Consultation on highways asset management strategy and communications strategy.

Read all the information on this page and the supporting documents, then click on the "how to get involved' tab at the top of the page to access our feedback survey.

What is the consultation about?

The consultation presents the proposed Asset Management Strategy (AMS) and Communication Strategy (CS). The strategies propose how the Highways and Transport Service will approach the task of managing our most valuable and important public infrastructure from autumn 2015 for the longer term.

The strategies provide an integrated framework for the delivery of highways maintenance services across the authorities’ network in order to optimise resources.

Ultimately, effective asset management requires the Council to be more intelligence led and customer responsive.  This enhanced approach will seek to achieve greater value for money, whilst it is likely that there are possible future funding reductions from Central Government. Thus, use of effective data for engineers, based on reliable knowledge of the asset, will allow more cost effective and efficient decisions to be made, and allow our resources to stretch further.

Further, to support this, the Communication Strategy details how customers and stakeholders are communicated with, to ensure they are aware of and satisfied with our approach, responses and continual work that is undertaken to improve the highways network.

Communication will be timely, positive, interactive and accessible.  Engaging stakeholders will assist in shaping and moulding the Council’s approach and how the Council commissions the Highways Maintenance Strategy. 

Why consult?

Everybody whom lives, travels, works or lives in Shropshire, will in some way be affected by Highways and how we manage our assets, especially considering:

• Roads
• Pavements
• Structures
• Street Lights
• Drainage

Therefore, it’s important that we engage, share, shape and mould how we work within our constraints to ensure we manage our most valuable assets in the best interests of all, as our work extends beyond maintenance and new build into areas such as economic impact, quality of life, perception of local surroundings… therefore it’s important that the widest contribution to the final document is sought.

As you would expect we have identified groups, organisations or agencies already whom will be part of this process, they are identified as:

• Shropshire members
• Town and Parish Councillors
• Blue light services
• Local Joint Committees
• Chamber of Commerce / Business Organisations
• Highways England
• Statutory agencies
• Transport representative bodies
• Wider general public
• Shropshire Voluntary and Community Services
• National Farmers Union
• County Land Owners Association
• Natural England
• Environment Agency
• LEP

Area

These are countywide strategies.

How can I take part?

Please answer the questions or statements for each strategy. Once you have read the document, please let us have your views.  For example:

• Is the strategy clear and understandable?
• Do you think the strategic approach is correct and is adequately covered in the strategy?
• Do you think the strategy document is suitable and supports the key aims of the Council, with respect to highways maintenance and management of the highways assets?
• Have you any concerns regarding the strategies?
• Is the intent of the strategy clear?
• Do you think the approach will be of value, and or cost effective?
• Have you any concerns regarding the strategies?
• Do you think you will refer to the strategies in the future?
• Will the strategies assist you in understanding how we make our decisions and target our investment?

Who can I talk to about this consultation

• Steve Brown - Highways, Environment & Transport Commissioning Manager
• Email: Steven.brown@shropshire.gov.uk

Documents

• Final Report of the Shropshire Highways Alliance Strategy Group
• Highways communications strategy
• ESIIA for highways asset management
• Highways asset management strategy

Following this consultation, the highways asset management strategy and communications strategy have been agreed and are available on our website.