Purpose

Proposed decision:
The endorsement and adoption of
the updated Network Management Plan in accordance with The Traffic
Management Act 2004.
 
Reason for the decision

-     
Under the Traffic Management Act 2004 Part Two, a
highway authority must ensure the appointed Traffic Manager have
provision to ensure the authority carries out it’s responsibilities in line with the Act.
We must keep the arrangements under review and be able to provide a
document outlining the council’s responsibilities in relation
to our Network Management Duty. This is known as the Network
Management Plan. The Plan is not intended to change any services or
provide new proposals, the document outlines how KCC currently
perform the Network Management Duty and how the fundamentals of the
Traffic Management Act are embedded throughout Highways and
Transportation.
 
Background – Provide brief additional context

-     
The Network Management Plan provides an insight into
the functions being carried out by Highways and Transportation. It
is not intended to be an all-encompassing document which details
all responsibilities but provides a strong and clear overview into
the general functions carried out by KCC Highways and
Transportation.
 
Options (other options considered but discarded)

- 
Not applicable in this case as the Council is
legally required to  provide this
document. The detail within the plan is obtained from other sources
within the department which are readily available.

- 
 
How the proposed decision supports the

Framing Kent's Future
- Our Council Strategy 2022-2026

-     
The document aligns with many discussion points from
Framing Kent’s Future given all of Highways and
Transportation’s primary functions work alongside the
strategy.

-     
‘We will stand up for Kent nationally’
the document is a requirement under National legislation. Other
councils continue to update and share their Network Management
Plans which ensures our responsibilities are maintained in line
with others.

-     
Our ‘Infrastructure First’ approach is
supported within this document which outlines our role in ensuring
development and local growth is considered alongside our transport
network.

-     
‘Infrastructure for communities’ is
acknowledged and noted within the document throughout the roles our
departments carry out.

-     
‘Environmental step change’ is noted
throughout the document, particularly the future innovations being
carried out on electric vehicles both private and public
transport.
 
How the
proposed decision supports Securing Kent’s Future 2022
-2026:
Securing Kents Future
- Budget Recovery Strategy.pdf

-     
The Network Management Duty does not require any
additional spend to implement. This is a document outlining the
responsibilities already undertaken within the council. At its
core, the document supports the objections by outlining the work
currently being carried out to meet objectives.
 

Decision

As Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport I
agree to:
 
(i)            
ENDORSE and ADOPT on behalf of Kent County Council the updated
Network Management Plan produced by the Network Management Team in
accordance with the Traffic Management Act 2004; and

 
(ii)           
To DELEGATE authority to the Director of Highways and
Transportation to take necessary actions including but not limited
to entering into relevant contracts, or
other legal agreements to implement this decision