The Place and Environment Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to discuss the Highway Network Management Plan, and review the committee's work programme. The meeting is scheduled to take place at the Corby Cube, and will be available for the public to view via a live stream on YouTube. Councillor Trevor Conway is scheduled to chair the meeting.

Highway Network Management Plan

The committee is scheduled to discuss the updated Highway Network Management Plan for North Northamptonshire Council. The plan is intended to replace the legacy 2021 Northamptonshire County Council Network Management Plan.

The report pack states that the purpose of the Highway Network Management Plan is to outline how North Northamptonshire Council intends to manage, maintain, and develop its highway network, while meeting its statutory obligations, and supporting growth, sustainability, and innovation. The report pack states that the plan provides a strategic framework intended to ensure the safe, efficient, and sustainable movement of people and goods, aligning with national legislation and local transport policies.

According to the report pack, the overall strategic objectives for the Network Management Plan are:

• Safety – Maintain a safe network for all users.
• Efficiency – Minimise delays and optimise resources.
• Sustainability – Promote active travel and reduce environmental impact.
• Growth – Support housing and economic development.
• Innovation – Harness technology and data for better decision-making.

The report pack identifies key enhancements in the updated plan, including:

• Stronger detail around enforcement for dealing with highway obstructions and encroachments.
• Integration and links to the Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure strategy.
• Alignment with the council's risk-based approach to asset management, highway maintenance and resilience planning.
• Greater service integration and links to other service areas within the Unitary Council structure.
• A wholesale rationalisation and improved sign posting to other relevant council strategies and plans.

The report pack states that the Highway Network Management Plan is aligned with North Northamptonshire Council's vision to create a well-connected, sustainable, and resilient region. The report pack also states that the plan is underpinned by the Highways Act 1980¹, the Traffic Management Act 2004², and the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991[^4].

The report pack also refers to the Local Transport Plan, Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIP) and Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP).

The report pack includes a detailed breakdown of the highway network, including carriageways, footways, cycleways, and structures. It also covers topics such as street lighting, drainage, road markings, and tree management.

The report pack states that the council has a Tree Management Policy which outlines how trees are managed on the highway and other council owned land.

The report pack also addresses the management of parking and traffic regulations, including resident parking schemes, waiting and loading restrictions, and disabled parking bays.

The report pack states that the council operates civil parking enforcement powers under the Traffic Management Act 2004.

The report pack also discusses the use of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) to restrict access to certain highways to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

The report pack also covers topics such as trading on the highway, vehicular crossings, and dealing with obstructions on the highway.

The report pack states that the council has an Enforcement Policy that outlines the framework for how it investigates and acts against unlawful activities, including those on the highway.

The report pack also discusses the council's approach to road safety, speed management, and traffic calming.

The report pack states that the council's approach to road safety is in line with the Northamptonshire Safer Roads Alliance (NSRA) Strategy, and is designed to achieve reductions in road casualties through the Safe System approach.

The report pack also covers topics such as freight and public transport, developer agreements and highway adoption, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

The report pack states that the council has been awarded £2.89 million by government through the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) initiative to expand the network of EV chargepoints across the area.

The report pack also outlines the council's approach to communication and engagement with the public, including the use of online reporting tools, social media, and community drop-in sessions.

The report pack states that the council operates a comprehensive performance management framework to ensure that all aspects of its highway service are delivered effectively and in accordance with statutory obligations.

The report pack recommends that the Place & Environment Scrutiny Committee:

• Note the contents of the report and the updated Network Management Plan.
• Consider any areas that Members would wish to discuss, ask questions of, and provide feedback to officers in the meeting in relation to the information provided.
• Endorse progression to Executive for approval.

Place & Environment Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The committee is also scheduled to review its work programme. Jonathan Pearson, Head of Highways Delivery, is scheduled to present this item.

The report pack includes a table outlining the committee's work programme for 2025-26, including the topic, scrutiny method, purpose, desired outcome, corporate priority, director, directorate/section, and author/lead for each item.

The work programme includes items such as:

• Network Management Plan
• Arrangements for Council Owned Permanent Traveller Site
• Empty Homes Strategy
• Highway Maintenance Inspection and Response Framework (HMIRF)
• Tenant Engagement & Influence Strategy
• Community Safety Partnership
• Domestic Abuse Strategy
• Options for Future Leisure Management
• Speed Limit Policy
• Bus Service Improvement Plan
• North Northamptonshire Car Parking Strategy
• Local Plan - Pre Reg 18 Consultation
• Delivery of the Carbon Management Plan
• Tenant Engagement Strategy
• Highway Inspection Manual
• Food Waste
• Enhanced Partnerships with Bus Operators
• Household Waste Recycling Centre Future Plans Update