2018

RH0312 - Removal of non-motorised trailers parked on highways

A member authority is seeking to develop their approach to removal of non-motorised trailers parked on highways indefinitely. The authority understands the legal position in terms of powers and enforcement. They are keen to understand how other Local Authorities have interpreted and acted upon this matter. This is both for controlled parking zones and non-controlled parking zones. 
 
To help with this they would be interested to read any available documentation colleagues in other APSE member authorities may have which outline the authority’s approach to removal of non-motorised trailers parked on highways and examples of how similar incidences have been managed. Or in the absence of such, would be grateful for a short paragraph to capture the key stages in the process.

 

RH0312 - Options Appraisal for Highway Service Delivery – 031218

A member authority is examining the options for the delivery of its Highway Services
They would like to hear from other authorities who have or who are currently investigating options for their Highways Service
They are keen to understand the business case for your delivery model and would be grateful for any information and evidence that sits behind this
 
Q1          What model of contract do you currently use or intend to use when you next retender or insource? ( please complete as per the example)

Q2.      What does your current or proposed contract deliver?

Q3       What advantages / disadvantages do you consider there to be with your current contract  arrangements?

 

RH0311 - Example Costs-Benefits analysis for the transition to a permit authority - 051118

This member authority is seeking examples of costs-benefits analysis (or similar) for the transition from a notice of works authority to a permit authority for the facilitation of street works.

The team is currently investigating whether transitioning to a permit-based system represents best value and would be grateful for examples of how other local authorities have formed the rationale for doing so (or otherwise).

In addition, they would particularly value the opportunity to speak with any officer who has set the fee structure for a permit system who may able to explain the background thinking behind their fee structure.

 

RH0310 - Section 38 Agreements for Highways - 261018

A member authority is reviewing contributions from developers

Section 38 Agreements:

- Do you request commuted sums from developers for future highway maintenance in line with the 2014 High Court Ruling? (Redrow Homes Ltd v Knowsley Borough Council)

- If so have what are the amounts being requested/agreed to?

- What is the basis for calculation?

 

RH0309 - Abnormal loads - 261018

A member council is reviewing its systems for administering abnormal loads

How does your council manage the provision of abnormal load notifications:

How many movement notifications do you receive in a year (approx.)?

Do you use bespoke software for processing the notifications, if so which?

If you don't how do you handle the notifications?

Do you process notifications in house or contract out the service?

Do you actively check each movement?

Do you charge for the service?

Any further information about how you manage the service that you feel demonstrates best practice?

 

RH0308 - Technology for filling grit bins – 161018

This authority would like to know if any councils have introduced technology that removes the manual filling of grit bins within their authority to speed up the filling and replenishing process?

If so, what is the equipment and would they be willing to discuss/point in direction of the equipment?

 

RH0308 - Asset management systems - 140918

1. Which asset management system do you use for roads assets?

2. Is this a corporate asset management system?

3. If not, what is the corporate asset management system used?

4. If roads are using a different asset management system to the corporate system, please provide a few comments on why? E.g. Ability to model network condition based on budgets and treatments used etc

5. Are you looking to change your asset management system for roads?

6. Do you use software to model network condition for various deterioration and spending scenarios and to inform programmes of works?

7. Have you any additional comments on the above topics and would you be happy to be contacted to discuss responses and experience of various systems?

 

RH0307 - Road inspectors - 140918

This authority would like to know the following information about roads inspectors:

1. How long is your adopted road network (footways and carriageways)?

2. What is the network split by road hierarchy* (if known)?

3. How many roads inspectors do you have to cover your adopted network?

4. Are your roads inspectors multi-disciplined?

5. Do you have separate roads safety inspectors and street works inspectors?

6. Have you any additional comments on the above topics and would you be happy to be contacted to discuss responses and how you manage roads inspections?

*either the hierarchy from the code of practice (current or previous, whichever is being used) or any other hierarchy used – if not aligned with the code of practice, please give an explanation of the hierarchy used.

 

RH0307 - Fees and Charges in Highways services - 270918

A member authority is currently undertaking a review of the fees and charges applicable to Highways.

To help with this, they would be very grateful for an overview of the fees and charges in place within other local authorities.

-    Do you have a collated list of the fees and charges applicable within Highways services?
-    Please can you share a copy?
-    If online, please can you send a link to where they are published.

 

RH0306 - Inspections of roads / footways apparatus - 060918

This authority would like to ask others:

1. How / what they charge utility companies to carry out inspections of their apparatus on roads and footways?

2. Is it a retainer fee with additional costs if the inspector has to report faults for a second time?

 

RH0305 - Highways Licencing - 040918

A member authority is seeking guidance on the issue of skip licences, scaffolding and hoardings placed on the Public Highway.

Where a Traffic Management Order (TMO) has been made and a highway closed on behalf of a private developer:
• Do you require further licenses for skips, scaffolding, etc.?
• Does your Council have a policy that they can share?

 

RH0304 - Commuted sums for Highways - 290819

A member authority is reviewing the way it treats Commuted sums for Highways

Please can you supply information on the following:

1. Do you charge commuted sums for highways on development sites (i.e. Section 38/278)?
2. Do you charge commuted sums for highway alterations on internally funded schemes (i.e. LTP, SCRIF etc.)?
3. If commuted sums are charged are they for the 25 years (highways) and 60 years (structures) timescales? Or do you use other timescales (e.g. 60 years and 120 years)?
4. If charged, do the commuted sums only cover for “non-standard” as above, or do you charge for all items (i.e. full carriageway and footways etc)?
5. Are you considering changing the way they charge commuted sums?

 

RH0303 - Planning advice service review - Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) - 240818

A local authority is seeking to review their procedures and processes for providing planning advice for developers on Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems. To assist with this, they would be very grateful for feedback and help with regards to the following:

1) They would like to review the number of advice/ application stages to see where the process might be more efficient. What procedures are in place in your authority, in providing SUDs planning advice? Do you have a document detailing the procedure you would be happy to share? Alternatively, could you briefly outline your approach?

2) They have introduced a pre-application advice service for developers and are seeking to strengthen their promotional efforts to raise awareness of the service. If, within your authority, you offer and promote a pre-application advice service, they would be very grateful to understand how you have communicated this to developers looking to place an application. How have you marketed the pre-application service to developers? Do you have any examples of promotional literature that you could share?

3) They are considering how they might simplify a SUDS guidance document for developers on their website and would be grateful for examples of similar documents elsewhere. Do you have a guidance document available for developers regarding SUDS that you would be happy to share?

 

RH0302 - Adopting Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) - 220818

A local authority is seeking to promote local authority adoption and maintenance of SUDs to developers over a private management organisation.

They are aware that unadopted SUDs within their area are sometimes not maintained well, affecting their effectiveness and would be very grateful to understand how other local authorities successfully advocate for the local authority adoption of SUDs.

If you have experience of adopting Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems and would be happy to share how you have liaised with developers to recommend this option, they would be very glad of brief details outlining your approach (i.e. example procedures and document templates or a few sentences to describe what you have found works well in recommending this option.)

The documents and feedback collated will be shared with all who respond.

 

RH0301 - ‘Fake’ telephone boxes, placed by advertising companies on Highways under ‘deemed consent’ - 210818

A local authority has become aware of large advertising companies installing telephone boxes, for the purposes of advertisements on their highways under ‘deemed consent’.

They are wondering if other local authorities have

a) Encountered the same?
b) Successfully challenged 1) the installation and had them removed
2) the use of the telephone boxes for advertisements

They would like to be able to tackle this and would be grateful to hear from colleagues within other member authorities who have already undertaken some work and research in to this issue.

 

RH0300 - Volunteer Groups for Winter Service - 150818

A member authority is reviewing the use of volunteers for winter maintenance work
They envisage working with Parish Councils/ Community groups etc. volunteering to undertake some footway gritting or snow clearance during severe weather conditions.

Do you have current arrangements in place?
• What are they called?
• How do groups become volunteers?
• How and when is the service triggered?
• Does the authority provide training?
• Is there an expectation to carry insurance?
• Does the authority provide salt free of charge?
• Does the authority provide equipment free of charge, if so what?
• Does the authority provide Personal Protective Equipment free of charge, if so what?

 

RH0299 - Improving communications with stakeholders - 140818

A local authority is keen to understand how other local authorities manage their communications with stakeholders within Highways services.

This authority uses the following methods and would be grateful to understand which of these methods other Highways authorities use and if there are any additional methods of communication in place.

1. Press releases – Y/N
2. Twitter– Y/N
3. E-newsletters– Y/N
4. Webpages – Y/N
5. Webpages - project specific– Y/N
6. Webpages – councillor specific – Y/N
7. Animations/infographics– Y/N
8. Interactive road works map– Y/N
9. Leaflets on upcoming road works– Y/N
10. TV documentaries– Y/N
11. Attending town and parish Council meetings. – Y/N
12. What additional methods of communication do you use?

They would also be interested to understand something of your strategic approach to manage public expectations through these means. Which have you found most powerful and why?

Also, they would be interested to know if any authority carried out any promotional events in town/city centres and what the outcome has been? Was it worthwhile? If so, why?

 

RH0298 - Lesser Horseshoe Bat Flight Paths - 270718

A local authority has become aware that some of their lanterns are in the flight path of the protected Lesser Horseshoe Bat, which are very sensitive to light and as a temporary response have turned two lanterns off.

They are considering how to respond to this in the longer term – i.e. part-night lighting, dimming etc. and wondered if other local authorities have encountered the same and what options were considered.

If you have made changes to Street lighting to preserve the flight path and habitat of the local bat population, they would be very grateful to hear about what you have encountered in your area and what you decided to do about it.

 

RH0297 - Use of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) for street lighting - 180718

A member authority is evaluating their operation of MEWP for street lighting

• Do you carry out MEWP operations, single crewed?
• What Health & Safety issues, if any, have you identified?
• Do you have a risk assessment you can share?

 

RH0295 - Working with contractors to ensure adoption of new highways - 130718

A local authority is seeking to work with their contractor to bring a number of roads in to their maintained road network and is keen to speak with others who have under gone the same process with contractors. (Previously, the roads were maintained by a local social housing provider, who having sold the stock no longer maintain the roads.)

If you have previously negotiated the inclusion of new roads in to a term maintenance contract and would be happy to be contacted to discuss and share your experiences, it would be greatly appreciated if you could please send your name and the best telephone number to contact you on along with a brief description of the process you underwent.

 

RH0294 - Roads maintenance out of hours service/ standby & winter maintenance arrangements - 100718

This authority would be grateful if other member authorities would provide their responses to the questions outline below:-

Roads Maintenance out of hours & winter service arrangements

1. Do you provide an out of hours service to respond to emergency events on your roads network?
2. How are you organised to respond to out of hours emergencies? (internal or external. If internal shifts or standby etc)
3. What is the budget for your out of hours service?
4. Where drivers are rested either in advance or following a shift or call out, is it paid rest?
5. Would you be interested in sharing more detail about staffing and/ or contractor arrangements?

Winter maintenance

1. Do you provide a 24 hour winter service?
2. If yes, how do you arrange your staff, located at a place of work 24 hours or on standby to respond?
3. If no, how do you deliver preventative treatment to the network?
4. What is your budget for winter service?
5. Where drivers are rested either in advance or following a shift or call out, is it paid rest?
6. Would you be interested in sharing more detail about staffing and/ or contractor arrangements?

 

RH0293 - Examples of Permit Scheme – Year 1 Audit reports - 090718

This member authority is embarking on compiling an Audit report to feed back on the first year of operation of their Permit scheme, to regulate and manage activities on the public highway.

As they begin to put together the document, they would be very grateful for:
- sight of any finished reports, to understand how others have assessed the effectiveness of their permit scheme
- a quick comment on any feedback received from DFT on receipt (i.e. did this lead to any recommendations?)
- any advice you would offer to a colleague just setting out to compile and present their report.

Please forward your report and associated comments

 

RH0292 - Well Managed Highway Infrastructure Code of Practise – Stages of Implementation - 050718

A member authority is keen to ascertain what aspects of the Well Managed Highway Infrastructure Code of Practise have been successfully implemented amongst APSE member authorities to help them identify who they might be able to learn from and who they might be able to work alongside over the next months as they continue to develop their own practise in line with the code.

To help with this, they would be very grateful if colleagues could share a rough idea of which aspects of the code have been implemented in the table below. Where you may be in a position to simply share one document or make comment related to a single aspect of the code, please use the table to do so. APSE will then collate all the responses in to a single report and share with all authorities who have participated.

In raising this query, the enquiring authority hopes to it will be possible to gather set of resources that could be useful to many in these final months of implementation.

 

RH0291 - Surface Water Gully Maintenance - 020718

A member authority is reviewing their management of Surface Water Drainage maintenance.

Please can you provide answers to the following:

• How many surface water gullies are there which you maintain within your area?
• How often are these surface water gullies cleansed?
• How many vehicles/what type of vehicle do you use to undertake this work?
• How many operatives do you have undertaking this work?
• What are the hours of work i.e do you operate a shift pattern, early morning starts etc?
• How do you manage works which are required to be undertaken on roads over 30mph?
• How do you operate during the winter months i.e. dark nights and mornings, are there any additional safety measures to be taken?
• Do you operate with any specialised equipment i.e. manhole or gully lifters?

 

RH0290 - A review of time recording systems for working hours - 080618

A member authority is reviewing the time recording systems currently in place for directly managed staff in Highways and their approach to recording time against projects.

To help with this, they would be very grateful to hear from any other authority who has their own in-house Highways teams on the following:

1. What computer system do you use for Highways staff to record their hours on?
2. Is it an off the shelf package or one devised for your needs?
3. Do you use the same system for Office staff including engineers as the Operational Highways construction staff?
4. Are the operational workforce staff able to access the time recording system on their tablets out on site?
5. Is there any manual intervention involved for the operational workforce time recording system?
a. If so, are hours worked captured on a paper system and then manually inputted onto system by other staff?
b. Please can you describe what the manual input is?
6. How do you charge time back to both capital and revenue projects?
7. Are you happy with the system that you use? If not, what would you look to change about the system?

 

RH0289 - Paid Advertising on bridges, verges and roundabouts - 180418

A member authority is looking to sell advertising space on council owned roundabouts, verges and bridges

Do you allow companies to advertise in this way?

Are you required to apply and pay for any of the following:
• Advertising consent?
• Planning control?
• Road safety assessment?
• Non domestic rating?

Are you limited to a specific size of advertisement?

What is a typical yearly cost to the advertiser?

 

RH0288 - Dedicated Highways Communications resources - 130418

A member authority is reviewing the way the Highways Section communicates with the public and others

They would like to learn from other authorities:
 
• Do you have a dedicated communications officer/team?
o If so how many hrs are allocated to them?
• What sort of communications do they get involved in?
o Tweets / social media / other?
• Any other information which may be useful?
• Do you have a twitter handle/ other news feed addresses?

 

RH0287 - Highways Night Working – Pay - 230318

A member authority has increasingly moved cyclical and reactive highways maintenance to night work over the past few years.
They are finding it challenging to attract and retain operatives as their single status agreement does not cater for nights/pay supplements/rest days etc.

They are interested to hear from other authorities who operate highways maintenance over night
• Does overnight working attract at pay supplement?
• Have changes to T&C’s of employment been made to accommodate overnight working?
• Have job descriptions/person specs been altered? Please share copies

What is the hourly rate of pay for operatives:
• during the normal working day i.e. 0700hrs to 1700hrs?
• outside of the normal working day on pre-planned tasks?
• on an unplanned emergency callout?

Have you recruited trainee traffic management operatives recently?

 

RH0286 - Pot Hole Fix & Repair - 120218

A member authority is reviewing their approach to Pot Hole repairs
Please supply the following information:

• What actions do you implement with regards to a "Find and Fix" approach to potholes?
• What particular service takes care of the pot holes ( if not roads dept. ) and how do you do it?
• What type of machinery is used, hot or cold products to fix or repair and temporary or long term fix ?

 

RH0285 - Data on HAV relating to use of gulley suction pipes - 080218

A member authority is looking for any reports or research which has been carried out in relation to hand arm vibration regarding the use of Gully waste tanker sucking pipes.
They would be interested in receiving any information on this operational matter.

 

RH0284 - Changing response times and intervention levels as part of new highways code of practice review - 240118

In light of the introduction of the New Code of Practice – Well Managed Highway Infrastructure it is anticipated all Highway Authorities will be well on the way to reviewing their current processes and procedures in line with the new guidance with particular regard to “hierarchies”.

This authority is interested in hearing whether other Highway Authorities have, as a result of the review process,
• considering changing their repair response time to category 1 defects (currently this authority’s response time is 24 hours)? YES/NO
• if they have what response time have they proposed?
• considered changing their intervention levels (currently this authority’s is 20mm for footpath and 40mm for carriageway)? YES/NO
• if they have what have they introduced?

They would appreciate seeing any related evidence used to justify the changes proposed.

 

RH0283 - digital storage in highways inspection - 160118

A member authority is investigating the adoption of a digital storage system to capture inspections and issue defect tickets

They wish to know:

Do you use a digital storage highways system for inspection and to issue subsequent defect tickets?
• What system do you use?
• How much did it cost to purchase and implement?
• What are the pro’s and con’s?
If you do not use a digital storage system:
• Are you considering using one, what is your criterion?
• Have you decided against a digital storage system, if so why?

 

RH0282 - Use of drones – 080118

A member authority is interested in any other Highways authority, currently using drones for any of their work e.g. structural inspections.

• What areas are they using them for?
• Did you purchase a drone or hire it?
• Did you train your own staff to use the drones?
• If you aren’t currently using them are you considering using them?
• Any lessons learnt that you would be happy to share with others about implementing the use of them?