The Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 20 July 2026 to discuss a range of transport-related matters, including a significant investment programme for Lincolnshire's local transport network. Key decisions made included the approval of a performance framework for the upcoming year and a review of the Civil Parking Enforcement annual report.

Investing in Lincolnshire: Local Transport Grant Programme

The committee considered the Investing in Lincolnshire: Local Transport Grant Programme ¹, a report detailing potential investments in the county's transport infrastructure. Sam Edwards, Head of Highways and Economic Infrastructure, presented the report, clarifying that the current stage was seeking approval to submit business cases for funding to the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA), not final approval for the schemes themselves. Councillor Reeve expressed support for the A15 to county boundary widening project, highlighting its necessity due to the road's current inadequacy for modern vehicle sizes and its knock-on effects on other roads. Councillor Wright also supported the Sleaford to Ruskington Active Travels scheme, noting its high usage and current deterioration. Councillor Vernon questioned the selection process for the schemes and requested to see the long list of potential projects. Sam Edwards explained that the selection was based on deliverability within the four-year period and the ability to provide sufficient detail for funding applications. Councillor Bean raised concerns about the lack of projects in the North Walls area and highlighted the dangerous junction at Cayster Top, which officers confirmed was on a list for further study. Councillor Christopher expressed support for the A15 project and the cycle route, but raised concerns about potential duplication of work with the Nettlam roundabout improvements. The committee reviewed and scrutinised the report, with their comments to be passed to the Executive Councillor for Highways and Transport.

Scrutiny Committee Performance Framework 2026/27

Jonathan Evans, Head of Highways Client, presented the proposed performance framework for the Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee for 2026/27. The report, available in the public reports pack², outlines key performance indicators (KPIs) for highways, transport, and road safety. Councillor Sneath questioned whether pathways were covered by the KPIs, and Jonathan Evans confirmed that public satisfaction with highways and transport services includes measures related to footpaths. Councillor Reeve raised concerns about traffic management, specifically regarding the timing of roadworks and diversions. Jonathan Evans explained that while traffic management is part of public satisfaction surveys, it is not a formal benchmarkable performance indicator. Councillor Christopher questioned the ambition of the public satisfaction target, suggesting a more achievable benchmark might be beneficial. Jonathan Evans defended the aspiration to be in the top quartile, noting the council had recently achieved above average satisfaction for the first time. Councillor Vernon expressed reservations about the ambition of some KPIs, particularly those related to educational transport and road safety, arguing that they were not truly measurable targets. He suggested focusing on more detailed areas like drainage and gully cleansing. Jonathan Evans acknowledged the challenge of setting KPIs for areas like educational transport but stressed the importance of transparency. Councillor Bean sought reassurance that the focus on KPIs would not detract from essential maintenance, to which officers responded positively, outlining the strategy for different road classes. Councillor Clarke raised concerns about the condition of unclassified roads and the potential detriment to higher-class roads. Jonathan Evans assured that the next report would provide positive news on road conditions. Councillor Clarke also inquired about gathering data on minor road safety incidents, and officers agreed to investigate engagement with insurance companies. Councillor Bean sought reassurance that the pursuit of KPIs would not compromise basic service delivery, with officers explaining the strategic approach to different road conditions and the pragmatic approach to public satisfaction. Councillor Reid advocated for maintaining high benchmark targets to drive improvement. The committee reviewed and scrutinised the report, agreeing that their comments would be passed to the Executive Councillor for Highways and Transport.

Highways Performance Report, Year 6 Quarter 4

Jonathan Evans, Head of Highways Client, presented the Highways Performance Report for Year 6, Quarter 4 (January to March 2026). The report, found in the public reports pack³, detailed a slight drop in the overall Alliance score from the previous quarter, with the Highway Works term contract operated by Balfour Beatty showing a decline. This was attributed to a 70% increase in job numbers, particularly potholes, due to adverse weather. Actions were taken to increase resources, and the work basket has since reduced to pre-Christmas levels. A performance improvement plan has been requested to capture lessons learned. The Traffic Signals contract, operated by Colas, showed a notable improvement in performance scores. Councillor Vernon expressed concern about the drop in Balfour Beatty's performance and welcomed the positive end to Colas' contract. He also raised concerns about the table on page 220, suggesting surface dressing was prioritised at the expense of other schemes. Jonathan Evans explained that larger schemes were planned for this year, which could affect the appearance of the numbers, but that the budget was on track. Councillor Vernon also highlighted a significant 49% increase in complaints compared to the previous quarter and a 113% increase compared to the same quarter last year, expressing concern about public perception. Jonathan Evans explained that the increase in inquiries during January, February, and March, due to cold and wet weather, led to a similar ratio of complaints, and that the service was investigating ways to improve communication. Councillor Christopher raised concerns about blocked gullies and drainage issues, noting that nearly half of the gullies he inspected were blocked. He questioned the response from Fix My Street and suggested improvements to public communication. Jonathan Evans acknowledged the issue with gully cleansing and assured that more gangs were contracted for jetting. He also agreed that the responses on Fix My Street could be improved. Councillor Reeve inquired about the speed of innovative surveying techniques, and Jonathan Evans explained the use of AI technology and the deflector graph vehicle, acknowledging that programming could be improved. Councillor Wright also raised concerns about FixMyStreet, stating that the system sometimes provided incorrect information about job statuses. Jonathan Evans explained that the system itself was not at fault, but user input could be an issue, and that the council was working to mitigate this. Councillor Clarke raised concerns about the condition of drainage systems and the response to flooding incidents. Jonathan Evans confirmed that drainage was a priority and that the council was working to capture more data on the condition of laterals. The committee reviewed and commented on the performance report, with their comments to be passed to the Executive Member for Highways and Transport.

Service Level Performance Reporting against the Performance Framework 2025-26 Quarter 4: Education Transport and Road Safety

Mike Reed, Head of Transport, and Steven Batchelor, Senior Manager of the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership, presented the service level performance for Education Transport and Road Safety for Quarter 4 of 2025-26. The report, found in the public reports pack⁴, detailed performance indicators for education transport applications, time taken for eligibility decisions, and single occupancy travel. Mike Reed highlighted an increase in the number of pupils requiring transport, particularly those with SEND diagnoses, which significantly impacts costs. He also noted positive initiatives such as personal travel budgets and independent travel training. Councillor Vernon commended the team's efficiency in processing applications but raised concerns about communication regarding transport eligibility, suggesting earlier intervention with schools. He also sought further information on the cost and reasons for the increase in personal travel budgets. Mike Reed explained that while efforts are made to inform parents, some will always apply speculatively. He also detailed that personal travel budgets are negotiated to ensure financial savings for the authority, while also considering the benefit to the child. Councillor Christopher inquired about the benchmarking data for road safety figures, and Mike Reed agreed to check for updated figures. Councillor Vernon sought reassurance that data on the age and demographic of those injured would continue to be included in future reports, which was confirmed. Councillor Clarke asked for a breakdown of pedestrian casualties, which Mike Reed agreed to investigate. The committee considered and were satisfied with the Education Transport and Road Safety service level performance.

Civil Parking Enforcement Annual Report 2025-2026

Matt Jones, Parking Services Manager, presented the Civil Parking Enforcement Annual Report for 2025-2026. The report, available in the public reports pack⁵, detailed the costs of the service, income from penalty charges, and the resulting surplus or deficit. For 2025/26, there was a deficit of £307,668.59, drawn from reserves. Councillor Reeve expressed concern about the increasing deficit and supported raising penalty fees. He also inquired about contributions from events like Market Rasen races towards enforcement costs, which Matt Jones confirmed. Councillor Cheyne asked about the monitoring and updating of parking infringement hotspots, and Matt Jones explained the daily interaction with the contractor and the use of data to inform patrols. Councillor King highlighted the significant problem of parking around schools and the need for more consistent enforcement presence. Matt Jones acknowledged this as a valid point and explained the challenges of resource allocation and the different practices in morning and afternoon school pick-ups. Councillor Christopher congratulated the team on an award for school parking enforcement and inquired about unpaid penalty charge notices and the possibility of reducing wait times for enforcement on double yellow lines. Matt Jones confirmed the award and explained the five-minute observation policy, stating that a review was underway. He also agreed to provide figures on outstanding debt. Councillor Clarke echoed congratulations and raised concerns about the historical approach to school parking. Councillor Vernon expressed concern about the rising nuisance parking and the financial sustainability of the service, asking about the future outlook. Matt Jones confirmed that the service could continue until the end of the financial year but stressed the need for a sustainable funding solution. Councillor Bean also highlighted the need to consider if the service should be funded rather than self-funded. The committee reviewed and commented on the report, endorsing it for publication on the County Council's website.

Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

Hannah Colclough, Scrutiny Officer, presented the committee's work programme. The next meeting on 14 September 2026 was scheduled to include items on charging for H-bar markings, quarter one performance reports for highways, transport, and road safety, the road safety annual report, Lincolnshire Highways social value, and the Lincolnshire permit scheme statutory evaluation report. An informal Q&A session on local bus services was also scheduled. Sean Butcher, Head of Asset and Local Management Services, added that revised traffic policies would be brought to future programmes. The committee approved the planned work programme, subject to consideration of items highlighted during the day's discussions.