Purpose

This report seeks approval to commence the repair and upgrade of seven satellite communication buildings that form a key part of Liverpool City Council’s Urban Traffic Control (UTC) network.

These satellite buildings enable communication between the UTC control room and a substantial number of the city’s Intelligent Transport System (ITS) assets, including traffic signal controllers, variable message signs, and other network management infrastructure.

The proposed upgrades are required to maintain system reliability, enhance network resilience, and ensure continued functionality of critical communication links that support the effective operation and monitoring of the city’s traffic control systems.

Decision

For the reasons set out in this report, the Corporate Director has decided:

1)    to approve the allocation of £250,000 capital funding to enable urgent remedial and upgrade works to be undertaken at the seven Urban Traffic Control (UTC) satellite buildings located across the city, as detailed in this report;

2)    in consultation with the s.151 Officer (Corporate Director Finance & Resources) and Cabinet Member for Transport & Connectivity to approve the use of existing Council capital funding (via virement of uncommitted funding within the Transport, Highways and Parking department capital programme) to fund the works; and

3)    to authorise the commencement of a procurement process to identify and appoint suitable contractors and specialist consultants to deliver the urgent remedial and upgrade works to be undertaken at the seven Urban Traffic Control (UTC) satellite buildings located across Liverpool.

Alternative options considered

The option to do nothing was discounted. The condition surveys identified significant structural and electrical risks at several of the satellite buildings, and the Council’s maintenance contractor has already restricted access on health and safety grounds. Not progressing the works would therefore leave critical Urban Traffic Control (UTC) and Intelligent Transport System (ITS) infrastructure exposed to failure.

Deferring the project was also discounted. Continued deterioration of the buildings increases both safety and operational risks and could lead to a complete loss of communication between the UTC control room and field equipment. This would undermine the Council’s ability to manage traffic signals, CCTV, and VMS systems in real time.

Exploring alternative external funding streams was considered but ruled out as impractical. External funding opportunities typically involve lengthy application processes, restrictive eligibility criteria, and no guarantee of success. The urgency and safety implications of the situation require immediate action that cannot be accommodated within such timescales.