Scrutiny Committee Grill Highways on District Roads

Published on 9 March 2007

Councillors returned repeatedly to the problem of potholes, the general condition of roads across Epping Forest area and resources allocated locally to roads maintenance, when representatives of Essex County Council Highways Office appeared before the Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Epping Forest District Council.

Area Highways Manager Davina Millership from the Highways Area Office based in Harlow was accompanied by fellow Highway officers Spencer Brooks and Trevor Baker. Ms Millership gave an initial presentation setting out the structure within which strategic plans, budgets and programmes were established centrally by Essex County Council in Chelmsford before responsibility was devolved to local Area Office level for implementation.

She explained that this involved a number of responsibilities including resurfacing and repairs to footways, paths and roads, junction improvements, road safety and street lighting.

District Councillors had many questions, submitted in advance to allow Ms Millership to research and prepare answers. In broad categories, Ms Millership responded to subjects covering highway maintenance and repair, on street parking and cross- overs, potholes, footpaths, street-lighting and damage caused by heavy vehicles to rural roads.

Further questions related to contact with the Area Office, liaison with District Councillors, phone enquires and resource allocations of both staff and money to the Area Office. In more general terms, Councillors sought information on Essex County views regarding traffic congestion, road safety and the performance of the Area Highways Office itself.

District Councillors voiced a number of concerns. There was some disquiet about the apparent need to carry out repeat repairs as potholes reappeared in the same locations. Councillors also asked for reassurances about speed of response and prioritisation when potentially dangerous potholes were reported. There was concern about staffing levels at the Area Office despite a major recruitment drive for new Highway staff.

Ms Millership also agreed to pass on a request for Essex County Council to reconsider the criteria by which money was allocated to roads maintenance based on road miles in an area. As an alternative means of assessment, District Councillors suggested that measurement of traffic volumes with consequently higher levels of wear and tear on busy roads might be considered.

Councillor Mrs Janet Whitehouse, chairing the meeting of Overview and Scrutiny, thanked Ms Millership and her colleagues for their attendance.

To view the full meeting of Overview and Scrutiny Committee or see the Highways presentation followed by questions and answers - click here to view the webcast.