The Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 20 October 2025 to discuss the Rights of Way Improvement Plan, an increase to Streetworks permit scheme fees, the Highways Engagement and Liaison Strategy, and performance reports on traffic and parking enforcement. The committee resolved to support the proposed Rights of Way Improvement Plan, recommend the fee increase for Streetworks permits, endorse the Highways Engagement and Liaison Strategy, and noted the performance reports for traffic regulation orders, civil parking enforcement, and the committee's work programme.

Rights of Way Improvement Plan

The committee considered the draft Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) for Lincolnshire, a statutory document required under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. Andrew Fletcher, Public Rights of Way and Access Manager, and Chris Miller, Head of Environment, presented the plan, which outlines strategies and actions to meet the public's needs from the Public Rights of Way Network over the next 10 years. The plan has undergone extensive public consultation, with the majority of respondents supporting its proposals. Councillor Martin Christopher raised concerns about accessibility in areas like Stamp End, highlighting the need for improved connectivity, particularly for those with mobility issues. Councillor Kevin Clarke brought up the persistent issue of confusing cycle path signage in Lincoln, while Councillor Ingrid Sheard discussed a specific problem in Spalding regarding a newly replaced bridge that has led to a section of road being deemed unusable by pedestrians and dog walkers. Councillor Mrs Charlotte Vernon raised several points, including the need to consider major villages in local walking and cycling infrastructure plans, the impact of the plan on long waiting times for Definitive Map Modification Orders (DMMOs), and the issue of stile access. The committee resolved to support and recommend the proposed ROWIP to the Executive.

Increase of Permit Scheme (LiPS) Fee Charges

Ashley Behan, Streetworks and Permitting Manager, and Mandi Robinson, Network Regulation Compliance Manager, presented a report proposing an increase in Lincolnshire Permit Scheme (LiPS) fee charges. The scheme, established in 2016, is intended to operate on a cost-neutral basis. However, due to inflationary pressures and legislative changes in April 2023 that introduced non-chargeable optional permits, the scheme has incurred a deficit for the last two financial years. The proposed average increase of 11% across all permit types is expected to generate an additional £190,000 annually, helping to offset the deficit and incentivise better planning by utility companies. Councillor Stuart Grantham questioned the financial projections for stabilising the deficit, and Councillor Mrs Vernon raised concerns about utility companies potentially delaying work due to cost implications and asked about initial feedback from consulted companies. Councillor James Bean questioned why it had taken nine years to review the policy and asked about future review plans. Councillor Christopher found the proposed step to be measured and reasonable. Councillor Christopher Reeve highlighted concerns about the testing of the substrate layer beneath road repairs, suggesting that increased fees could fund more comprehensive testing. The committee resolved to support the recommendations to the Executive Councillor for Highways and Transport.

Highways Engagement and Liaison Strategy

Jonathan Evans, Head of Highways Client, and Ellen Kelman, Highways Liaison Manager, presented the updated Highways Engagement and Liaison Strategy for 2025-2029. The strategy aims to improve how the council engages with the public, providing timely, transparent, and accessible information about the highways service and creating opportunities for proactive engagement. Key initiatives include developing an automated satisfaction survey on FixMyStreet, increasing liaison with town and parish councils, and publishing an annual engagement impact report. Councillor Mrs Sheard welcomed the report and the commitment to transparency. Councillor Grantham praised Ellen Kelman's work and encouraged councillors to promote FixMyStreet. Councillor Mrs Vernon highlighted the success of the winter gritting service's public engagement and encouraged the promotion of good news stories. Councillor Clarke suggested implementing standard timeframes for job completion and avoiding generic replies on FixMyStreet. Councillor Reeve raised concerns about digital exclusion in rural areas and the need for broadband improvements. The committee resolved to endorse the report and proposed strategy.

Traffic Team Operational Asset Management Progress Report

Jeanne Gibson, Programme Leader: Traffic, presented a report on the performance of the traffic team in delivering traffic regulation orders (TROs) and pedestrian crossing facilities. The report detailed the number of TROs logged and completed, and the status of pedestrian crossing requests. Councillor Mrs Vernon questioned the policy that one objection to a TRO necessitates it going to committee, suggesting this could be streamlined. Councillor Reeve inquired about the costs associated with pedestrian crossings and the survey process. Councillor Christopher agreed with Councillor Mrs Vernon's point regarding the one objection rule for TROs. The committee resolved to endorse the report and noted the assurances received from officers.

Civil Parking Enforcement Annual Report 2024/2025

Matt Jones, Parking Services Manager, presented the Civil Parking Enforcement Annual Report for 2024/2025. The report detailed the service's operations, including the number of officers, patrol categories, and the introduction of a new contract with APCOA. It highlighted statistics on penalty charge notices issued, nuisance parking reports, and financial performance, which showed a deficit of over £325,000 for the year, drawn down from reserves. Councillor Bayleigh Robinson questioned the amount of additional funding being sought. Councillor Reeve inquired about the benefit of car park charges versus enforcement and administrative costs. Councillor Sheard raised concerns about enforcement officers potentially following predictable routes and the ad hoc patrolling of Category C areas. Councillor Clarke questioned the deficit, the use of school cameras, and the difference between nuisance parking and obstruction. Councillor Grantham asked about the potential impact of government decisions on penalty charges. Councillor Mrs Vernon requested comparative data between this year's report and previous years, and asked for reasons for the increase in suspensions. Councillor Christopher Reeve asked about the success of CCTV outside schools. The committee resolved to endorse the report and agreed for it to be published on the County Council's website.

Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

Kiara Chatziioannou, Scrutiny Officer, presented the committee's updated work programme. She noted that the roundabout scheme had been postponed to 2026 and the Civil Parking Enforcement Annual Report had been removed from the agenda for the next meeting as it was being considered that day. Councillor Bayleigh Robinson moved that the report be noted and the existing work programme endorsed. The committee resolved to note the report and endorse the existing work programme.

The meeting concluded with Councillor Thomas Sneath thanking members and the public for their attendance.