Highways Infrastructure Asset Management Communications Plan

1.1 Background

Good highway infrastructure is a vital part of Stockton and essential for the Borough's economic progress and future prosperity and this plan aims to raise awareness and understanding of the Councils highway asset management outcomes. Effective and efficient management of Highway Assets is a key factor in the ability of the Council to deliver its services and plays an essential role in supporting growth and attracting increased investment.

As set out in Stockton Borough Councils Business Unit Plan for the Communications Service the vision is to be a vital and trusted team which sits at the heart of the organisation, providing excellent service which:

• combines all communication activities
• media and external stakeholders respect as the trusted 'first port of call' for any information about the Council and the Borough
• generates new and exciting ways to enthuse the public, staff and Members to bring about a wave of involvement and engagement with what the Council does
• carries out sensitive, appropriate and worthwhile communication
• is clear about who we are and what we are about as an organisation and place, and acts as an ambassador, promoter and champion of the brand

There are a number of other key documents and plans for our Service Area which guide what services we deliver and how we deliver them. These documents include the Highway Infrastructure Asset Management Policy/Strategy, Street Lighting Policy and Rights of Way Improvement Plan. To view these documents in full visit the Boroughs website.

1.2 The National Picture

Managing the highway infrastructure is now more challenging for local Councils than ever before, as we have to manage an ageing network with ever increasing public expectations for safe, reliable and comfortable travel. At the same time resources are reducing, with less funding available and increased pressure from other service areas.

Highways are increasingly at risk from wear and tear, increasing traffic and severe weather which regularly results in visible defects like potholes, damaged road signs, defective street lights. These defects are seen and felt by all and often result in negative media coverage for the Authority. It is clear that action must be taken to make best use of any available funding and to ensure that we communicate to stakeholders that we will continually strive to provide the best possible highway asset management service by utilising our resources in the most efficient and cost effective manner.

1.3 Highways Asset Management in Stockton

The highway infrastructure asset is the most valuable asset owned by the Council and vital for the local economy and the residents' quality of life. Keeping Stockton moving is one of our key priorities as a good quality highway infrastructure is essential for Stockton's economic prospects, infrastructure and quality of life. Ease of safe travel is always high on peoples agenda and the general increase in vehicles on the road, together with a large number of utility works, have a large impact on our residents, business and the general public.

We aim to fulfil our statutory duty under Section 41 of the Highway Act to maintain the highway infrastructure and take such care to secure that the highway is not dangerous to traffic (Section 58). Stockton Borough Council are responsible for the maintenance of in excess of 800km of highway network, approximately 28,000 street lights, in excess of 400 structures, 49,000 gullies, 200km of public rights of way and almost 2000 illuminated signs. Our services cover a broad range of functions that have a direct impact on residents, businesses and the public, including:

• provision of a Winter Service
• maintaining and improving the public highway (roads, pavements, structures, street lighting and public rights of way) through a data/evidence led approach.  Co-ordinating and monitoring all local road works, road closures and major events on the highway
• managing Council contractors working on the highway
• setting associated transport infrastructure policy
• managing and maintaining highway records
• issuing temporary licences to facilitate works on the highway

Asset management of the highway infrastructure is accepted as a key factor in enabling the Council to deliver its services and corporate objectives in an efficient and effective manner. It allows the management of highway infrastructure assets through long-term planning. It also supports the case for funding and ensures better communications with customers and stakeholders, giving them a greater understanding of the contribution highway infrastructure assets make to economic growth and the needs of the local community. As with many other local authorities, Stockton Council faces significant financial pressures. However, people continue to have an expectation that journeys should be reliable and with all residents using the network, it means that people's satisfaction with it is closely linked to the Councils reputation as a whole. It is therefore imperative that Councillors, customers, partners and other risk management stakeholders value and feel engaged in the work that we do to maintain and improve the network, but also understand the financial challenges that we face.

1.4 Engagement

Officers will work with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport and the corporate communications team to proactively engage with our customers to understand their needs and expectations, to determine and help shape the service that we provide. To ensure that people are actively engaged we need to be open and honest about the decision making process, providing information at the right time and in the right format to suit the customer. We want to get regular and meaningful feedback from residents and stakeholders to help inform and evolve the way we deliver services for the future. We work with a broad range of customers and partners as we develop and deliver services.

They include:

• residents
• visitors
• Ward Councillors
• Town and Parish Councillors
• businesses
• Transport Operators
• consultants and contractors
• stakeholder and community groups
• neighbouring highway authorities
• emergency services
• Central Government and their agencies
• statutory undertakers
• local road users
• MP's
• community groups
• Schools