Improvement Action Plan
North Ayrshire Council · 5 December 2025
Back to Ayrshire Shared Services Committee — 5 December 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Official AYRSHIRE SHARED SERVICE JOINT COMMITTEE 5 December 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; 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 in collaboration with TrueView Visuals continues with the recent completion and roll out of an External Works module to better manage works that ARA carry out for other Council Services and work is nearing completion on Additional Support Needs (ASN) Transport and Professional Design modules in conjunction with other Council Services across both South and East Ayrshire. 6. There has been significant interest recently in these new and other existing digital modules from other Local Authorities and through the Commercial
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Official Agreement established between both Councils and TrueView Visuals a percentage share of any sales of these jointly developed modules will be received. 7. Ayrshire Roads Alliance continues to assist 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. 8. In respect of our Public EV Charging, tender returns are due early January 2026 and tender award scheduled for February/March 2026. Further updates will be provided to both Cabinets and to North Ayrshire Council once the procurement process has been finalised. 9. Phases 1-3 of the roll out of 20mph speed limits in villages in South Ayrshire have been completed and work is now ongoing on Phase 4 which will include the larger settlements of Coylton, Maybole and Girvan. Phase 5 in future years will then consider the towns of Troon, Prestwick and Ayr. 10. In October East Ayrshire cabinet gave approval for ARA to progress with trials of 20mph speed limits in New Cumnock, Mauchline, Kilmaurs and Crookedholm. 11. 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. 12. 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. The Ayrshire Roads Alliance are currently working in partnership with East Ayrshire Leisure to finalise the East Ayrshire Active Travel Strategy (EAATS). Once the EAATS is approved the Active Travel Forum will be re-established to better co-ordinate projects being delivered by individual services. A Community Engagement Group will also be formed to provide a structured mechanism for the public to help shape Active Travel in East Ayrshire. 13. 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. 14. IMPLICATIONS
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Official Implications Yes No Paragraph number in report 1. Policy/Strategic Planning Yes 13&14 2. Governance Yes 15 3. Human Resources No 16 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
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Official either Council and to comply with the Community Plan/Council Plan in both partner bodies. 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
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1 Official APPENDIX 1 - AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE IMPROVEMENT ACTION PLAN 2025/26 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 during 2026/27. 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.
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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
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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
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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 leading with the planning and delivery of the Ayrshire Growth Deal road improvement proposals and assisting with the enabling infrastructure requirements of the Commercial Build proposition. 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.
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5 Official 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 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 has commenced. A large number of Exemption Order requests in both authority areas are currently being reviewed. Committee Papers will be submitted Jan/Feb 2026 with implementation anticipated late 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
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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 to finalise the East Ayrshire Active Travel Strategy and this will be submitted to Council for approval prior to Summer recess 2026. 4 EV Strategy Develop EV strategy across East Ayrshire Network Head of Service February 2026 Work on PAN Ayrshire Concession Contract ongoing with anticipated contract award in February/March 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.
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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 until 2030 Ayrshire Roads Alliance is leading with the planning and delivery of the AGD Road Improvement proposals & assisting with the enabling infrastructure requirements of the Commercial Build proposition. 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 and future years Phase 1 & 2 complete. Phase 3 complete Phase 4 – Coylton, Maybole & Girvan - ongoing Phase 5 – Troon, Prestwick & Ayr to be progressed in future years.
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8 Official Action Success Criteria/ Desired Outcome Responsible Timescale Details 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. 6 Active Travel Strategy Review South Ayrshire Active Travel Strategy Head of Service Ongoing annually 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 February 2026 Work on PAN Ayrshire concession contract ongoing with contract award due in February/March 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 Complete Permanent schemes now apply at the Ballantrae, Girvan, Ayr (Esplanade & Battery) and Troon sites. 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 tasked to progress STAG for the A77 or a combined A75/A77 STAG on behalf of SAC and D&G Council. No funding forthcoming from D&G, clarification required from SAC if A77 should be progressed independently. 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.
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9 Official Action Success Criteria/ Desired Outcome Responsible Timescale Details 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 2025. Planning ongoing for 2026 event.