The Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 21 July 2026 to discuss a range of highway-related matters, including updates on the Staffordshire Roadmap to a Better Network, the Highways Design Code, and the Winter Service Policy. The committee also reviewed the Highway Infrastructure Asset Management Policy and Strategy and considered a business case for Artificial Intelligence adoption in Staffordshire.

Staffordshire Roadmap to a Better Network

Councillor Peter Mason, Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, presented a four-month update on the Staffordshire Roadmap to a Better Network, a comprehensive highway transformation programme receiving £72 million in capital investment this year, with an additional £15 million allocated for backlog reduction over the next two years. The programme is progressing well, with most milestones on track. Key developments include the mobilisation of new local depot operational teams to focus on local priorities and the deployment of additional repair crews to tackle the backlog of potholes. As of the week beginning 30 July, 14,582 potholes had been addressed. The committee discussed the use of plant equipment and the efficiency of its utilisation, as well as a mixed delivery model review for drainage maintenance, with outputs expected in September. Concerns were raised about the backlog of potholes, with the current figure standing at approximately 31,000 defects, though signs indicate a slight decline. The committee noted the significant investment in preventative maintenance, with 57% of the budget allocated to this area.

Highways Design Code

Councillor Mason also introduced the revised Highways Design Code, a framework aimed at establishing a clear and consistent approach to new street designs and adoption processes. This code replaces the residential design guide from 2000, which was rendered obsolete by national guidance. The new code is intended for house builders and focuses on securing well-designed streets and public spaces, ensuring clarity and consistency from planning through to adoption. It incorporates national planning policy and local context, with specific attention to Staffordshire's communities and geography, such as relevant planting schemes. The code moves away from prescriptive requirements towards a more intuitive approach, allowing designers to respond to local vernacular and create distinct developments. A key new procedure is the Deliverability Check before planning permission is granted, ensuring proposed designs are buildable and adoptable. The committee discussed the adoption process, minimum road widths, and the teeth the code has to ensure enforcement. The potential impact of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) was also considered, with the conclusion that the code would remain relevant. Discussions also touched upon the integration of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and the county council's role in their implementation and management.

Highway Infrastructure Asset Management Policy and Strategy

Councillor Mason presented the draft Highway Infrastructure Asset Management Policy and Strategy, which refresh the existing seven-year framework to better align with current council priorities, customer expectations, and long-term investment decisions. These documents are crucial for demonstrating effective asset management practices to the Department for Transport (DfT) to secure £10.8 million in incentive funding. The policy outlines overarching principles, while the strategy details how these will be applied, supported by the Highway Infrastructure Asset Management Plan (HIAMP). The committee discussed the cost of implementation, road conditions, defect response times, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in network condition monitoring. The potential impact of LGR on asset management was also discussed, with assurances that systems can be configured to manage the transition.

Winter Service Policy

Councillor Mason and Darryl Eyers, Deputy Chief Executive and Director for Economy, Infrastructure and Skills, presented an update to the Winter Service Policy, which replaces the 2015-16 version. The primary change is the shift from treatment prioritisation based on historic traffic groups to a new, more holistic carriageway hierarchy. All roads treated under the previous policy will continue to be treated, with exceptions identified. The updated policy incorporates a new approach to community grit bins, allowing District, Borough, Parish, and Town Councils to fund and provide additional bins on the adopted highway network, with Staffordshire County Council offering a commissioned service for filling them. The committee discussed the effectiveness of gritting during the previous winter, the challenges posed by extreme temperatures and low traffic volumes, and the potential for real-time monitoring of gritter locations. The use of DHP funds for grit bins and the feasibility of removing bins in the summer were also debated. The policy aims to ensure a consistent level of service across 40% of the network, one of the highest in the country.

Artificial Intelligence Business Case

Councillor Robin Hall, Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, presented the Artificial Intelligence Business Case, outlining a strategic proposal to drive local economic growth, boost productivity, and support skills development across Staffordshire. The business case identifies a potential economic opportunity of around £2 billion for Staffordshire by 2030 through AI adoption. The proposed approach focuses on leveraging existing structures like the Growth Hub and Business Enterprise Centres, rather than creating new ones. Key interventions include strengthening the Growth Hub as a single front door for AI support, developing an AI Growth Accelerator, and utilising Growth and Skills Levy transfers for AI training. The community case focuses on skills development, proposing a three-tier framework from foundational AI literacy to specialist leadership skills, including a Virtual AI Skills Academy and enhanced careers guidance. The committee discussed how success would be measured, the adoption rate of AI, and the potential for headcount savings. Concerns were raised about the message to small businesses, the potential for job displacement, and the need for accessible training. The potential for AI to improve public services, such as transport information, was also explored. The committee was asked to consider the strategic opportunities, risks, and proposed delivery approach for AI adoption in Staffordshire.

Work Programme

Carly Trusler, Scrutiny and Support Officer, presented the draft work programme for the committee for 2026-27, which members were asked to approve. The work programme will be reviewed at each meeting to accommodate emerging issues. The next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday 21 September 2026.

The meeting concluded with the Chairman thanking councillors and officers for their contributions.