Meeting documents

Eric Meek, Area Manager South, Transport for Buckinghamshire

The Forum received the Report on Highways Issues.

Eric Meek (Area Manager South, Transport for Buckinghamshire) told Members the following:

·         Patching of roads was now very successful, and much bigger areas of road were being patched, rather than just filling in pot-holes. Up to 40% more patching had been obtained for the same cost.

·         The Service was having to look at new ways of working to meet budgets.

·         The new contract with Ringway Jacobs had brought in new ideas and technology.

·         Brand new machines had been purchased for emptying gullies, which would record the location and condition of each gully, recorded on GI systems. Changes in condition could then be identified.

·         There were over 70 000 gullies in Buckinghamshire, all of which could now be recorded.

·         The Service was moving away from area budgets, to countywide budgets, with contractors being given countywide jobs, and therefore providing better rates.

·         Total road enhancement programmes were being adopted, e.g. not just emptying the gullies, but also killing weeds, cleaning signs etc. This meant that traffic management systems only had to be used once for each road. This had been done recently in St Mary’s Road, working in partnership with the Town Council. Close work was also ongoing with District Councils.

·         In the current financial year every gully in the County would be cleared.

A Member asked what quality control was used for contractors, and said that the method for filling pot-holes sometimes seemed random. Eric Meek said that now that the client and contractor were all part of the same team, there was a lot to learn. About 50% of small jobs were checked. The aim was for 100% of work to be checked.

Long-term, a camera-operated system would be used, which would ensure quality control.

A Member said that their Parish Council had asked Transport for Buckinghamshire for a schedule of work, and had been promised this by July 2009. However it had not yet arrived. Chris Schwier said that it was taking longer than expected but should be available from April 2010. The Member asked if it would be possible to get a short-term list of work in the meantime. Eric Meek said that he would speak to the Member afterwards.

A Member said that they had eventually had speed limits put into their Parish. However the signage was taking longer. Eric Meek said that there was now a dedicated sign gang but that more traditional signs could take longer.

A Member said that there had not been a village sign for Asheridge at the North side for five years. Eric Meek said that he would follow this up.

A Member asked if there would be sub-contractors. Eric Meek said that Transport for Buckinghamshire would self-deliver as much as possible.

A Member asked about the materials used on roads. Eric Meek said that the same material was being used, but in thicker layers.

A Member of Latimer Parish Council said that they had been told that they would receive a Gang Report, but that it had not arrived. Chris Schwier said that the system had taken a long time to put in place, but was now set up. The Report should go to the Parish Clerk a week after the work was carried out.

Members also identified the following specific issues:

·         Missing Belisha beacon in St Mary's Way

·         Standing water outside Waitrose

·         Blocked gullies by Latimer Bridge

Eric Meek said that these would be looked into, as well as the issue of signage in Cholesbury and Asheridge.

Schedule of work to be sent to Parishes - prob April 2010 - EM