The Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the refresh of the Transport Asset Management Plan (TAMP) and to review the committee's work programme for the upcoming year. Key decisions included approving recommendations for the TAMP refresh and agreeing to add several new topics to the work programme, including those related to net zero, decarbonisation, and flood risk management.

Repairing Our Road Network – Review of the TAMP Refresh

The committee reviewed proposals for Phase 3 of the Transport Asset Management Plan (TAMP), which outlines the strategy for managing Lancashire's highway assets over the next five years. The refreshed TAMP aims to improve the condition of A, B, and C road classifications, address potholes proactively and sustainably, and ensure the longevity of repairs. A significant focus will be on modernising the service through AI-powered inspections, a data-led platform for improved decision-making, and a new managed service contract for pothole repairs. The council is also committed to improving communication with residents through a new tone of voice, local stories, and honest updates, including a dedicated Highways Facebook presence and an updated reporting app.

Councillor John R Singleton JP raised concerns about the impact of development on the highway network, suggesting that the council should seek Section 106 contributions or other forms of developer contributions for necessary highway improvements. Councillor Paul Stubbins highlighted issues with damaged and inadequate dropped kerbs, particularly for disabled residents, and questioned the lack of budget for mobility crossings despite significant overall funding allocations. Councillor David Whipp raised concerns about the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of surface dressing, noting that some treatments were deteriorating prematurely. He also questioned why town centre areas appeared to be excluded from surface dressing programmes.

The committee discussed the use of AI-powered inspections, with it being explained that the technology is still learning and improving over time. The traceability of repairs and the 12-month guarantee on defects were also discussed, with assurances that defects have unique IDs and are traceable to contractors. The committee was informed that while 12 months is the industry standard for guarantees, the council aspires for repairs to last significantly longer.

The committee approved recommendations to note the proposals for the TAMP refresh and to consider additional aspects for inclusion. They also agreed to ask the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport to consider improvements in public communication, the introduction of additional key performance indicators (KPIs) for tree planting, overall road condition, and repairs fixed right first time, and to improve terminology and communication used in the Love Clean Streets app. A report on the gully cleaning policy was also requested for a future meeting.

Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee Work Programme 2025/26

The committee reviewed its work programme for the 2025/26 municipal year. Several in-year requests were considered for inclusion. Following discussion, the committee voted to include Net Zero and Decarbonisation as a single item on the work programme. They also agreed to add Flood Risk Management Strategy to the work programme.

The committee decided to reserve the Love Clean Streets app topic for potential review in the next municipal year, pending updates to the app and communication strategy. The Local Transport Plan, encompassing Local Transport Grants and the Bus Service Improvement Plan, was also reserved pending further information and clarification on how the committee could add value, particularly in light of the transition to the Lancashire Combined County Authority. Similarly, the Growth Plan, including the Culture and Tourism Strategy and the Lancashire Skills and Employment Framework, was noted as being on the work programme for January 2026, with further information to be gathered.

The committee also discussed the transfer of the committee's work to the Combined County Authority (CCA) and agreed that this would be a topic for a future briefing.

The committee resolved to arrange a separate meeting to consider any further topic suggestions and to present options at the next scheduled meeting.

Other Matters

The committee approved the minutes of the previous meeting held on 11 September 2025. There were no items of urgent business. The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Thursday, 18 December 2025.