The Highways and Transport Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the Highways and Transport Performance Report to June 2025, and the outcome of the 18-month Medium Term Financial Strategy Street Lighting Dimming Trial, and agreed to note both reports. Councillors raised concerns about road maintenance, satisfaction with bus services and cycle routes, and the impact of street lighting dimming on crime and road safety.

Highways and Transport Performance

The committee reviewed the Highways and Transport Performance Report to June 2025, which presented data on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to roads, transport, and road safety. Ann Carruthers, Director of Environment and Transport, presented the report, highlighting areas of good performance and areas needing improvement.

Key discussion points included:

• Road Maintenance: Councillors discussed the condition of the road network, particularly unclassified roads, and the challenges of securing sufficient funding for maintenance. Ms Carruthers noted that 16% of the unclassified network needed to be considered for maintenance, exceeding the target of 13%. Councillor David Beal, County Councillor for Hinkley, Holycroft, raised concerns about the impact of increased warehousing and HGV traffic on minor roads, and asked whether the council should consider measures to protect the network. Ms Carruthers responded that the council has a statutory duty to provide the road network to ensure passage and re-passage of vehicles, and that Leicestershire is in a relatively good position due to environmental weight limits implemented in the 1990s. Councillor Keith Murray, County Councillor for Colville South, suggested a KPI to measure completed maintenance, rather than just inspections.

• Satisfaction with Bus Services: The report indicated a slight decline in satisfaction with local bus services. Councillor Max Hunt from Loughborough North West, asked about the future of bus services in the county, particularly regarding funding and discussions with local operators. Ms Carruthers explained that bus patronage had been significantly affected by the pandemic, and while government funding had supported operators, the long-term sustainability of services was a concern.

• Satisfaction with Cycle Routes: Satisfaction with cycle routes and facilities was also below target. Councillor Craig Smith CC, asked whether this was indicative of a drop in funding. Ms Carruthers clarified that the red rating reflected the fact that the target was not being met, but Leicestershire was still in the top quartile compared to other authorities.

• Traffic Congestion: The report noted an increase in the percentage of businesses that felt a reduction in traffic congestion would significantly benefit them. Councillor Tom Barclay, County Councillor for Seiston Ridgeway, questioned this in light of overall satisfaction with traffic levels having gone up. Ms Carruthers agreed that it seemed an anomaly, and that the survey reflected people's subjective views.

• Road Safety: The committee discussed road casualty data, with most indicators in the top quartile compared to other county councils. Councillor Murray asked if the figures were just for one month. Ms Carruthers clarified that it was a rolling 12-month figure.

The committee noted the report.

Street Lighting Dimming Trial

The committee reviewed the outcome of the 18-month Medium Term Financial Strategy Street Lighting Dimming Trial. The trial involved dimming street lights to 30% intensity from 20:00 hours to 07:00 hours, with some exceptions.

Key findings from the trial included:

• Financial Savings: The trial achieved significant energy and financial savings, with total financial savings of £539,759 and total carbon savings of 319.3 tonnes.
• Public Engagement: Few complaints were received during the trial period.
• Road Traffic Collisions (RTC): The total number of RTCs reduced in 2024 compared to the baseline data of 2023, but the severity of accidents increased, particularly for powered two-wheelers and cyclists.
• Crime: Overall, the number of nighttime crimes committed fell, but some types of crimes increased, including burglary, robbery, theft from dwelling, theft from person, and theft from vehicle.
• Anti-Social Behaviour: Anti-social behaviour increased both during the dimming trial window and outside of these times.

Councillors discussed the impact of the dimming trial on road safety and crime. Some members expressed concern about the potential negative effects of reduced lighting levels, while others highlighted the financial and environmental benefits.

The report noted that Leicestershire Police requested increased lighting levels on Sidings Walk in Loughborough, which was implemented in March 2025.

The report also referenced an Equality Impact Assessment undertaken on 30 October 2023 and reviewed post-trial, which found that the proposal may impact several protected characteristics in terms of their ability to navigate the network, their perceived increases in crime and vulnerability and may change their current behaviour.

The committee noted the report.