Purpose

To seek Cabinet Member approval
to invite tenders through the appropriate procurement route for the
provision of the Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS’s).
 

Decision

Decision(s):
 
That:
 

(1) 
the tender process to procure the provision of a
suitably qualified   organisation
be approved, to provide a quotation for the supply of VAS’s to be
published on The Chest using an FTS Open Tender process, as
outlined in the report.
 

(2) 
the contract period of 3
years from 1st
May 2024 [DW1] [JT2] to 31st May 2027 with an option to
extend on a year-by-year basis to 31st May 2029 subject to
performance be authorised.
 

(3) 
delegated authority be given to the
Assistant Director Place (Highways and Public
Protection) to award the Contract resulting
from the procurement process.

 
Reasons for the Decision(s):
 
The Highway Safety Team is
responsible for the annual Local Safety Scheme programme which
targets key locations that have patterns of recorded injury
accidents that can be addressed with various physical measures on
the highway.
 
Included within these
programmes and over many years, we have installed over 75 Vehicle
Activated Signs (VAS’s). These signs have included speed
limits and words, flashing corners and alternative warning / speed
limit displays.
 
Many of these signs were
introduced to support route action schemes or village/area entry
schemes to specifically target vehicle drivers and a reduction in
vehicle speeds through or on the approach to an area. With an
objective to reduce road traffic collisions and provide a safer
community.
 
A number of these units are
still in working order despite their age and condition, but we are
aware it is only a matter of time before these units stop working
as they are now beyond their expected working life. Units that have
already stopped working and or are now failing have come to a point
in the operational life that puts them beyond economical
repair.
 
We reported in the 2023/2024
Local Safety Scheme programme that any surplus funding would be
used on a programme of works to replace a number of older units
with new infrastructure, received Cabinet member
support.
 
Alternative Options
Considered and Rejected: (including any
Risk Implications)
 
None
 

 [DW1]Query whether we would be
in a position to commence the Contract on 1 May, if we have not yet
commenced the procurement process?
 
For the avoidance of doubt, is it also
worth delegating the authority to agree these additional extension
periods?

 [JT2]Noted and will discuss
will central purchasing