthier Promote the healthier travel options through the provision of maintenance that priorities pedestrians and cyclists. Customer Engagement Engage with customers to understand their needs, priorities, and expectations to support the development of service standards and improve customer satisfaction. FIGURE 3 - Objectives 148
Page 149
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 17 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 05. Demands 05.1. Asset Growth The asset grows each year due to the adoption of new Roads and construction of new Road links. New assets create the need for maintenance, management, and associated funding in future years as these additional assets age. Generally, increases in assets are due to new developments. Over the last 5 years the following assets lengths have been adopted, or disposed of, by the Councils: Table 4. Sum lengths of Carriageway & Footway that have been adopted or disposed of for East Ayrshire Council (Data from Asset Valuation Annual Reports – Carriageway input, Additions and Disposals) 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 Carriageway + 5.4 km + 4.4 km +0.6 km +4.9 km +5.0km Footways and Footpaths + 5.1 km + 7.8 km +0.6 km +4.3 km +7.7km Table 5. Sum lengths of Carriageway & Footway that have been adopted or disposed of for South Ayrshire Council (Data from Asset Valuation Annual Reports – Carriageway input, Additions and Disposals) 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 2024/25 Carriageway +1.6 km -2.7 km 5.0 km 0.0 km 0.0 km Footways and Footpaths + 0.6 km 0.0 km 3.2 km 0.0 km 0.0 km 149
Page 150
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 18 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 05.2. Traffic Growth & Composition Cars, and taxis, remain the dominant mode of transport in Scotland. In 2021, 43 billion vehicle kilometres of traffic were travelled across the 59.2 thousand kilometres of roads in Scotland. Long term trends for traffic growth have shown year on year increases. The exception to this have been the years of 2020 and 2021, where there was a marked drop in traffic levels due to COVID-19. The increase in traffic places increasing pressure on the Ayrshire Roads Alliance network due to the significant increase in the general volume of traffic and in particular, large commercial vehicles. Increased car ownership and individual mobility since the Second World War was instrumental in the closure of some of Ayrshire's railways in 1960s’, and created the demand for a road building and road improvement programme of the principle routes that connect Ayrshire internally (including ferry ports and Prestwick Airport), and with major conurbations out with of Ayrshire. The main demands, for development, include for houses, agricultural buildings, tourist accommodation and the expansion of urban areas. In 2017 65% of all journeys were made either as drivers or passengers in a car or a van, up 4% since 2012. Of these journeys the proportion of single occupancy car trips also showed an underlying increasing trend, up 4% since 2012. The number of people permitted to drive on our roads is ever increasing and if current trends continue car trips nationwide are predicted to increase over the next 20 years by 20%. During the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020 to September 2020) car traffic throughout Scotland, dropped to 25% of 2019 levels. Total road traffic in Scotland increased by 2% in 2023 - 2024, reaching 99% of pre-pandemic levels. Car traffic saw a 3% increase, though it remained 4% below pre-pandemic levels in 2024. The tables below, are provided by the Department for Transport. The data show annual traffic by vehicle type for East Ayrshire and for South Ayrshire from 1993 to 2024. 150
Page 151
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 19 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 Figure 4: Annual Traffic by Vehicle Type in East Ayrshire. 1993 To 2024 Inclusive. Figure 5: Annual Traffic by Vehicle Type in South Ayrshire. 1993 To 2024 Inclusive. 151
Page 152
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 20 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 05.2.1. Scotland (2015–2024) The following data, in Sections 05.2.1 to 05.2.3, inclusive, shows how traffic volumes in Scotland, East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire have recovered (post SARS-CoV-2), and evolved, since 2015. Metrics used in this section are: Monitored network length (km); Annual cars & taxis vehicle-km (million); Annual all-motor-vehicles vehicle-km (million); Car share (% of all traffic); Traffic density (vehicle-km per km of road). Scottish Transport Statistics 2024 reports long‐run growth from 2010 to 2019, a sharp SARS-CoV-2 dip in 2020–21, then rapid rebound by 2023-24. Table 5. Road Traffic Statistics for Scotland (Data from DfT). Year Network (km) Cars & taxis (m km) All vehicles (m km) Car share Density (all km⁻¹) 2015 57,327 33,600 45,600 73.7 % 796,000 2016 57,327 34,200 46,200 74.0 % 806,000 2017 57,327 35,000 47,000 74.5 % 820,000 2018 57,327 35,500 47,800 74.3 % 834,000 2019 57,327 36,678 48,400 75.8 % 844,000 2020 57,327 28,800 36,500 78.9 % 637,000 2021 57,327 27,400 35,000 78.3 % 611,000 2022 57,327 32,800 42,000 78.1 % 733,000 2023 57,327 34,375 44,300 77.6 % 773,000 2024 57,327 35,372 48,384 73.1 % 844,000 152
Page 153
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 21 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 Key points: 2015 to 2019: traffic rose approximately 10 % over four years; 2020 to 2021: 25 % SARS-CoV-2 drop; 2022 onwards: strong rebound, reaching 99 % of 2019 total in 2023/24; In 2024, 30.4 billion vehicle miles of traffic were travelled across the 37.1 thousand miles of roads in Scotland, including Trunk Roads. 05.2.2. East Ayrshire (2015–2024) Table 6. Road Traffic Statistics for East Ayrshire (Data from DfT). Year Network (km) Cars & Taxis (m km) All Vehicles (m km) Car Share Density (all km⁻¹) 2015 1,330.6 503.4 673.0 74.8 % 506,000 2016 1,332.9 500.6 680.9 73.5 % 511,000 2017 1,334.5 514.9 704.2 73.1 % 528,000 2018 1,334.0 521.9 711.0 73.4 % 533,000 2019 1,332.5 522.6 708.9 73.7 % 532,000 2020 1,331.8 390.3 553.7 70.5 % 416,000 2021 1,332.5 453.0 645.6 70.2 % 485,000 2022 1,336.8 499.0 698.4 71.5 % 522,000 2023 1,338.6 515.0 713.1 72.2 % 532,000 2024 1,342.4 524.0 725.4 72.2 % 541,000 East Ayrshire’s recovery: SARS-CoV-2 trough in 2020 at -30 % vs 2019; Full rebound by 2023/24: cars +0.3 % vs 2019, all vehicles +2.3 %. 153
Page 154
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 22 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 05.2.3. South Ayrshire (2015–2024) Table 7. Road Traffic Statistics for South Ayrshire (Data from DFT). Year Network (km) Cars & Taxis (m km) All Vehicles (m km) Car Share Density (all km⁻¹) 2015 1 327.1 473.7 614.6 77.1 % 463 000 2016 1 325.0 486.3 635.0 76.6 % 479 000 2017 1 325.5 489.2 648.2 75.5 % 489 000 2018 1 321.6 492.5 649.4 75.8 % 492 000 2019 1 322.9 493.2 649.7 75.9 % 491 000 2020 1 315.8 362.5 499.0 72.6 % 379 000 2021 1 315.9 422.3 585.1 72.2 % 445 000 2022 1 324.0 471.8 646.0 73.0 % 488 000 2023 1 326.0 481.0 654.6 73.5 % 494 000 2024 1 329.5 485.9 661.5 73.4 % 498 000 South Ayrshire’s recovery: 2020 bottomed at -22 % vs 2019. By 2024 traffic is 2 % above 2019 for total motor vehicles and cars. 05.2.4. Key Insights Scotland, as a whole, as well as East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire saw a 30 %+ drop in 2020, then a steady rebound by 2023/24; Scotland’s car share (approximately 73 %) closely matches South Ayrshire (approximately 73.5 %) and East Ayrshire (approximately 72.2 %); South Ayrshire has a marginally higher car share and traffic density than East Ayrshire, reflecting stronger through-traffic on major routes; Post-SARS-CoV-2 recovery was essentially complete in East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire by 2023. 154
Page 155
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 23 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 The National Transport Strategy outlines the Government’s vision for a Scottish transport system which creates great places through the provision of a sustainable, inclusive and accessible transport system which promotes prosperity, health and fairness for all our citizens. It aims to promote equality by providing fair access to services which are easy to use and affordable for all. Many of the roads in East Ayrshire Council and South Ayrshire Council were not designed to accommodate this level of traffic which creates a growing need for investment in maintenance. The lack of maintenance can cause delays through disruption, and increase in carbon emissions. Not intervening on time, can increase treatment costs, and also cause an increase in journey times as the treatments will be more frequent and will require more time. 155
Page 156
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 24 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 05.3. Environmental Conditions The Ayrshire Roads Alliance is responsible for maintenance works across the East Ayrshire Council and South Ayrshire Council network of roads, bridges, structures and other assets. The protection and enhancement of the natural environment is an important aspect of transport network maintenance. The Scottish Government is committed to a net-zero greenhouse emissions by 2045. This requires fundamental transformations in how the transport network is utilised, maintained and developed. The Just Transition Commission was established in 2018, with a remit of providing Scottish Government Ministers with practical advice. The advice is developed from the gathering of knowledge, expertise and lived experience from a wide range of people and groups across Scotland. As set out in the Scottish Government Climate Change update, by 2030 Scottish Governments intends to reduce car miles travelled by 20%. The transport system currently prioritises cars. This will need to change in the future, with the focus being on other modes of transport. Electric vehicles will play a necessary role in reducing transport related CO2 emissions. Continued dependence upon private vehicle usage does not constitute behaviour change towards more active and inclusive forms of travel, and will continue to be a significant source of harmful particulate matter. Electrification will bring immediate benefits to some roadside emissions. This does not negate the requirements for a transport system that is accessible to all and which maximises the physical and mental health benefits of active and decarbonised transport which will require a range of policy changes. East Ayrshire Councils’ Climate Change Strategy, “Clean Green east Ayrshire” proposes cutting emissions both within the Council and in the wider area which will help build a stronger post-carbon, post-COVID economy, with community wealth building, equality of opportunity and improved quality of life for all at its heart. The East Ayrshire Council strategy is available online at: - https://www.east- ayrshire.gov.uk/Clean-Green-East-Ayrshire/Climate-change-strategy/Climate-change- strategy.aspx 156
Page 157
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 25 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 As per the survey, South Ayrshire Council’s Climate Change Strategy aims to ensure a just transition for people and nature, supporting ecological recovery and wellbeing, reducing inequalities and creating sustainable, liveable places where people are connected to nature, climate literate and understand the natural systems we rely on, are supported to develop green skills and can work in a fast-evolving local green jobs market, travel less overall and make active and sustainable travel choices first. South Ayrshire Councils current “Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy” document may be found online at: - Sustainable development and climate change strategy 2019-2024 (south- ayrshire.gov.uk). Pressures on the transport network assets come from a number of environmental sources that include: - Winters (e.g. 2018, Beast from the East); Flooding; Climate change; Changes in pollution levels. Pollution levels dropping in some instances – more knowledge required around plastics pollution. 05.3.1 Winters The Ayrshire region has a temperate maritime climate where summers tend not to be hot, and winters not too cold. Generally the hottest month is July, and the coldest January. The weather is fairly unpredictable, as with the rest of Scotland. The climate of the Ayrshire region has a maritime influence, as the prevailing winds blow from the sea. The warm Gulf Stream also has a strong influence on Western Scotland with winds mainly blowing from the sea. The annual mean temperatures are in the range 9.5 to 9.9 °C in coastal areas. The sea reaches its lowest temperature in February or early March so that on average February is the coldest month in some coastal parts of Ayrshire with minimum daily temperatures being about 2C. For snow to lie for any length of time then the temperature normally has to be lower than this. Over most of the area, snowfall is normally confined to the months from November to April. On average, the number of days with snow falling is about 20 near the Ayrshire coastline. The number of days where snow lies is less than 5 days. Occasionally transport disruption can occur. One example being during the winter of 2018/19. There were 10 days starting on Thursday the 22nd February 2019 where traffic was majorly impacted. A stratospheric warming (warm air traveling across the Atlantic from Mexico to the UK) disturbed the jet stream. This allowed for cold winds from Russia to reach the UK. Temperatures dropped, with a frost each night. Then, the Met Office issued a rare red snow warning across central Scotland. By 157
Page 158
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 26 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 the time the air reached Scotland, it was just below 0C. In addition the air mass had collected water from the North Sea which resulted in heavy snowfall upon reaching Scotland. Glasgow Airport was closed and there was widespread travel disruption. Power cuts hits thousands of homes and military assistance was deployed. This storm was known as The Beast from the East. In Scotland, the demand for gas required to heat homes rose by 50%. 05.3.2 Flooding The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) is Scotland’s national flood forecasting, flood warning authority and strategic flood risk management organisation. SEPA liaise closely with other organisations that are responsible for managing flood risk, to ensure that a nationally consistent approach to flood risk management is adopted. Councils are responsible for producing Local Flood Risk Management Plans (LFRMP) and for engaging with SEPA, Scottish Water and other responsible authorities to develop these. A LFRMP is a document, or series of documents, that describe how organisations will collaborate and coordinate in order to mitigate adverse impacts of flooding on communities. Flooding is something that has the ability to effect people, the environment, property, infrastructure and economic activity. Due to flooding impacting cross boundaries, it is common for Councils to create a collaborative Flood Risk Management Plan. For flood risk management purposes, Scotland has been divided into 14 Local Plan Districts. The two districts that are pertinent to East Ayrshire Council and South Ayrshire Council are Ayrshire and Solway. The first Ayrshire LFRMP, was created in 2009 and is reviewed, and revised, as necessary. The Ayrshire Flood Risk Management Plan is published by North Ayrshire Council on behalf of North Ayrshire Council, East Ayrshire Council and South Ayrshire Council, Scottish Water, SEPA and NatureScot (previously known as Scottish Natural Heritage). North Ayrshire is the lead local authority for the Ayrshire Local Plan District. The Flood Risk Management Strategy is a tool utilised for implementing the Flood Risk Strategy, and addresses the risk of flooding from rivers, the coast and surface water. The risk of flooding from rivers is usually due to rainfall causing a river to rise above bank level spreading out and inundating adjacent areas. Coastal flooding is where the risk is from the sea. Sea levels can change in response to tidal cycles or atmospheric conditions. Over the longer term sea levels and coastal flood risk may change due to climate change. Surface water flooding happens when rainwater does not drain away through the normal drainage systems or soak into the ground, but lies on or flows over the ground instead. In summary, there are 18 areas and one candidate area that have been identified as being potentially vulnerable to flood risk across the Ayrshire Local Plan district. These include 7,800 residential and 2,700 non-residential properties. The estimated annual average damage from the identified flood risks is £16.4 million. The Flood Risk Management plan presents actions to avoid and reduce the risk of flooding, and prepare and protect ourselves and communities within these potentially 158
Page 159
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 27 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 vulnerable areas and across the local plan district. These actions include 3 prioritised flood protection schemes or works; 15 flood protection studies; flood warning schemes, surface water management plans, and natural flood management studies and works. The delivery of many of these actions may be dependent on the availability of funding. For full details the following documents, that are available on the Ayrshire Roads Alliance website, should be referenced: - Ayrshire Local Flood Risk Management Plan, Cycle 2 – LPD 12; Solway Local Flood Risk Management Plan, Cycle 2 - LPD14. The Ayrshire Local Flood Risk Management Plan, Cycle 2 – LPD 12 may be found on the Ayrshire Roads Alliance website at: - https://www.ayrshireroadsalliance.org/Resources/pdf/Flooding/2022/ayrshire-local-flood-risk- management-plan.pdf The Solway Local Flood Risk Management Plan, Cycle 2 - LPD14 may be found at: - https://www.ayrshireroadsalliance.org/Resources/pdf/Flooding/2022/solway-local-flood-risk- management-plan.pdf 159
Page 160
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 28 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 05.3.3 Ayrshire Shoreline Management Plan A shoreline management plan (SMP) includes a large-scale assessment of the risks associated with coastal processes, including flooding and erosion over short (0 to 20 years), medium (20 to 50 years) and long term (50 to 100 years) timescales. A Shoreline Management Plan informs as to the management of risks, to an identified stretch of coastline, to people and the developed, historic and natural environment. One of the main aims of an SMP is to promote sustainable policies into the next century and provide a timescale for managing risks along the coastline in the future. The Ayrshire Shoreline Management Plan extends from Skelmorlie to the Galloway Burn, at the Dumfries and Galloway Council boundary. The islands of Arran and Great Cumbrae are also included in the plan. Implications of relevant suggested management measures have been considered for the adjacent council areas of Inverclyde and Dumfries & Galloway, however policy for these areas is not set by the Ayrshire Shoreline Management Plan. The Ayrshire SMP should be reviewed at regular intervals in order to assess if the policies and actions proposed are still appropriate, particularly as the understanding of the rate of sea level rise resulting from global climate change becomes better understood. Rising sea levels, increased coastal erosion and erosion-enhanced flooding will progressively impact soft coastlines. The Shoreline Management Plan, along with associated documents, is published on the Ayrshire Roads Alliance website and the South Ayrshire Council website. The link to the Shoreline Management Plan, on the Ayrshire Roads Alliance website is at: - https://www.ayrshireroadsalliance.org/Information-On/Ayrshire-Shoreline-Management-Plan- Information.aspx 160
Page 161
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 29 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 05.3.4 Climate Change The landscape of the Ayrshire region predominantly comprises of a landscape that is at low level. The localised highest points are Kirrieoch Hill, South of Straiton, at 786 metres ASL and Blackcraig Hill, near New Cumnock, at 700 metres ASL. The environment, health of people and the economy within Ayrshire are intrinsically linked. In Scotland we are already seeing changes in climate that are impacting society. Climate change, the long term shift in climate patterns, is mainly driven by greenhouse gasses (that include carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane, water vapour and ozone), aerosol emissions and land use change. These can impact climate systems in many ways, including: - ➢ Changes to the hydrological cycle (the movement of water on, above and below the surface of the Earth. E.g. Ground water, rivers, clouds, rain, transpiration from plants, evaporation); ➢ Warming Oceans, land and air; ➢ Melting ice (poles and glaciers); ➢ Rising sea levels; ➢ Ocean acidification; ➢ Changes in ocean currents (i.e. The North Atlantic Drift); ➢ More extreme weather. The impacts to Scotland include: - ➢ Damage to infrastructure, including roads, structures and drainage systems; ➢ Flooding of coastal regions; ➢ Localised flooding due to increased amounts of rainfall in shorter periods of time; ➢ Risks to water supplies; ➢ Food instability; ➢ Death of forests; ➢ Change in seasons; ➢ Damage to marine eco systems; 161
Page 162
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 30 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 ➢ Conflict and climate migrants. For the benefit of our communities, our children, the environment and prosperity, Scotland is transitioning to a net zero emissions society. By 2045 there shall be no greenhouse gas emissions. To help meet Scotland’s targets, a transformation of all sectors of life is required. Net Zero Scotland informs us that transport accounts for about 36% of Scotland's greenhouse gas emissions. 40% of Scotland’s transport emissions comes from cars. Over half of all journeys made in Scotland are under 5km. Some steps have been taken to reduce this, including the Active Travel initiative, but the overwhelming majority of vehicles on the road are still greenhouse gas-emitting petrol or diesel engines. The Scottish government has said it wants to have "phased out" the need for new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 - and hopes to reduce the use of cars generally, with the number of kilometres driven to be reduced by 20%. The number of new electric and hybrid cars registered in the UK is soaring and the availability of publicly available charge points in Scotland, as of November 2024, is 6,000 and increasing. Both East Ayrshire Council, and South Ayrshire Council have completed a review of publicly accessible Electric Vehicle charging points. East Ayrshire Council and South Ayrshire Council, through the Ayrshire Roads Alliance, are working in conjunction with North Ayrshire Council to further develop ways to improve access to charging points for electric vehicles. East Ayrshire currently have 63 publicly accessible Electric Vehicle charging points and South Ayrshire Council have 36. A business case was created in 2022 between North, East and South Ayrshire Councils which set out how all three local authorities could work together to expand the EV charging infrastructure network to meet projected EV demand over the next three to four years. A list of desired outcomes for the EV network were produced in consultation with key stakeholders, which stated that the public EV network should give people access to a technologically advanced, well maintained, reliable network; that it should be available in rural, remote and more deprived areas; that it must be commercially viable and attract private sector investment, and that it should promote the use of public transport and active travel as people’s first choice in line with the National Transport Strategy. Based on this business case, the Ayrshire Authorities are working in partnership on the Pan Ayrshire EV infrastructure project, which aims to improve the EV charging Infrastructure across Ayrshire and increase the EV charging infrastructure by installing additional 307 chargers to the existing 151 public chargers. The project is currently progressing in tendering phase. The first phase concluded in June 2025, resulting in a shortlist of potential bidders. The second part of the tendering process is set to go out shortly for the short-listed bidders, with a final contract award anticipated in January 2026. Potential locations for the proposed EV network were investigated and it was agreed that the aim would be for 99% of Ayrshire properties without off-street parking to be within a 10-minute drive of a charge point. The chargers are planned to be installed in three phases within the first 3 years after 162
Page 163
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 31 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 contract award, and a public consultation was conducted recently to gather feedback on the proposed locations for the new 307 chargers. The locations will include a mix of destination and residential chargers, covering both urban and rural areas across the three Ayrshire Councils. 05.3.5 Twenty Minute Neighbourhood In 2016 transport became the largest greenhouse gas emitting sector. This follows a decrease in emissions from coal power, as the UK transitioned towards gas for energy. Emissions, from transport, in Scotland have decreased but transport is still the largest contributor to emissions. Transport accounted for 35.6% of Scotland’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2018; 40% of these emissions came from car journeys - the highest emitting mode of transport. In 2020, transport accounted for 23.8% of Scotland’s total greenhouse gas emissions; cars being 40% of that total. Between 2019 and 2020, there was a 19% reduction transport within Scotland. This has given the largest fall in greenhouse gas emissions on record. This reduction coincides with COVID-19 related restrictions. It is likely that there will have been reduced emissions for 2021 as well. Scottish Government, in conjunction with Councils, has made a commitment to deliver a net zero society by 2045, which means zero greenhouse gas emissions. Councils, throughout Scotland, have their part to play in meeting the targets. Lockdown in 2020, due to COVID-19, showed that people’s lives could be improved through walking, cycling, taking exercise, access to local or online services, working from or closer to home, and access to shared green spaces. Lockdown dramatically limited individual movement. These restrictions have spurred on adoption of twenty minute neighbourhoods, an urban planning strategy that has existed for decades. The strategy focuses on the decentralisation of towns & cities by bringing amenities into neighbourhoods. 20 minute neighbourhoods' are places that are designed so that residents may have access to services they need, including schools, shops, doctors surgeries, dentists, leisure facilities and places of work, within a 20 minute walk of their home. This is through access to safe walking and cycling routes, or by public transport. The goal is to make active travel the easiest option for everyone. Benefits of a twenty minute neighbourhood are not just in reductions of traffic and greenhouse gas emissions. Adults should aim for around 20 - 30 minutes moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking, as a daily minimum. 20 minute neighbourhoods help to ensure that much of this activity can be accommodated within our normal daily patterns of behaviour. When then a place is attractive and easy to move around, individuals are encouraged to choose walking, wheeling or cycling, with benefits for physical and mental health. Fewer vehicles on our roads, travelling at lower speeds can help to increase walking, wheeling and cycling and improve air quality. 163
Page 164
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 32 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to developing 20 minute neighbourhoods. Every community is different, as are the needs of its residents. It is also possible that some of those communities where the ability to engage is lowest, may be where the opportunities to make significant and measurable changes are the greatest. The concept needs resourcing and delivery at a scale and intensity proportionate to the degree of need. All communities will need some support, but the most in need should have the most support to close the gap. The South Ayrshire Council Active Travel Strategy has been published on the website below. Link to South Ayrshire Council Active Travel Strategy: - https://www.ayrshireroadsalliance.org/Information-On/Traffic-and-Road-Safety/Active-Travel- Strategy.aspx 05.3.6. Sustainable Materials in Maintenance of Highways Infrastructure Sustainable maintenance practices, of highways infrastructure, is a multi-discipline concept that integrates ecological, social and economic aspects along with the close involvement of organisations from manufacturers, government, highways maintenance organisations and industry bodies. Ayrshire Roads Alliance has embraced, and is implementing principles of sustainability through managing works by limiting their impact, on the environment. The intention is to maximize benefits throughout the life time of an asset whilst minimizing emissions, and minimising waste, through recycling of materials used. As an example, on the Loans to Troon Active Travel Corridor, Ayrshire Roads Alliance explored various alternative materials to reduce carbon emissions. This focussed on kerbing and paved areas as two of the identified carbon hotspots. After a trial, a porous rubber crumb surface was taken forward as a replacement for asphalt. This alternative material had several benefits from reducing the requirement for concrete edge kerbing to being porous and thus providing a sustainable drainage solution. Lessons learnt from this scheme have been invaluable for ensuring best practice and considering future low carbon materials. Other examples include the use of in situ recycling of asphalt, and the use of hydraulically bound materials (HBM) utilising recycled materials. The use of sustainable materials can lead to reductions in carbon emissions, but as important is ensuring that carbon is considered early in the design process, to make efficiency in design and minimise the volume of materials required. 164
Page 165
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 33 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 05.4. Utility Company Works Utility activity can have a major effect on the maintenance and management of the road assets. There are currently no recorded figures to quantify the effect that utility openings have on the road structure but it is widely believed that these lead to an increase in defects and earlier deterioration of the road surface than would otherwise be expected. All Utility companies are responsible for carrying out their own reinstatements. For any works where the permanent reinstatement was completed prior to the 1st October 2023, works have a 2-year, or 3-year, guarantee depending upon the depth of the apparatus. The duration of guarantee periods, for permanent reinstatements, has been reviewed. For any permanent reinstatements completed from the 1ST October 2023 the guarantee period increased to six years. The graphs, below, show the number of works carried out by Utility Companies since the start of the financial year 2017/18. There are two graphs, below, one displaying information for East Ayrshire Council and one graph for South Ayrshire Council. Figure 6: Graph Showing Number Utility Company Works for Financial Years 2017/18 to 2024/25 in East Ayrshire. 165
Page 166
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 34 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 Figure 7: Graph Showing Number of Utility Company Works for Financial Years 2017/18 to 2024/25 in South Ayrshire. 05.5. Legislative Changes There is secondary legislation (Scottish Statutory Instrument) due to be enacted, in the near future requiring Roads Authorities to hold asset data, such as street lighting underground cables and roads drainage and upload it, on a regular basis, to the Scottish Road Works Register VAULT. This will require substantial investment in staff time to capture the asset data, along with development of a suitable graphical based information system to store and to manage the data. 166
Page 167
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 35 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 06. Service Standards This plan is based upon delivering the service standards indicated below. They are the standards that service users can expect from East Ayrshire Council’s and South Ayrshire Council’s road assets during the plan period. Details of how the specific measures, shown below, are calculated are included in the Road maintenance manual. Data below, for carriageways, is taken from the Ayrshire Roads Alliance annual Scottish Roads Maintenance Condition Survey (SRMCS) survey results for East Ayrshire Council and for South Ayrshire Council for 2024/25. Table 5. Service Standards for Carriageways 2024/25 (APSE Data - Carriageways) Service Measured By EAC Achieved SAC Achieved Safety Percentage of Priority 1 defects made safe within response times. 93% 100% Percentage of safety inspections completed on time. 80% 93% Condition Overall Percentage of carriageway length to be considered for maintenance treatment (RCI). 31.7% 34.0% Percentage of “A” Class roads to be considered for maintenance treatment. 17.7% 23.4% Percentage of “B” Class roads to be considered for maintenance treatment. 25.2% 28.6% Percentage of “C” Class roads to be considered for maintenance treatment. 30.8% 37.6% Percentage of unclassified, non-principal roads network where maintenance should be considered. 36.4% 37.0% 167
Page 168
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 36 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 Table 6. Service Standards for Footways 2024/25 (APSE Data - Footways) Service Measured By EAC Achieved SAC Achieved Safety Percentage of Priority 1 defects made safe within response times (2 hours). 75% 100% Condition Percentage of footway to be considered for maintenance treatment. 17.5% 15.0% Percentage of footway treated. 0.23% 0.07% 168
Page 169
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 37 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 Table 7. Service Standards for Street Lighting 2024/25 (APSE Data) Service Measured By EAC Achieved SAC Achieved Safety Percentage of repairs within 7 days. 93.54% 90.51% Average time to repair a fault (days). 3.37 3.48 Environment Average annual electricity consumption (kilowatt hours per annum) street lighting only. 185.55 kWh/Annum 157.19 kWh/Annum Total annual energy consumption in kilowatt hours per annum for the street lighting asset (non-Central Management System & Central Management System) EXCLUDING traffic signals if applicable 3,752,407kWh 3,039,166kWh 169
Page 170
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 38 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 Table 8. Service Standards for Structures 2024/25 (APSE Data) Service Measured By EAC Achieved SAC Achieved Condition Number of principal inspections carried out on time. 91 31 Number of General inspections carried out on time. 167 276 Table 9. Service Standards for Traffic Signals 2024/25 (APSE Data) Service Measured By EAC Achieved SAC Achieved Safety Time to repair a 2 hours Urgent fault and 48 Hours Non Urgent fault. 93.5% 96.2% 170
Page 171
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 39 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 06.1 Road Condition Indicators The road network represents the Councils’ single largest asset and therefore regular and adequate maintenance is vital to ensure it does not deteriorate or become dangerous, and that considerable past investment is not lost. Ayrshire Roads Alliance monitor the deterioration in our road network via the Scottish Road Condition Maintenance Survey (SRMCS). The Scottish Road Maintenance Condition Survey, which is organised by the Society of Chief Officers of Transportation in Scotland (SCOTS) on behalf of Local Authorities, is carried out by a specialist contractor, WDM Ltd, using vehicles accredited annually by the TRL. The vehicles are equipped with lasers and high resolution cameras, to collect data for processing by computer and currently record:- Location; The road geometry (gradient and shape); Variations in the longitudinal profile (evenness of ride along the road); Transverse profile variance (deformation across the road); Wheel track rutting / deformation in the wheel path; The presence of cracking within the carriageway; Texture (roughness of the surface of the road); The extent of edge deterioration (due to over-riding or lack of lateral support). The survey covers 100% of A Class roads in one direction each year, 50% of B Class & C Class roads in one direction each year, and 10% of U Class roads in one direction each year. In order to minimise the effect of sampling errors on the result, the Road Condition Indicator (RCI) for unclassified roads is calculated from four years data. The tables below summarise the data for East Ayrshire Council, and for South Ayrshire Council when compared to the thirty two Scottish Councils. 171
Page 172
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 40 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 Table 10. East Ayrshire Council Road Condition Indicators (RCI) 2019/21 2020/22 2021/23 2022/24 2023/25 Network RCI 36.8% 33.8% 33.5% 33.0% 31.7% Scotland Average RCI 35.5% 34.2% 33.6% 34.1% 34.7% Above / Below Scotland Average +1.3 -0.4 -0.1 -1.1% -3.0% Quartile 3 3 3 3 2 Ranking (out of 32 Councils) 22nd 18th = 20th 18th 12th Table 11. South Ayrshire Council Road Condition Indicators (RCI) 2019/21 2020/22 2021/23 2022/24 2023/25 Network RCI 40.9% 39.0% 37.4% 35.0% 34.0% Scotland Average RCI 35.5% 34.2% 33.6% 34.1% 34.7% Above / Below Scotland Average +5.4 +4.8 +3.8 -0.9% -0.7% Quartile 4 4 4 3 3 Ranking (out of 32 Councils) 27th 27th 26th 24th 20th 172
Page 173
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 41 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 07. Financial Summary 07.1. How is the Roads Service Funded? There are 32 Local Authority councils in Scotland. Each council is responsible for a range of services, including roads, schools, housing, education, social work, street lighting, refuse collection, elections, and planning. Each council is responsible for allocating budgets to the various service areas. Councils get their budgets, primarily from four sources that include: - Service Income. This is income that councils receive; Scottish Government capital expenditure and revenue expenditure grants; Council tax; Non domestic rates. 07.2 Differences between Expenditure and Capital Expenditure Councils meet the costs of their statutory and discretionary services through a combination of revenue and capital expenditure: - Revenue expenditure covers day to day costs required to manage a service. These costs include items such as salaries, pensions, rent, and electricity bills. Revenue expenditure, specifically for a Roads department, also covers items such as winter maintenance, grass cutting, gully cleansing and pothole repairs. Capital expenditure relates to investments in assets such as buildings and roads infrastructure. Capital expenditure varies between individual councils. This is due to the particular services each authority provides and the distinctive nature of their local economies. Capital expenditure, for a Roads department includes costs for projects that include roads and footway resurfacing schemes, street lighting replacement schemes, replacing structures, or replacing/ installing vehicle restraint systems (VRS). 173
Page 174
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 42 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 07.3. Asset Valuation As of 31st March 2024, the Roads assets are valued as follows: - Table 12. East Ayrshire Council Asset Valuation as of 31st March 2025 (Data from Asset Valuation Summary Output, Table 1.2) Asset Type Gross Replacement Cost £'000 Depreciated Replacement Cost £'000 Annualised Depreciation Charge £'000 Carriageway £1,323,840 £1,124,717 £22,698 Footway £119,501 £70,615 £2,384 Structures £205,519 £165,934 £2,012 Street Lighting £48,999 £23,458 £1,168 Street Furniture £12,388 £6,168 £584 Traffic Management Systems £10,004 £6,268 £464 Land £139,678 Total £1,859,929 £1,397,160 £29,309 174
Page 175
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 43 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 Table 13 South Ayrshire Council Asset Valuation as of 31st March 2025 (Data from Asset Valuation Summary Output, Table 1.2) Asset Type Gross Replacement Cost £'000 Depreciated Replacement Cost £'000 Annualised Depreciation Charge £'000 Carriageway £1,067,408 £898,867 £15,075 Footway £115,952 £70,676 £2,423 Structures £97,948 £89,668 £652 Street Lighting £42,460 £21,722 £977 Street Furniture £3,475 £1,747 £172 Traffic Management Systems £8,948 £5,774 £364 Land £231,510 Total £1,567,700 £1,087,796 £21,789 175
Page 176
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 44 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 07.4. Historical Expenditure Historical expenditure on the Road Asset over the last five financial years is shown for East Ayrshire Council, and for South Ayrshire Council in tables below. * The historical expenditure data, from APSE, for 2024/25 will not be available until September 2025. Table 14. East Ayrshire Council Historical Expenditure Asset Works Historical Expenditure (£’000) 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 Carriageways Capital £5,380 £4,659 £4,907 £2,994 £3,194 Revenue £1,261 £1,031 £1,157 £1,557 £2,058 Footways Capital £243 £81 £155 £188 £161 Revenue £86 £75 £135 £187 £217 Structures Routine & Reactive £104 £111 £172 £1,241 £1,170 Planned £711 £882 £976 £434 £153 Street Lighting Energy Costs £1,020 £978 £1,004 £926 £1,312 Routine & Reactive £246 £239 £293 £283 £306 Planned £273 £340 £715 £828 £1,125 Traffic Signals Routine, Planned & Reactive £49 £220 £448 £102 £78 Total £9,373 £8,616 £9,962 £8,740 £9,774 176
Page 177
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 45 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 Table 15. South Ayrshire Council Historical expenditure Asset Works Historical Expenditure (£’000) 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 Carriageways Capital £2,091 £2,971 £2,548 £2,864 £4,494 Revenue £1,980 £1,590 £2,242 £1,247 £1,579 Footways Capital £36 £0 £262 £130 £200 Revenue £230 £153 £234 £255 £282 Structures Routine & Reactive £35 £48 £26 £120 £108 Planned £112 £167 £177 £404 £45 Street Lighting Energy Costs £773 £634 £545 £546 £1,063 Routine & Reactive £201 £152 £266 £357 £326 Planned £1,797 £294 £410 £317 £212 Traffic Signals Routine, Planned & Reactive £194 £227 £261 £320 £47 Total £7,449 £6,236 £6,971 £6,560 £8,356 * The historical expenditure data, from APSE. for 2024/25 will not be available until September 2025. 177
Page 178
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 46 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 07.5. Planned Funding Table 16. East Ayrshire Council Planned Capital Funding – 2025/26 to 2030/31 2024/25 (£M) 2025/26 (£M) 2026/27 (£M) 2027/28 (£M) 2028/29 (£M) 2029/30 (£M) 2030/31 (£M) TOTAL (£m) Roads & Transportation Programme 3.878 3.050 3.050 3.050 3.050 3.050 2.872 22.000 Bridge Improvement Programme 2.400 3.500 1.500 1.500 1.500 1.500 1.500 13.400 Total 6.278 6.550 4.550 4.550 4.550 4.550 4.372 35.400 178
Page 179
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 47 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 Table 17. South Ayrshire Council Capital Investment Budgets 2024/25 to 2033/34 2025/26 (£m) 2026/27 (£m) 2027/28 (£m) 2028/29 (£m) 2029/30 (£m) 2030/31 (£m) 2031/32 (£m) 2032/33 (£m) 2033/34 (£m) 2034/35 (£m) Roads Reconstruction 1.581 2.500 2.500 2.500 2.500 1.500 1.500 1.500 1.500 2.500 Street lighting 0.150 0.150 - - - - - - - - LED Replacement - - 0.025 0.025 0.025 0.025 - - - - Bridges Capital 0.600 - - - - - - - - - Victoria Bridge 0.281 - - - - - - - - - Millennium and Craigholm Bridges 0.145 0.145 - - - - - - - - C12 Dunure Slope Stabilisation 0.130 - - - - - - - - - 179
Page 180
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 48 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 Table 17. South Ayrshire Council Capital Investment Budgets 2024/25 to 2033/34 2025/26 (£m) 2026/27 (£m) 2027/28 (£m) 2028/29 (£m) 2029/30 (£m) 2030/31 (£m) 2031/32 (£m) 2032/33 (£m) 2033/34 (£m) 2034/35 (£m) Vehicle Restraint Barriers 0.073 0.050 0.050 0.050 - - - - - - Cattle Grid Renewal 0.033 0.033 0.033 - - - - - - - Total 2.993 2.878 2.608 2.575 2.525 1.525 1.500 1.500 1.500 2.500 180
Page 181
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 49 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 08. Asset Investment Strategies Managing Assets in a controlled manner optimises cost and risk, allowing timely and fact based decisions and delivers value in meeting our objectives. 08.1. Road Condition Indicator Backlog W.D.M. Limited for Society of Chief Officers of Transportation in Scotland, on behalf of all 32 Councils in Scotland, carry out condition surveys of all roads. This is known as the Scottish Roads Maintenance Condition Survey (SRMCS) contract. The contract, awarded in 2018, for four years (with possible three year extension) involves surveying all classes of road at differing frequencies with a specialist vehicle. A Road Condition Index (RCI) is calculated for every 10 metre subsection of the road that has been surveyed. There are five parameters that data is gathered for. These are: - Rut depth; Texture Depth; 3m Longitudinal Profile Variance; 10m Longitudinal Profile Variance; Whole Carriageway Cracking Intensity. Each 10 metre subsection of road network surveyed is given an overall Road Condition Indicator (RCI) score dependent on the survey readings of these five parameters. Only the highest of the 3 metre or 10 metre Profile Variance scores contribute to the overall RCI score. The SRMCS Performance Indicator is made up from the total proportion of a network that is above or equal to an RCI of 40. 181
Page 182
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 50 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 Traffic light colours, Green, Amber and Red have been assigned to different RCI bands as shown below: ➢ Green - A Road Condition Indicator score < 40 - Carriageway is generally in a good state of repair; ➢ Amber – A Road Condition Indicator score ≥ 40 and <100 - Some deterioration is apparent which should be investigated to determine the optimum time for planned maintenance treatment; ➢ Red – A Road Condition Indicator score ≥ 100 - Carriageway is in poor overall condition which is likely to require planned maintenance soon (i.e. within a year or so). The SRMCS Performance Indicator score is made up of all the 10 metre subsections that are in an amber or red condition. The table below shows the backlog (defined as the carriageway maintenance funding required to treat all 10 metre subsections in the amber or red annual performance indicator category). Table 20. Network RCI Data for East Ayrshire Council & for South Ayrshire Council Authority RCI 2018 - 20 RCI 2019 - 21 RCI 2020 - 22 RCI 2021 - 23 RCI 2022 - 24 RCI 2023 - 25 RCI 2022/24 to 2023/25 EAC 37.8% 36.8% 33.3% 33.5% 33.0% 31.7% -1.3% SAC 40.6% 40.9% 39.0% 37.4% 35.5% 34.0% -1.5% The headline backlog budget, from the 2023 SCOTS Backlog & Steady State Model Report (SCOTS Report), is defined as the carriageway maintenance funding required to treat all 10 metre subsections in an amber or red condition within one year. This can be thought of as achieving a network free from carriageway defects exceeding the lower threshold levels. It is not a network free from any defects because it will allow, for example, rut depths up to 10mm, and texture depths down to 0.7mm. 182
Page 183
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 51 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 To treat all the amber and red in one year would not be a practical maintenance option due to the disruption it would cause, but the figure does allow a comparative budgetary valuation to be calculated which can be monitored on an on-going basis. From the SCOTS Report, the headline backlog for 2023 was £53,051,000 for East Ayrshire Council and is £50,601,000 for South Ayrshire Council. The average annual budget calculated in the models for each authority, to maintain the SCOTS Report Steady State RCI scores, excludes any allowance for inflation or discount levels over the next ten-year period. To maintain the RCI’s, from the 2023 SCOTS Report, of 33.5, for East Ayrshire Council, and 37.4, for South Ayrshire Council, the following steady state carriageway surfacing budgets would require to be allocated: - ➢ East Ayrshire Council - £8,477,000; ➢ South Ayrshire Council - £6,786,000. If the Councils do not maintain the above steady state expenditure over the next ten years, for carriageway surfacing, then the carriageway asset will deteriorate, resulting in an increase in the overall network Road Condition Indicator (RCI). 183
Page 184
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 52 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 09. Risk Management 09.1. Risk Management Introduction The Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 Section 1, states that “…a local roads authority shall manage and maintain all such roads in their area as are for the time being entered in a list (in this Act referred to as their “list of public roads”) prepared and kept by them under this section.” Road Authorities have a Duty of Care under Common Law. The criteria commonly used by the Courts to determine if a defendant is liable are: 1. The harm which occurred must be a reasonable foreseeable result of the defendant's conduct; Was the authority aware of the defect? Was the route inspected within assigned timescales? Experience of similar defects and the deterioration/degradation rates? Will the defect deterioration/degradation cause the likelihood and/or impact of the defect to increase before the next inspection? Has there been similar incidents on the authorities’ network or is the authority aware of similar incidents occurring? 2. It is fair, just and reasonable to impose liability. Did the authority assess, prioritise and maintain the defect in accordance with their Maintenance Strategy/Manual or equivalent documents? What was the defect risk and priority? If necessary, what action(s) had been taken to repair the defect? Timescale for the repair? Was the defect repaired within specified timescales? Road Authorities must ensure that their Inspectors are competent. Ayrshire Roads Alliance safety inspectors are therefore required to undertake the SCOTS Risk-based Approach to Safety Defect Inspections methodology training and achieve a pass grade on the course assessment. 184
Page 185
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 53 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 The Safety Inspection regime forms a key aspect of the road authority’s strategy for managing liability and risk. The objectives of safety inspection activity are to: Minimise the risk of injury and disruption to road users as far as is reasonably practicable; Provide a regular, structured inspection of the public road network, within available resources; Deliver a consistent, reliable response to identified defects, within available resources; Maintain accurate and comprehensive records of inspections and response and; Provide a clear, accurate and comprehensive response to claims. The Ayrshire Roads Alliance, since the 1st April 2019, has adopted the SCOTS Risk Based Approach that promotes a consistency in the management of the road network by focusing on delivering a programme of permanent repairs to improve its condition and safety. The methodology, for this risk based approach, is covered by the “Road Asset Inspections: A Risk Based Approach – Safety Inspection Strategy Manual”, which has been approved by the Ayrshire Shared Services Joint Committee. A Risk Based Approach is also recommended by the Institute of Highway Engineers in their guidance on managing risk and liability, ‘Well Managed Highway Liability Risk’. 185
Page 186
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 54 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 09.2. Safety Inspection Strategy The Road Safety Inspection Strategy was developed, and is maintained, utilising best practices as specified within the Well Managed Highways Code of Practice along with the SCOTS Roads Asset Management Planning Project. Councils continue to face year on year budget reductions with inevitable impact on roads maintenance budget allocations. Budgets, for roads maintenance must be targeted in the most efficient manner possible in order to manage our road network efficiently, effectively and to minimise deteriorating condition. Taking a risk based approach, as per the above code of practice, means that there are NO prescriptive investigation or intervention levels to apply. The rationale for removing these is that the same defect will represent a different level of risk in a different context. Previously, this has led to inappropriate and often unnecessary, costly, temporary repairs. Instead, by using a risk based approach, councils can reduce such reactive interventions and target more of their scarce resources towards programmed work that in the longer term will lead to an overall improvement of road condition. The primary aim of the Roads Asset Inspection Strategy is providing operational guidance to those officers involved in managing and undertaking road asset safety inspections. This is in order to ensure a consistent approach by utilising a formalised system that prescribes the frequency of inspections as well as the method of assessing, recording and responding to defects in the road asset. The safety inspection strategy requires several key steps, explained in detail within this document. They are: 186
Page 187
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 55 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 Road hierarchy forms the foundation of a risk based maintenance strategy; crucial for establishing service levels and network management. Define the physical routes of inspection, the standard frequencies and modes of inspection (driven/walked etc.). A methodology inspectors can follow to assess defects to determine the level of risk and priority of response. Assign an appropriate safety level of response (time and type) to each prioritised category of risk. Establish procedures for documenting safety Inspections and other key information such as inspector training and competency records. Regularly monitor and review the Safety Inspection strategy and its operation. FIGURE 8: Strategy Key Steps 187
Page 188
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 56 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 The Safety Inspection Strategy Manual has a number of sections that include: - ➢ Safety Inspection Procedures; o Planned Cyclic Safety Inspections; o Reactive Safety Inspections (Ad hoc); o Road Condition inspections; o Inspections of Utility Works and Third Party Works; o Service Inspections. ➢ Items for Inspection o Carriageways; o Footways, Footpaths & Cycleways; o Street Furniture; o Street Lighting; o Others. ➢ Methodology o Hierarchy; o Inspection Frequencies; o Inspection Tolerances; o Defect Risk Assessment; o Utility Company Defects; o Priority Response Times. ➢ Meeting Response Times 188
Page 189
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 57 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 09.3. Risk Strategy 09.3.1. Defect Risk Assessment The Ayrshire Roads Alliance Road Asset Management Safety Inspection Strategy document assists in specifying what is inspected, the prioritisation of risks, and inspection frequencies, in order to reduce overall risks to acceptable levels. The procedure for risk assessment is as follows: ➢ Risk Identification An inspection item for which the inspector identifies a hazard is to be identified as a risk. The types of asset to be inspected and the potential associated hazards from defects are detailed in the Inspectors Operations Manual. ➢ Risk Evaluation All risks identified through this process must be evaluated in terms of their significance which means assessing the likelihood of the risk happening and the likely impact should the risk occur. ➢ Risk Likelihood The probability of a risk occurring will be quantified on a scale of Remote to Almost Certain assessed as follows: Table 21. Risk Likelihood Likelihood / Probability Likelihood Description Almost Certain Will undoubtedly happen Daily Likely Will probably happen, but not a persistent issue Monthly Possible May happen occasionally Annually Unlikely Not expected to happen, but it is possible 10 years Remote Improbable 20 years 189
Page 190
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 58 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 The probability of a risk occurring will also be quantified by assessing how many users are likely to pass by or over the defect and consequently the network hierarchy and defect location are important considerations in the assessment. The Risk Matrix for deciding each of the risk factors (Likelihood x Severity) in a 5 by 5 matrix are illustrated in the table below:- Table 22. Impact/ Severity Score Description Consequence (Impact / Severity) Impact on Service Objectives Financial Impact Impact on people Impact on Reputation Catastrophic Unable to function, inability to fulfil obligations Severe financial loss Death Highly damaging, severe loss of public confidence Major Significant impact on services provision Major financial loss Extensive injury, major permanent harm Major adverse publicity, major loss of confidence Moderate Service objectives partially achievable Significant financial loss Medical treatment required, semi- permanent harm up to 1 year Some adverse publicity, legal implications Minor Minor impact on service objectives Moderate financial loss First aid treatment, non- permanent harm up to 1 month Some public embarrassment, no damage to reputation Negligible Minimal impact, no service disruption Minimal financial loss No obvious harm/injury No interest to the press, internal only 190
Page 191
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 59 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 The risk factor for a particular risk is the product of the risk impact and risk. It is this factor that identifies the overall seriousness of the risk and consequently therefore the appropriateness of the speed of response to remedy the defect. Accordingly, the priority response time for dealing with a defect can be determined by correlation with the risk factor as shown in the risk matrix, below. Table 23. Risk Matrix CONSEQUENCE LIKLIEHOOD 1 (NEGLIGIBLE) 2 (MINOR) 3 (MODERATE) 4 (MAJOR) 5 (CATASTROPHIC) 1 (REMOTE) No Response No Response No Response No Response P3 2 (UNLIKELY) No Response No Response P4 P4 P3 3 (POSSIBLE No Response P4 P4 P3 P2 4 (LIKELY) No Response P4 P3 P2 P1 5 (ALMOST CERTAIN) No Response P3 P2 P1 P1 Having identified a particular risk, assessed its likely impact and probability, and calculated the risk factor, the risk management procedure can be shown in the form of a risk management (response) matrix. Table 24. Risk Management Matrix RISK CATEGORY PRIORITY RESPONSE Critical Risk Priority 1 Response (P1) High Risk Priority 2 Response (P2) Medium Risk Priority 3 Response (P3) Low Risk Priority 4 Response (P4) Negligible Risk No Response (NR) 191
Page 192
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 60 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 For defects located where carriageway and/or footway hierarchies intersect, for example at pelican or zebra crossings, or other defined crossing points at junctions, the hierarchy of the route with the most frequent inspection category will always take precedence in determining defect definition and responses. This principle will also apply to intersections between carriageways and cycle routes and between cycleways and footways and footpaths. 09.3.2. Priority Response Times The Priority Response times, for each Defect Category, are shown in the table below. Table 25. Defect Priority and Response Times Defect Priority P1 P2 P3 P4 NR Response Time 2 Hours 5 Working Days 45 Working Days Programmed Work No Action Required Priority 1: Make safe within 2 hours Represent a critical risk to road users and should be corrected or made safe at the time of inspection, if reasonably practicable. In this context, making safe may constitute displaying warning signs and / or coning off to protect the public from the defect. Where reasonably practicable, safety defects of this Priority should not be left unattended until made safe or, a temporary or permanent repair has been carried out. When a Priority 1 defect is identified within a larger group / area of defects, only that particular element will be treated as a Priority 1 defect. The remaining defects will be categorised accordingly. Priority 2: Repair within 5 Working Days. This allows a more proactive approach to be adopted for those defects that represent a high risk to road users or because there is a risk of short-term structural deterioration. Such defects may have safety implications, although of a lesser significance than Priority 1 defects, but are more likely to have serviceability or sustainability implications. 192
Page 193
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 61 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 Priority 3: Action within 45 Working Days. Defects that require attention although they represent a medium risk to road users. This allows defects of this nature to be included in medium term programmes of work. Priority 4: Consider for Planned Works Programme The defect is considered to be of low risk; no immediate response is required. Defects in Priority 4 are not classed as safety defects and are collected to assist the development and prioritisation of Planned Maintenance Works Programmes. NR: No Action Required The defect is considered to be of negligible risk, no intervention is required and monitoring will continue as per the inspection regime. 193
Page 194
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 62 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 10. Glossary 10.1. Abbreviations Table 26. Abbreviations Abbreviation Definition AADF Annual Average Daily Flow: The average over a full year of the number of vehicles passing a point in the road network each day ACoP Approved Code of Practice. ADC Annualised Depreciation Cost. AMP Asset Management Plan. APSE The Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE): (APSE Provides performance data collation and reporting services for SCOTS). ARA Ayrshire Roads Alliance. BCI Bridge Condition Indicator. BSClav Average Bridge Stock Condition Indicator. BSClcrit Critical Bridge Stock Condition Indicator. CBM Cement Bound Macadam (now more commonly known as Cement Bound Granular Material – CBGM). CBGM Cement Bound Granular Material. Previously known as CBM. CIPFA Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accountants. CSS County Surveyors Society. CVI Coarse Visual Inspection. 194
Page 195
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 63 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 Table 26. Abbreviations Abbreviation Definition DRC Depreciated Replacement Cost. Depreciated replacement cost of an asset is the current cost to replace the asset less accumulated depreciation. DVI Detailed Visual Inspection. EAC East Ayrshire Council. Link to website: - https://www.east- ayrshire.gov.uk/Home.aspx FRMP Flood Risk Management Plan. FRMPs are plans to manage the risk of flooding for people, the economy and the environment, including cultural heritage. GIS Geographic Information System. GRC Gross Replacement Cost. The financial cost to build the assets from new. HBM Hydraulically Bound Material. Mixtures that set and harden by hydraulic reaction. They include Cement Bound Materials and slow setting and hardening mixtures from industrial by products such as fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag. HIAMS Highways Infrastructure Asset Management System. HGV Heavy Goods Vehicle. HVO Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil. IA Improvement Action. KPI Key Performance Indicator. LCP Lifecycle Plan. LFRMP Local Flood Risk Management Plan. A LFRMP presents actions to avoid and reduce the risk of flooding, and prepare and protect us, and our communities, within these potentially vulnerable areas and across the Local Plan District. 195
Page 196
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 64 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 Table 26. Abbreviations Abbreviation Definition LTP Local Transport Plan. LTS Local Transport Strategy. NRMCS National Roads Maintenance Condition Survey. NRSWA New Roads and Street Works Act 1991. PMS Pavement Management System. RAMP Road Asset Management Plan. RAUC(S) Roads Authorities and Utilities Committee (Scotland). RCI Road Condition Indicator. RMS Roads Management System. RQP Reinstatement Quality Plan. Reinstatement Quality Plans provide a way for organisations to demonstrate their competence to execute road works and an ongoing commitment to improving quality through having effective quality control processes in place to ensure standards are met. Reinstatement Quality Plans (RQPs) must cover all works that involve excavation and reinstatement of the road. The plan should cover all aspects of the works, not just the reinstatement. Undertakers cannot legally start works without a plan in place. RQPs must detail the processes, performance management, evidence gathering and retention policies specific to your works. Evidence must demonstrate that plans are being adhered to. SAC South Ayrshire Council. Link to website: - https://www.south- ayrshire.gov.uk/ 196
Page 197
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 65 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 Table 26. Abbreviations Abbreviation Definition SCANNER Surface Condition Assessment of the National Network of Roads. Objective method to assess the surface and structural condition of carriageways. SCOTS Society of Chief Officers of Transportation in Scotland. A strategic body that represents Scotland’s 32 Roads Authorities and 7 Regional Transport Partnerships. SCRIM Sideways Coefficient Routine Investigation Machine. The wet skidding resistance of a road surface is measured that allows an organisation to know if a road surface has reached levels requiring intervention. Measuring SCRIM allows for reduced accident rates. SEPA Scottish Environmental Protection Agency. A non-departmental public body of the Scottish Government whose role is to ensure that the environment and human health are protected, to ensure that Scotland’s natural resources and services are used as sustainably as possible and to contribute to sustainable economic growth. Link to the SEPA website: - https://www.sepa.org.uk/. SMP Shoreline Management Plan. A large-scale assessment of the risks associated with coastal processes and helps to reduce these risks to people and the developed, historic and natural environment. The plans intent is to facilitate the management of risks through use of a range of methods that reflect both national and local priorities. SRMCS Scottish Road Maintenance Condition Survey. The Scottish Road Maintenance Condition Survey is an annual survey which assesses the condition of the Scottish public road network. This includes both Council and Trunk Roads. It is used to calculate a Road Condition Indicator (RCI) that is used by Audit Scotland as a Statutory Performance Indicator (SPI) for reporting road condition. SRWR Scottish Road Works Register. A web based system used for the management, and coordination of road works, events and road occupations throughout Scotland. SPI Statutory Performance Indicator. Each council reports a range of measurable performance indicators, to demonstrate that it is securing best value, by comparing indicators with similar Councils. 197
Page 198
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 66 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 Table 26. Abbreviations Abbreviation Definition TRL TRL is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Transport Research Foundation (TRF), a non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee, and established for the impartial furtherance of transport and related research, consultancy, and expert advice. TRO Traffic Regulation Order. A legal tool that allows a Roads Authority to restrict, regulate or prevent the use of a road. A road may include a carriageway, footway, footpath & verge. A TRO may be permanent, temporary, experimental, or may be imposed to allow for the holding of a special event. UKPMS United Kingdom Pavement Management System. The UKPMS is the standard system for the assessment of the condition of the UK road network and for planning investment and maintenance on paved carriageways, (also footways and cycle-tracks) within the UK. Vehicle mile/kilometre Used when carrying out traffic counts on roads. One vehicle times one mile/km travelled (vehicle miles/km are calculated by multiplying the AADF by the corresponding length of road). For example, 1 vehicle travelling 1 mile a day for a year would be 365 vehicle miles. This is sometimes known as the volume of traffic. WDM W.D.M. Ltd. - Highways asset management software systems provider. WGA Whole of Government Accounts (WGA) combines the audited accounts of over 10,000 organisations across the UK public sector in order to produce a comprehensive, accounts-based picture of the financial position of the UK public sector. WLC Whole Life Costing. A tool which assesses the total cost of an asset over its whole life. It takes account of the initial capital cost, as well as operational, maintenance, repair, upgrade and eventual disposal costs. 198
Page 199
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 67 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 10.2. Main Definitions Table 27. Definitions Term Definition Adopted Road Under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 Section 151, Public roads, (sometimes called adopted roads), are those that sit on a roads authority (local authority) list of roads that are maintainable at public expense. Annualised Depreciation The cost of annual deterioration of the road network if no maintenance works are carried out. Asset Management Asset management involves the balancing of costs, opportunities and risks against the desired performance of assets to achieve an organisation's objectives. Asset management also enables an organisation to examine the need for and performance of assets and asset systems at different levels. Additionally, it enables the application of analytical approaches towards managing an asset over the different stages of its life cycle (which can start with the conception of the need for the asset, through to its disposal, and includes the managing of any potential post disposal liabilities). Asset management is the art and science of making the right decisions and optimising the delivery of value. A common objective is to minimise the whole life cost of assets but there may be other critical factors such as risk or business continuity to be considered objectively in this decision making. Asset Valuation The calculation of the current monetary value of an authority’s assets. Depreciation The systematic allocation of the depreciable amount of an asset over its useful life arising from use, ageing, deterioration or obsolescence. Depreciated Replacement Cost Method of valuation which provides the current cost of replacing as asset with its modern equivalent asset less deductions for all physical deterioration and all relevant forms of obsolescence and optimisation. 199
Page 200
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 68 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 Table 27. Definitions Term Definition Gross Replacement Cost The monetary cost of replacing the existing asset with a modern equivalent asset. Levels of Service Parameters, or combination of parameters, which reflect social, political, environmental and economic outcomes that the organisation delivers. The level of service statements define how the stakeholders wish that service to be delivered. The level of service statements become the justification for funding necessary to deliver the service. In other words, it’s a way for an organisation to define, capture, and gain value from its assets. Levels of Service can be grouped into three categories: Operational: For example, is the asset clean and well looked after? Is the paintwork in good condition? Is the asset accessible to the people who need it? Service Provision: Is the asset portfolio large enough to serve the stakeholder requirements? Are there enough of these assets available for stakeholder needs? Is it fit for purpose? Implementation: When building a new asset will its capacity be suitable for the foreseeable future? Or will it have excess capacity that’s not needed – or will it be far too small? Lifecycle Plan Document defining the standards applied to an asset and detailing the management processes used to deliver those standards. Public Realm Publicly owned streets, pathways, right of ways, parks, publicly available open spaces; all areas to which the public has open access. Public Road A “Public Road” means a road which a roads authority have a duty to maintain. 200
Page 201
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 69 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 Table 27. Definitions Term Definition Private Road A “Private Road” means any road other than a public road. There is still a public right of passage although the maintenance responsibility lies with the owner, frontager or others. Roads Authority Under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 Section 151 a Roads Authority may be a Council, or a Trunk Roads Operating company (who maintain roads on behalf of Transport Scotland). Road Infrastructure Assets An authority’s portfolio of road assets including adopted roads (excluding private roads), segregated footpaths and cycle routes, structures, lighting, traffic management systems, etc. Together they function as a system or network which as a whole is intended to be maintained at a specified Level of Service (assessed through performance measures) by the continuing replacement and refurbishment of its assets and elements. Section 7 Agreement The Sewerage (Scotland) Act 1968, Section 7 allows roads authorities (including Transport Scotland) and Scottish Water to enter into agreements as to the provision, management, maintenance or use of their sewers or drains for the conveyance of water from the surface of a road or surface water from premises. Statutory Undertakers Various companies and agencies with legal rights to carry out works on the road. 201
Page 202
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 70 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 11. References Well Managed Highway Infrastructure - A Code of Practice Roads Asset Management Framework - Recommended Practices EAC Policy documents SAC Policy documents Maintenance Documents WDM Roads Routine Maintenance System Roads Asset Management Policy Ayrshire Roads Alliance - Road Asset Safety Inspection Strategy Document April 2019 Ayrshire Roads Alliance - Road Safety Inspector Operations Manual April 2019 Ayrshire Roads Alliance Service Plan 2022/ 2023 Design Manual for Roads & Bridges. GM701 Asset Delivery Asset Maintenance Requirements Performance Report – APSE/SCOTS Results Roads Asset Valuation Report - provides information on data used in the valuation, methods of calculation and interpretation of results Annual Status & Options Report (ASOR) - provides a summary of the status of each asset group in meeting service standards and a prediction of condition based on varying investment levels Just Transition Commission. A National Mission for a Fairer, Greener Scotland ( Just Transition Commission Executive Summary (www.gov.scot) ) Sustainable Health Equity: Achieving a Net Zero UK (UCL) - Sustainable Health Equity: Achieving a Net Zero UK (UCL) - Climate Change Committee (theccc.org.uk) United Nations COP27 website - COP27: Delivering for people and the planet | United Nations United Nations COP28 website - COP28 UAE - United Nations Climate Change Conference United Nations Conference of the parties (COP) website - https://unfccc.int/process/bodies/supreme-bodies/conference-of-the-parties-cop 202
Page 203
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 71 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 Cycle 1 Solway Local Flood Risk Management Plan LPD14 - https://www.ayrshireroadsalliance.org/Information-On/Information-on- Flooding.aspx Cycle 2 Solway Local Flood Risk Management Plan LPD 14 - https://www.ayrshireroadsalliance.org/Information-On/Information-on- Flooding.aspx Cycle 1 Ayrshire Local Flood Risk Management Plan LPD 12 - https://www.ayrshireroadsalliance.org/Information-On/Information-on- Flooding.aspx Cycle 2 Ayrshire Local Flood Risk Management Plan LPD 12 - https://www.ayrshireroadsalliance.org/Information-On/Information-on-Flooding.aspx Scotland’s Wellbeing: The Impact of COVID-19 - Scotland's Wellbeing: The Impact of COVID-19 | National Performance Framework Ayrshire Roads Alliance Winter Service Plan 2022/23 - https://www.ayrshireroadsalliance.org/Resources/pdf/Winter-and-gritting/WINTER- SERVICE-PLAN-2022-23.pdf Road Asset Inspections: A Risk Based Approach – Safety Inspection Strategy Manual Scottish Greenhouse Gas Statistics 2020 (Scottish Greenhouse Gas Statistics 2020 (www.gov.scot) ) Twenty Minute Neighbourhoods in a Scottish Context ( 20 minute neighbourhoods in a Scottish context (climatexchange.org.uk) ) Scotland, Let’s Do Net Zero (https://www.netzeronation.scot/ ) Local Government Information Unit ( https://lgiu.org/perspectives-on-the-20-minute- neighbourhood-progress-around-the-world/ ) Marine Scotland. Coastal erosion and flood risk management. https://marine.gov.scot/sma/assessment/coastal-erosion-and-flood-risk- management Dynamic Coast. https://www.dynamiccoast.com/ Highways – Maintaining a Vital Asset. What Should Councillors Know About Asset Management? https://www.ciht.org.uk/media/11809/highways-maintaining-a-vital- asset-what-should-councillors-know-about-asset-management-pdf-4pages- 148kb.pdf Managing a valuable asset: improving local road condition. All Party Parliamentary Group on Highway Maintenance. https://www.appg-betterroads.org/wp- content/uploads/2017/07/APPG_Report_-_Managing_a_valuable_asset.pdf https://www.transport.gov.scot/media/fgyfwlpi/chapter-summary-scottish-transport- statistics-2024.pdf 203
Page 204
Roads Asset Management Plan 2025 Document Roads Asset Management Plan REV 3 RAMP Page 72 of 73 Date 14 AUG 2025 https://roadtraffic.dft.gov.uk/regions/3 https://www.transport.gov.scot/media/2fsn3zku/key-reported-road-casualties- scotland-2024.pdf https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/981831493278252684/pdf/114641- WP-ClimateAdaptationandAMSSFinal-PUBLIC.pdf Institute of Asset Management. – “Asset Management – An Anatomy” - https://theiam.org/knowledge-library/asset-management-an-anatomy/ Global Forum on Maintenance & Asset Management – “The Asset Management Landscape, Third Edition” - https://theiam.org/knowledge-library/the-asset- management-landscape/ Institute of Asset Management – “An Introduction to Asset Management” - https://theiam.org/knowledge-library/an-introduction-to-asset-management/ 204