The Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee met to discuss a range of issues, including approving a new Rights of Way Improvement Plan, increasing fees for the Lincolnshire Permit Scheme, and reviewing the Highways Engagement and Liaison Strategy. The committee also reviewed reports on traffic regulation orders, pedestrian crossing facilities, and civil parking enforcement. Finally, the committee work programme was reviewed and endorsed.

Rights of Way Improvement Plan

The committee supported and recommended to the Executive the approval of the proposed Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP). The plan identifies the future needs of the public from the Public Rights of Way Network and sets out strategies and actions on how to meet those needs over the next 10 years.

Andrew Fletcher, Public Rights of Way and Access Manager, explained that producing a ROWIP is a statutory duty, although implementing it is aspirational and relies on future resources and funding. He noted that having a ROWIP is key to unlocking various funding streams and is a material consideration in planning decisions.

Councillor Martin Christopher raised concerns about access to paths for people with mobility issues in Stamp End, Lincoln, a deprived area of the county. He highlighted the lack of a bridge over the river, preventing residents from accessing safe outdoor walking routes. Fletcher responded that the council would look to strengthen accessibility and connectivity in the plan, in collaboration with the wider highways team.

Councillor Clarke raised the lack of cycle paths in Lincoln, to which Fletcher responded that cycleways fall outside the definitions of the public Wrights-Way network, but that the active travel team is looking into the concerns raised.

Councillor Sheard highlighted an issue in Spaulding where a section of road across Tupank Bridge is suggested to be unusable for pedestrians and dog walkers. He requested officers visit the site to find a resolution.

Councillor Charlotte Vernon raised several points, including:

• Consideration of major villages in local cycling and walking infrastructure plans.
• The long waiting time for definitive map modification orders¹ (DMMOs).
• Style access issues.
• Methods of transport used by visitors to Lincolnshire districts.
• Parking being key to accessing walking routes.
• The number of comments from motorbike users.

Chris Miller, Head of Environment, responded that the Local Cycling Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIP) try to deal with cycling and walking as a whole. He added that the active travel team would look at individual improvements within specific parishes. Regarding DMMOs, Miller noted that the number of applications has slowed, but that a report would be coming to the committee in due course regarding reprioritisation of cases. He also stated that the council has been replacing styles with more accessible options.

Fletcher added that data on methods of transport is derived from the Office of National Statistics Census data, and that he would investigate further. He also noted the high level of engagement from motorcycle users.

The committee approved the proposed Rights of Way Improvement Plan and asked that their comments and suggestions be shared with the Executive.

Streetworks Permit Scheme Fee Increase

The committee supported the recommendation to the Executive Councillor for Highways and Transport to approve an increase of permit scheme fee charges, with their comments to be shared with the Executive Councillor.

Ashley Behan, Streetworks and Permitting Manager, explained that the report outlined the necessity to increase fees for streetworks and roadworks due to inflationary pressure and changes formalised by the Department for Transport (DfT) in April 2023 regarding non-chargeable optional permits. He stated that the scheme is designed to operate on a cost-neutral basis, but has been running a deficit for the last two financial years. The proposed fee increases average 11% across all permit types, expected to generate an additional income of around £190,000.

Councillor Granson asked about the financial projections for stabilising the deficit. Behan responded that the street work service is wider than just the operation of the PLIAT², and that he believed there were other streams that could ensure it isn't losing money in the long term, and that in the short to medium term, it would return to a cost-neutral position.

Councillor Grantham asked about the legislative change in 2023 and what permits could no longer be charged for. Behan explained that optional permits were formalised in the DfT's code of practice, which had a bigger impact than anticipated.

Councillor Vernon asked what checks were in place to ensure companies aren't overstaying their permitted time, and whether there was a risk of companies avoiding emergency classifications due to cost implications. She also asked if there had been any initial feedback from companies to be consulted. Mandy Robertson, Network Regulation Compliance Manager, responded that they assess permits and challenge durations, with overstay fines in place. She added that the Streetworks Charter is important for collaboration with utility companies, and that there had been very little negative feedback from companies regarding the proposed fee increases.

Councillor Bean questioned why it had taken nine years to review the policy and what the plans were to review it more often. Behan responded that the service had built up a significant reserve until the last two years, and that permit schemes are not regularly reviewed unless fees need to be. He added that they would forecast income and expenditure to avoid future deficits.

Councillor Christopher stated that the proposed increase seemed like a measured and reasonable step, and that the team has become more efficient over time with the help of technology.

Councillor Reeve suggested that the increases in price are kept to the government maximum to be able to fund at some point the testing of the substrate underneath repairs. Behan responded that Lincolnshire County Council is the only authority in the East Midlands undertaking that sort of investigatory testing.

Highways Consumer Liaison Strategy

The committee endorsed the report and proposed Highways Engagement and Liaison Strategy, as well as the proposed structure of the accompanying implementation plan.

Jonathan Evans, Head of Highways Client, introduced the new iteration of the Highways Engagement and Liaison Strategy, covering 2025 to 2029. He noted that public perception of the highways service is not as good as the council believes it is, and that they want to improve this. Ellen Kelman, Highways Liaison Manager, explained the strategy's core purpose and how they intend to deliver it. She stated that the updated strategy reflects their commitment to improve engagement with the people of Lincolnshire in a structured, transparent, and inclusive way.

Councillor Sheard thanked them for a clear and comprehensive report, highlighting the importance of transparency and public engagement.

Councillor Grantham thanked Kelman and suggested that all council members should be promoting Fix My Street. He also asked about contacting utility companies to improve broadband in rural areas so they can use the service. Kelman responded that there would be activities to ensure they're reaching those people.

Councillor Robinson asked about improving engagement with One Dot Network and using Google Maps to communicate road closures. Kelman responded that they've named that bit of software in the strategy as a key area or a tool that they can use.

Councillor Vernon stated that the report was good and useful, and that the winter gritting service was a real example of positivity. She suggested more direct promotion of Fix My Street through other council means, and encouraged pushing good news stories.

Councillor Wright stated that the transport boards are more than happy to reinstate them, and that they want to ensure they are talking about the needs of the people that attend those meetings.

Councillor Clarke suggested a standard time span for jobs reported on Fix My Street and to stop sending standard replies. Evans responded that they are trying to get the balance right between automation and a bespoke response, and that they are working on getting the responses as accurate as possible.

Councillor Reeve stated that the biggest issue he comes across is when workers come to fix a pothole but don't fix others nearby. He asked what was being done to address this issue with the public and contractors. Evans responded that they are working on this with the contractor and providing training to direct delivery teams and the supply chain.

Traffic Regulation Order Team Performance Report

The committee endorsed the report on the Traffic Regulation Order Team's performance, highlighting the one response rule.

Jeanne Gibson, Programme Leader Minor Works and Traffic, presented a short report outlining an update on the work carried out by the traffic team.

Councillor Vernon asked for clarification on whether one objection to a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) means it has to go to the committee, and whether that was a statutory requirement. Gibson confirmed that it was not a statutory requirement, but that it was something that councils can set themselves. Vernon responded that it seemed a disproportionate amount of time for one objection and that it should be looked at long term.

Councillor Reeve asked about the two levels of survey for pedestrian crossings and the costs involved. Gibson responded that they tend to look at a site before booking a full survey, and that the Linkage Road Safety Partnership aren't involved at that stage.

Councillor Sheard sought reassurance regarding a traffic regulation order that had to be rectified.

Civil Parking Enforcement Annual Report

The committee endorsed the Civil Parking Enforcement Annual Report 2024/2025 and asked that it be published on the County Council's website.

Matt Jones, Parking Service Manager, presented the report, covering the financial year 2024 to 2025. He provided an overview of the service, noting that they have around 20 to 25 officers patrolling on-street parking restrictions throughout Lincolnshire. He also highlighted the new civil parking enforcement contract with APCOA, and the revised parking enforcement procedures manual.

Councillor King asked about the financial impact if the government doesn't review penalty charges, and whether seeking additional funding would have any effect. Jones responded that it would have a massive impact, but that they are looking at how they're delivering the service to make the best use of resources.

Councillor Reeve asked if a survey had been done to assess how much the car park charges benefit the council, considering the enforcement and admin costs. Jones responded that the charges were introduced to ensure the car parks weren't misused, and that any income is put back into improving the coastal country park.

Councillor Sheard commented that enforcement officers tend to have a specific route, and asked how to get patrols into category C areas. Jones responded that they try to make sure the routes aren't regimented, and that they have resources that visit category C locations.

Councillor Clarke asked why the school camera costs came directly out of the reserves, and what the difference was between nuisance parking and causing obstruction. Jones responded that in hindsight, an extra line could have been included in the report to identify the CCTV costs. He added that Lincoln has two to three officers patrolling the residential zones daily, and that nuisance parking is anything that isn't actively enforced for obstruction, which is still a police matter.

Councillor Vernon noted the increase in suspensions issued and asked if there was any particular reason for that. She also asked how long the trial of increased charges for PCNs was going on for, and whether the council was continuing to make representations regarding the cost implications. Jones responded that they have worked closer with utility companies to formalise the process for suspensions, and that the trial in Bournemouth was just for the summer month of August.

Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The committee noted the report and endorsed the existing work programme, with any additional items highlighted in the Scrutiny Officer's presentation to be reflected in the next published iteration of the documents.

Kiara Chatziioannou, Scrutiny Officer, presented the committee's updated work programme. She noted that the roundabout scheme had been postponed and would not be coming in for consideration at the next meeting, and that the civil parking enforcement annual report had been listed twice and had been removed.