Issue - meetings

An opportunity for Members to discuss and scrutinise the Department’s improvement priorities and measures.

To accept the report, noting the observations made during the discussion.⁠

The report was presented by the Cabinet Member for Highways, Engineering and YGC, along with the Head and Assistant Head of the Highways, Engineering and YGC Department.

The Members were reminded that the Department was highly visible within the County as it delivered frontline services. They were proud that Gwynedd Consultancy (YGC) operated very effectively and brought income to the Council whilst also assisting other departments in developing plans.

It was reported that the Department led on several projects in the Council Plan 2023-28, namely;

·        Gwynedd Yfory

o   Extending opportunities for play and socialising for the county's children and young people

·        A Green Gwynedd

o   Acting on flood risks

o   Clean and Tidy Communities

They drew attention to the Department's financial savings targets, noting that several of the targets had been met but there was more work to be done. They were confident that those targets would be met within the current financial year.

During the discussion, the following observations were made by the Members:-

Highway Maintenance – Condition of Roads

Sadness was expressed regarding a recent fatal incident in the Barmouth area. In response to the comments, it was acknowledged that lessons needed to be learned from that incident, where emergency services were unable to reach the area in time, with traffic and highway maintenance issues adding to the challenge. It was confirmed that a review of the incident and arrangements had already taken place and that another meeting would be held shortly, where local elected Members would be able to contribute to the discussion.

In response to an enquiry, it was acknowledged that the numbers of class A, B and C roads reporting red (generally poor and likely to require proposed maintenance works soon) were on the rise. However, the Head of Department stressed that it was not a concerning situation at present and confirmed that road condition rates in Gwynedd were among the highest in Wales. It was highlighted that keeping the percentage of roads reporting red below 8% was considered acceptable, and he reported that 4.2% of class A roads, 5.2% of class B roads and 13.2% of class C roads were currently reporting in poor condition. It was recognised that some work was needed to reduce these rates for class C roads, and he explained that they were usually rural roads, highlighting that a high percentage of roads in Gwynedd fell into this category.

It was explained that dedicated scanners were used to inspect the roads every year, or every two years if the roads were of a good standard. It was reported that the Department had received an investment of £2.8 million from the LGBI (Local Government Borrowing Initiative) to develop this arrangement and it was a great tool for the Department in effectively identifying work programmes, as the roads requiring the most work could be prioritised.

The officers were thanked for their work, and there were several comments of satisfactory road condition in Gwynedd.

The Fleet Service

Members referred to the Welsh Government's  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9