The Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee of Lincolnshire Council met on Monday 20 July 2026 to discuss a range of highway and transport-related matters. Key decisions included the approval of the proposed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the 2026/27 financial year for the Highways and Transport service, and the endorsement of the Civil Parking Enforcement Annual Report for 2025/2026. The committee also reviewed and commented on several significant infrastructure projects, including the Investing in Lincolnshire Local Transport Grant Programme, and the Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee Work Programme.

Investing in Lincolnshire: Local Transport Grant Programme

The committee considered a report on the Investing in Lincolnshire Local Transport Grant Programme, which outlines potential funding allocations for transport infrastructure projects across the county between 2026/27 and 2029/30. The programme includes a variety of schemes aimed at improving road safety, active travel, public transport, and supporting economic growth. Councillor Reeve expressed approval for the A15 to county boundary widening project, highlighting its necessity due to the road's current inadequacy for modern vehicle sizes and the potential knock-on effects on other roads. Councillor Wright supported the Sleaford to Ruskington Active Travels scheme, noting its high usage and the need for improvements. Councillor Vernon questioned the selection process for the schemes and requested to see the long list of potential projects. Sam Edwards, Head of Highways and Economic Infrastructure, explained that the selection process prioritised schemes deliverable within the four-year period and those with a good level of detail. Councillor Bean raised concerns about the lack of projects in the North Walls area and specifically mentioned the Cayster Top junction, which officers confirmed is on a list for further study. Councillor Christopher highlighted the A15 project and the cycle route improvements, seeking clarity on how the Nettlam roundabout improvements would be handled in conjunction with these. The committee reviewed and scrutinised the report, and their comments were to be passed to the Executive Councillor for Highways and Transport.

Scrutiny Committee Performance Framework 2026/27 (Highways and Transport)

The committee reviewed the proposed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the 2026/27 financial year. Jonathan Evans, Head of Highways Client, presented the framework, which includes measures for road conditions, public satisfaction, education transport, and road safety. Councillor Clark inquired about the inclusion of pathways in the KPIs, which was confirmed to be part of the public satisfaction measures. Councillor Reeve raised concerns about traffic management, particularly regarding diversions and signage during roadworks. Jonathan Evans explained that while traffic management is part of public satisfaction, it is difficult to benchmark as a formal KPI. Councillor Christopher questioned the ambition of the public satisfaction targets, suggesting that more achievable short-term goals might be beneficial. Jonathan Evans noted that the council had recently achieved a score just above average and that officers were keen to push for top quartile performance. Councillor Vernon questioned the necessity of some KPIs, particularly those related to education transport and road safety, arguing that they could not be easily benchmarked. He suggested focusing on more detailed areas like drainage and gully cleansing. The committee discussed the balance between aspirational targets and achievable goals, with Councillor Sneath suggesting maintaining the target above 50% to keep morale high. Councillor Cheyne raised concerns about the condition of unclassified roads and whether this would impact the maintenance of higher-class roads, receiving reassurance that this would be addressed in future reports. Councillor Bean sought reassurance that the pursuit of KPIs would not detract from essential basic maintenance. The committee approved the proposed KPIs, delegating authority to the Executive Director for Place to make minor amendments.

Highways Performance Report, Year 6 Quarter 4 (1 January to 31 March 2026)

Jonathan Evans, Head of Highways Client, presented the Highways Performance Report for Quarter 4 of Year 6. The report indicated a slight drop in the overall Alliance score, with the Highway Works Term Contract performance falling below the minimum threshold due to a significant increase in job numbers, particularly potholes, following adverse weather. Actions were taken to increase resources, and the backlog has since been reduced. The Traffic Signals contract, operated by Colas, showed a notable improvement in performance scores. The report also highlighted inflation within the construction sector, leading to increased costs for services like surface dressing and columns. Road condition statistics showed that while principal roads remained within target, non-principal roads saw a 1% improvement, and unclassified roads showed a significant 1.8% improvement, aligning with the strategy to accelerate improvements in this area. Councillor Vernon raised concerns about the drop in Balfour Beatty's performance, the positive performance of Colas in their final quarter, and the increase in complaints, which had risen by 49% compared to the previous quarter and 113% compared to the same quarter last year. Jonathan Evans explained the measures taken to address the backlog and the reasons for the increase in complaints, linking it to the higher volume of inquiries. Councillor Christopher raised concerns about blocked gullies and drainage issues, questioning the response from FixMyStreet and the perceived lack of priority. Officers acknowledged the need to improve communication on FixMyStreet and assured that gully cleansing is risk-based and that more gangs are now contracted for jetting. Councillor Reeve inquired about the speed of deployment for innovative surveying techniques, and officers explained the use of AI technology and the deflector graph vehicle. Councillor Wright reiterated concerns about FixMyStreet, particularly regarding inaccurate updates. Officers acknowledged that user input can lead to incorrect information and that this is being addressed. Councillor Clarke raised concerns about the condition of drainage systems and the response to flooding incidents. Officers confirmed increased investment in drainage and ongoing efforts to gather more data on the condition of laterals. The committee reviewed and commented on the report, with their comments to be passed to the Executive Councillor 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, Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership, presented the performance report for Education Transport and Road Safety. For Education Transport, PI 198 showed 74.3% of applications were approved, with a notable increase in applications received in March. PI 199 indicated an average decision time of 2.36 days, which was commended as outstanding. PI 200 showed single occupancy travel remained stable at around 11.4%, reflecting the rurality of Lincolnshire. A significant point raised was the higher proportion of SEND cases, accounting for 46% of the overall transport spend. Initiatives like personal travel budgets and independent travel training were highlighted as positive measures. Councillor Vernon raised concerns about communication regarding transport eligibility, noting that 26% of applications were not approved, and suggested earlier intervention with schools. He also sought further information on the cost and reasons for the increase in personal travel budgets. Mike Reed explained the ongoing work to improve communication and the IT solutions being explored. He also detailed how personal travel budget rates are negotiated to ensure financial savings for the authority. The Road Safety section reported 110 people killed or seriously injured in road traffic collisions in Q4, which was in alignment with previous quarters. For children, the figure was three. Councillor Christopher questioned the benchmarking data for road safety, and Councillor Vernon sought reassurance that age and demographic data would continue to be included in future reports. Councillor Clarke inquired about the breakdown of pedestrian casualties. The committee considered the report and were satisfied with it.

Civil Parking Enforcement Annual Report 2025/2026

Matt Jones, Parking Services Manager, presented the Civil Parking Enforcement Annual Report for 2025/2026. The report highlighted a shift from a surplus in previous years to a deficit of £307,000 in 2025/26, with reserves projected to be depleted. This is attributed to increased contractor costs and the static penalty charge notice fee since 2008. Councillor Reeve expressed concern about the financial trend and supported raising penalty fees. Councillor Cheyne questioned the hot spot monitoring process, and Matt Jones explained the daily interaction with the contractor and the use of data to inform patrol routes. Councillor King raised concerns about enforcement presence at schools, particularly during drop-off and pick-up times. Matt Jones acknowledged this as a national issue and detailed the current deployment strategies, including fixed-point cameras and mobile patrols. Councillor Christopher congratulated the team on an award for school parking enforcement work and inquired about unpaid penalty charge notices and the possibility of reducing wait times for enforcement. Matt Jones confirmed that unpaid penalty data could be provided and that the five-minute observation time on yellow lines was under review. He also mentioned the introduction of the National Parking Platform for coastal car parks and upcoming clearer powers for pavement parking enforcement. The committee reviewed and commented on the report, endorsing it for publication.

Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

Hannah Colclough, Scrutiny Officer, presented the committee's work programme. The upcoming meeting on 14 September 2026 was noted to have six substantive items, including charging for H-bar markings and performance reports. An informal Q&A session on local bus services would follow. Sean Butcher, Head of Asset and Local Management Services, added that revised traffic policies were being developed and would be incorporated into the forward programme. Councillor Vernon raised concerns about the disparity in the number of items across meetings and suggested a review of the programme's balance. Councillor Reeve inquired about revisiting the East Midlands Railway line issues. Councillor Christopher asked about the timeline for the H-bar markings item, which was expected to be addressed in September. The committee approved the planned work programme, subject to consideration of items raised during the meeting.

Investing in Lincolnshire: Local Transport Grant Programme

The committee reviewed the Investing in Lincolnshire: Local Transport Grant Programme, which outlines proposed business cases for submission to the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority. Sam Edwards, Head of Highways and Economic Infrastructure, presented the report, clarifying that approval to submit the business cases does not constitute approval for project delivery. Councillor Reeve supported the A15 to county boundary widening project. Councillor Wright endorsed the Sleaford to Ruskington Active Travels scheme. Councillor Vernon questioned the selection process for the schemes and requested to see the long list of potential projects. Sam Edwards explained the prioritisation based on deliverability and strategic alignment. Councillor Bean raised concerns about the lack of projects in the North Walls area and highlighted the Cayster Top junction. Officers confirmed that Cayster Top is on a list for further study. Councillor Christopher discussed the A15 project and cycle routes, seeking clarification on the Nettlam roundabout. The committee reviewed and scrutinised the report, and their comments were to be passed to the Executive Councillor for Highways and Transport.

Scrutiny Committee Performance Framework 2026/27 (Highways and Transport)

Jonathan Evans, Head of Highways Client, presented the proposed KPIs for the 2026/27 financial year. Councillor Clark asked about the inclusion of pathways in the KPIs, which was confirmed to be part of public satisfaction measures. Councillor Reeve raised concerns about traffic management, particularly regarding diversions and signage. Jonathan Evans explained that while traffic management is considered within public satisfaction, it's difficult to benchmark as a formal KPI. Councillor Christopher questioned the ambition of the public satisfaction targets, suggesting more achievable short-term goals. Jonathan Evans noted the council's recent performance and the aim to reach top quartile. Councillor Vernon questioned the necessity of some KPIs, suggesting a focus on more detailed areas like drainage. Councillor Sneath proposed keeping the public satisfaction target above 50% to maintain morale. Councillor Cheyne raised concerns about unclassified road conditions and their impact on higher-class roads, receiving reassurance. Councillor Bean sought assurance that KPI targets would not compromise essential maintenance. The committee approved the KPIs, delegating authority for minor amendments to the Executive Director for Place.

Highways Performance Report, Year 6 Quarter 4 (1 January to 31 March 2026)

Jonathan Evans presented the Highways Performance Report. Councillor Vernon expressed concern about Balfour Beatty's performance drop and the increase in complaints. Jonathan Evans explained the actions taken to address the backlog and the reasons for the complaint increase. Councillor Christopher raised issues regarding blocked gullies and drainage, and officers acknowledged the need for improved communication on FixMyStreet. Councillor Reeve inquired about innovative surveying techniques, and officers detailed the use of AI technology. Councillor Wright reiterated concerns about FixMyStreet inaccuracies. Councillor Clarke raised issues about drainage systems and responses to flooding. Officers confirmed increased investment in drainage and ongoing data gathering. The committee reviewed and commented on the report, with their comments to be passed to the Executive Councillor for Highways and Transport.

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

Mike Reed and Steve Batchelor presented the performance report. Councillor Vernon raised concerns about communication regarding transport eligibility and personal travel budgets. Mike Reed explained ongoing work to improve communication and the negotiation process for personal travel budgets. The committee considered the report and were satisfied with it.

Civil Parking Enforcement Annual Report 2025/2026

Matt Jones presented the Civil Parking Enforcement Annual Report. Councillor Reeve expressed concern about the financial deficit and supported raising penalty fees. Councillor Cheyne questioned the hot spot monitoring process, and Matt Jones explained the data-driven approach. Councillor King raised concerns about enforcement presence at schools. Matt Jones detailed current strategies. Councillor Christopher congratulated the team on an award and inquired about unpaid penalties and wait times. Matt Jones confirmed that unpaid penalty data could be provided and wait times were under review. He also mentioned the National Parking Platform and upcoming pavement parking enforcement powers. The committee reviewed and commented on the report, endorsing it for publication.

Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

Hannah Colclough presented the committee's work programme. The upcoming meeting on 14 September 2026 was noted to have six substantive items. Sean Butcher added that revised traffic policies were being developed. Councillor Vernon suggested a review of the programme's balance, and Councillor Reeve inquired about revisiting East Midlands Railway line issues. Councillor Christopher asked about the timeline for the H-bar markings item. The committee approved the work programme.

Investing in Lincolnshire: Local Transport Grant Programme

The committee reviewed the Investing in Lincolnshire: Local Transport Grant Programme. Councillor Reeve supported the A15 to county boundary widening project, and Councillor Wright endorsed the Sleaford to Ruskington Active Travels scheme. Councillor Vernon questioned the scheme selection process. Sam Edwards explained the prioritisation criteria. Councillor Bean raised concerns about the lack of projects in North Walls and the Cayster Top junction. Officers confirmed further study for Cayster Top. Councillor Christopher highlighted the A15 project and cycle routes, seeking clarification on the Nettlam roundabout. The committee reviewed and scrutinised the report, and their comments were to be passed to the Executive Councillor for Highways and Transport.

Scrutiny Committee Performance Framework 2026/27 (Highways and Transport)

Jonathan Evans presented the proposed KPIs. Councillor Clark asked about the inclusion of pathways in KPIs. Councillor Reeve raised concerns about traffic management. Councillor Christopher questioned the ambition of public satisfaction targets. Jonathan Evans noted the council's performance and aims. Councillor Vernon questioned the necessity of some KPIs, suggesting a focus on drainage. Councillor Sneath proposed maintaining the public satisfaction target above 50%. Councillor Cheyne raised concerns about unclassified road conditions. Councillor Bean sought reassurance that KPI targets would not compromise essential maintenance. The committee approved the KPIs.

Highways Performance Report, Year 6 Quarter 4 (1 January to 31 March 2026)

Jonathan Evans presented the Highways Performance Report. Councillor Vernon expressed concern about Balfour Beatty's performance and increased complaints. Jonathan Evans explained the actions taken and the reasons for the complaint increase. Councillor Christopher raised issues regarding blocked gullies and drainage, and officers acknowledged the need for improved communication. Councillor Reeve inquired about innovative surveying techniques, and officers detailed the use of AI technology. Councillor Wright reiterated concerns about FixMyStreet inaccuracies. Councillor Clarke raised issues about drainage systems and flooding responses. Officers confirmed increased investment in drainage and ongoing data gathering. The committee reviewed and commented on the report, with their comments to be passed to the Executive Councillor for Highways and Transport.

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

Mike Reed and Steve Batchelor presented the performance report. Councillor Vernon raised concerns about communication regarding transport eligibility and personal travel budgets. Mike Reed explained ongoing work to improve communication and the negotiation process for personal travel budgets. The committee considered the report and were satisfied with it.

Civil Parking Enforcement Annual Report 2025/2026

Matt Jones presented the Civil Parking Enforcement Annual Report. Councillor Reeve expressed concern about the financial deficit and supported raising penalty fees. Councillor Cheyne questioned the hot spot monitoring process, and Matt Jones explained the data-driven approach. Councillor King raised concerns about enforcement presence at schools. Matt Jones detailed current strategies. Councillor Christopher congratulated the team on an award and inquired about unpaid penalties and wait times. Matt Jones confirmed that unpaid penalty data could be provided and wait times were under review. He also mentioned the National Parking Platform and upcoming pavement parking enforcement powers. The committee reviewed and commented on the report, endorsing it for publication.

Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

Hannah Colclough presented the committee's work programme. The upcoming meeting on 14 September 2026 was noted to have six substantive items. Sean Butcher added that revised traffic policies were being developed. Councillor Vernon suggested a review of the programme's balance, and Councillor Reeve inquired about revisiting East Midlands Railway line issues. Councillor Christopher asked about the timeline for the H-bar markings item. The committee approved the work programme.