Purpose

To seek Cabinet Member approval to invite tenders through the appropriate procurement route for the provision of the Traffic Count Surveys throughout the Borough.

Decision

Decision(s): That

(1)  the tender process be approved to procure the provision of a suitably qualified   organisation to complete classified vehicle and pedestrian counts and surveys to be published on The Chest using an FTS Open Tender process, as outlined in the report.

(2)  the contract period of 3 years from 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2027 with an option to extend on a year by year basis to 31st March 2029 subject to performance be authorised.

(3)  delegated authority be given to the Assistant Director Place (Highways and Public Protection) to award the Contract resulting from the procurement process.

Reasons for the Decision(s):

Sefton Council are seeking quotations from suitably qualified and experienced organisations to undertake classified traffic counts across the borough of Sefton for a period of 3 years initially from 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2027 with two x 1 year extensions up to the 31st March 2029. The current contract which has been in place since 1st May 2021 comes to an end on the 31st March 2024.

The count information will be used to assess traffic conditions, parking, pedestrian and cycle activity in different locations across the Borough, in order to provide a basis for assessment and possible further development into traffic schemes, area studies and different options for junctions.

The recommendation is therefore to procure the works as a ‘standalone’ scheme published on The Chest using an FTS Open Tender process, in accordance with the Council’s procurement rules.

The Procurement Strategy outlined within the report aims to ensure the engagement of a suitably experienced contractor who has demonstrated compliance with the Council’s statutory requirements, quality criteria and submitted an acceptable tender price for the project.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected: (including any Risk Implications)

Data collection activity could be procured on an ad-hoc basis seeking quotations for each piece of work, but this process would take up officer time and delay the survey work undertaken.