03 ARA Improvement Plan Report Combined
North Ayrshire Council · 10 March 2023
Back to Ayrshire Shared Services Committee — 10 March 2023 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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AYRSHIRE SHARED SERVICE JOINT COMMITTEE 10 MARCH 2023 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 with the Ayrshire Roads Alliance. RECOMMENDATIONS 2. It is recommended that the Joint Committee: i. Notes the Improvement Action Plan presented in this report; ii. Continues to receive updates on progress; and iii. 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 would ensure that the actions are monitored and scrutinised at a minimum of a quarterly basis and is contained in Appendix 1. MAIN REPORT/MAIN ISSUES 4. This Improvement Action Plan is collated by the Business Support Manager 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. The Scottish Government has published the final STPR2 report, details were presented to both Cabinets. The final delivery programme of projects for the next 20 years is due for publication Spring 2023. 6. ARA has received feedback from UK Government on its Levelling up bids associated with Bellfield Interchange and Active Travel Prestwick to Ayr.
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7. Both bids received positive feedback with the potential to re-submit under cycle 3. 8. Ayrshire Roads Alliance has taken over delivery of the AGD Roads Project Prestwick and now meet colleagues in SAC on a regular reporting cycle to update progress. 9. The Road Asset Proposals for East Ayrshire was presented to Cabinet on 8 March 2023 and the Road Improvement Plan for South Ayrshire will be presented to South Ayrshire Cabinet on 25 April 2023. POLICY/COMMUNITY PLAN IMPLICATIONS 10. 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. 11. 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’. LEGAL IMPLICATIONS 12. The Risk Register is a management tool and this will not replace the existing statutory returns for risk and performance related information. HUMAN RESOURCES IMPLICATIONS 13. The Risk Register has no direct impact on human resources. EQUALITY IMPACT IMPLICATIONS 14. 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 15. 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. RISK IMPLICATIONS
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16. 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. TRANSFORMATION STRATEGY 14. This Report aligns with the following design principle stated in the “Transformation Strategy 2017-2022”. • “Maximum value for our communities”, by ensuring the various elements of the Ayrshire Roads Alliance improves transport provision across both networks. Kevin Braidwood Head of Roads – Ayrshire Roads Alliance 24 February 2023 BACKGROUND PAPERS Ayrshire Roads Alliance Service Plan 2022/23 LIST OF APPENDICES 1. Ayrshire Roads Alliance Action Plan Person to contact: Kevin Braidwood, Head of Roads - Ayrshire Roads Alliance Tel No. 01563 503164 E-mail: kevin.braidwood@ayrshireroadsalliance.org Implementation officer: Kevin Braidwood, Head of Roads - Ayrshire Roads Alliance Tel No. 01563 503164 E-mail: kevin.braidwood@ayrshireroadsalliance.org
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AYRSHIRE ROADS ALLIANCE IMPROVEMENT ACTION PLAN 2022/23 – MARCH UPDATE 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 March 2023. SCOTS RAMP Project. Development work has been extended with staff attending various external workshops to progress this work. 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 March 2023 The Regional Transport Strategy, through SPT, has just commenced on which the Alliance has Board membership. The Local Strategy will be created as an appendix to the Draft RTS when this is published in June 2022 3 Action the Flood Risk Management Plan Complete schemes and undertake studies. Inform the next national cycle of potential flood risk management schemes beyond 2022. Head of Service Complete Continue with construction of new Cumnock Phase 2. Continue design work on the Irvine Valley Work. Continue with flood study works for the River Ayr, River Doon and in Girvan. Continue to engage with SEPA with the final document due for publication Autumn 2022 reports brought to committees within East Ayrshire February 2023 and South Ayrshire April 2023. Appendix 1
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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 2022/23. Key dependencies are the Road Improvement Plans approved by the relevant Committees in East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire in spring 2022. Progress is provided to members, and relevant Committees .Currently reviewing capital spend as a result of increased costs. 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 Roads and Transportation March 2023 Scottish Government and SCOTS guidance is used. A key dependency is the Road Improvement Plans which are presented to Cabinet and Leadership 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. Design & Environment Manager March 2023 Through the Road Asset Management Plan. Key dependencies are Road Improvement programmes approved by Committees in East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire in spring 2022. 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 October 2023 Through the Road Asset Management Plan, with additional funding being provided to commence the LED programme. At present performance is 86.2% of streets lights are now LED in EAC; and 99% 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 the 2022/23. External sources, including Timber Transport, SUSTRANS, SPT - Regional Transport Partnership, CWSS - Cycling Walking and Safer Streets. Scottish Government Bridge Fund.SFT
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Action Success Criteria/ Desired Outcome Responsible Timescale Details 9 Implementation of Parking Strategy Develop Head of Service Works will be undertaken through 2022/23 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. Draft Plan to be submitted to Joint Committee in December 2022. 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 2022/23 from initial work was completed in 2017 as a result of amended working practices. Head of Service March 2023 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 2023 Joint Committee Reports of June 2016 The service continues to review fleet requirements with the most recent improvement being on the management of vehicle utilisation, electric vehicles and Telematics.
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Action Success Criteria/ Desired Outcome Responsible Timescale Details 14 Monitor and exercise Business Continuity Plans Improved resilience. Business Support Manager Complete Existing East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire Council plans are all revised and up to date. 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 May 2023 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 Transport Summit has taken place and outcomes are included in the National Transport Strategy, Regional Transport Strategy and the Strategic Transport Projects Review. Head of Service Complete The Transport Appraisal being led by Transport Scotland commenced in January 2019. We continue to engage with Transport Scotland to ensure the Ayrshire Growth Deal transportation work is included in Strategic Transport Projects Review 2 work. 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 Complete SPT documents and existing Regional Transport Strategy the draft RTS was published June 2022.ARA will respond to the consultation by the deadline of October 2022 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 documents Work is on-going with the completion date for the STPR2 of October 2022,published 8 December 2022. 19 National Transport Strategy East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire Councils contribute to this process to ensure the Head of Service October 2023 In recognition of the anticipated increase in Active Travel work, it is proposed that a
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Action Success Criteria/ Desired Outcome Responsible Timescale Details sustainable transport hierarchy and sustainable investment hierarchy are delivered. 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 needs of the road users/communities in both Council areas. Head of Service March 2023 National Transport Strategy 21 Transport (Scotland) Bill - East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire Councils contribute to this process to ensure the work provides the best outcome for road users in both Council areas. Head of Service Complete Transport (Scotland) Bill received Royal Assent 15 November 2019. 22 Transport (Scotland) Bill - 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 2023 Transport (Scotland) Bill and Transport Scotland Parking Standards working group still awaiting guidance from Transport Scotland. 23 Levelling Up Fund East Ayrshire and South Ayrshire Councils contribute to this process to ensure that the outcome/output meets the needs of the road users/communities Head of Service Complete Levelling Up Fund bids will be submitted June 2022. Feedback has been received for EAC and SAC bids with potential for re-submitting 3rd cycle.
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East Ayrshire Council Strategic Priorities 2022/23 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. Head of Service March 2023 East Ayrshire Council and Scottish Government funding. The Leggat stage of the works was completed in August 2018 with the Afton Water phase commenced May 2021 with an 18 month contract duration.Project currently 2 months behind programme. 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 East Ayrshire Council and Scottish Government Funding. Continue with work on studies for the Irvine Valley, Dalrymple, Catrine and Dalmellington through the financial year. 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 Complete The all Ayrshire Transport Appraisal being led by Transport Scotland commenced in January 2019. We will continue to engage with Transport Scotland to ensure the Ayrshire Growth Deal transportation work is included in Strategic Transport Projects Review work. 4 Transformation Strategy 2 Continue to provide a high quality roads service within decreasing available budgets. Includes service re-design work. Head of Service Complete East Ayrshire Council reports to various Committees. Work commenced and was completed by March 2022 including a full revision of ARA structure. 5 Active Travel Strategy Develop active strategy for travel across South Ayrshire Network and East Ayrshire Network Head of Service Complete A full review of active travel provision in East Ayrshire has been undertaken and this will be presented to the relevant East Ayrshire Council Committee Summer 2022.
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Action Success Criteria/ Desired Outcome Responsible Timescale Details 6 EV Strategy Develop EV strategy across East Ayrshire Network Head of Service March 2023 A full review of EV provision in East Ayrshire has been undertaken at present and this will be presented to the relevant East Ayrshire Council Committee with further work being carried out in partnership with Scottish Futures Trust to assess public charging funding models. 7 Levelling Up Fund Completion and Submission of Bid for improvements to Bellfield Interchange Head of Service Complete Design and modelling work to improve Bellfield to increase capacity and open up development opportunities. Feedback received from UK Gov 8 Ash Die back Strategy Develop a risk based strategy for the management of Ash Die Back. Head of Service Complete Develop a risk based approach to the management of Ash Die Back.
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South Ayrshire Council Strategic Priorities 2022/23 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 Complete A full review of car parking provision in South Ayrshire is being undertaken at present and this will be presented to the relevant South Ayrshire Council Committee. 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 April 2023 Flood study work in the Girvan area is progressing and a report will be presented to the relevant South Ayrshire Council Committee. 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 Complete The all Ayrshire Transport Appraisal being led by Transport Scotland commenced in January 2019. We will continue to engage with Transport Scotland to ensure the Ayrshire Growth Deal transportation work is included in Strategic Transport Projects Review work. 4 20mph speed restrictions in villages Progress with the 20mph speed restrictions in all villages. Maintain engagement with the local communities. Head of Service March 2022 phase 1&2 Complete March 2023 phase 3 Completed phase 1 and 2. Design work and consultation phase 3 Responses received from two CC’s with further design work required. 5 Anticipated Budget Reductions in 2022/23 Continue to provide a high quality roads service within decreasing available budgets. Includes service re-design work. Head of Service March 2023 Reports to various Committees.
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Action Success Criteria/ Desired Outcome Responsible Timescale Details 6 Active Travel Strategy Develop active strategy for travel across South Ayrshire Network Head of Service Complete A full review of active travel provision in South Ayrshire has been undertaken and was presented to Leadership Panel. Strategy to be published. 7 EV Charging Strategy Develop further the EV strategy for South Ayrshire Network Head of Service April 2023 A full review of EV provision in South Ayrshire was being undertaken and approved by Leadership Panel. This will be reviewed as a result of work with Scottish Futures Trust to assess public charging funding models. 8 Levelling Up Fund Submission of Active Travel bid Head of Service Complete Joint bid with NAC for active travel route Ayr to Irvine 9 Levelling Up Fund Submission of A70 Improvement Package.Deferred Submission of Active Travel Bid Prestwick to Ayr Head of Service Head of Service June 2022 Complete Bid submission for A70 improvements.Deferred. Bid Submitted Feedback Received from UK Gov. 10 Motorhome Trials Develop Campervan sites along the coastline. Head of Service Complete Formalisation of two temporary sites at Girvan and Ayr and additional trials at Ballantrae, Maidens, Prestwick and Troon.Progress paper to be brought to cabinet February 2023 with additional Troon paper March 2023.Progress update Autumn 2023. 11 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 Complete Public consultation / survey covering communities throughout Ayrshire (North, South and East) and Dumfries & Galloway is currently being undertaken. To date there has been approximately 600 responses, with more responses expected as the survey is promoted on social media and the radio. Final report complete for reporting July 2022.To be signed off by D&G and SAC.