The Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee met to review proposals for refreshing the Transport Asset Management Plan (TAMP) and to consider its work programme for the upcoming year. Key discussions included the strategic management of highways, the use of AI in inspections, and the allocation of funding for road maintenance. The committee considered several items for its future work programme, covering areas such as net zero targets, flood risk management, and local transport grants.

Repairing Our Road Network – Review of the TAMP Refresh

The committee reviewed proposals for the refresh of the Transport Asset Management Plan (TAMP), which outlines the strategy for managing Lancashire's highways over the next five years. A significant focus of the refresh is the rebranding of the TAMP to a Highway Asset Management Plan (HAMP) to align with Department for Transport requirements. Key initiatives include the implementation of AI-powered inspections to improve the accuracy and efficiency of defect identification, aiming for right first-time repairs. The council is also modernising its systems with a new data-led asset management platform, Confirm by Brightly, which is expected to enhance decision-making and proactive planning.

The report detailed plans to invest in the main A, B, and C road networks to ensure good condition, alongside a proactive and sustainable approach to pothole repairs across the entire network. The aim is to achieve longevity in repairs, thereby reducing the need for repeated interventions. Communication strategies are also being enhanced, with plans for a dedicated Highways Facebook presence and updates to the Reporting Lancashire app (formerly Love Clean Streets).

During the discussion, Councillor Paul Stubbins raised concerns about the lack of budget for dropped kerbs, despite their necessity for disabled residents, questioning why this was the case when other funding was available. County Councillor Warren Goldsworthy, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, explained that the budget was still expected to be confirmed and that there had been a historical shift from revenue to capital funding for such projects.

Councillor David Whipp questioned the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of surface dressing, noting that some treatments applied ten years prior were already deteriorating. He also raised concerns about surface dressing being omitted in town centres and areas with texture flex on roads. Officers clarified that surface dressing has a limited lifespan and that the strategy now involves reinvesting in A, B, and C roads, with a 40-year cycle for assessing the lifespan of entire road sections. They also confirmed that surface dressing is applied where appropriate, regardless of location, but that heavily deteriorated areas might require more substantial structural works.

The committee also discussed the use of AI technology, with officers explaining that it is a learning system that improves over time with more data input. Concerns were raised about the traceability of the 12-month guarantee on repairs, with officers confirming that defects have unique IDs and are traceable through contractors. They also noted that while 12 months is the industry standard for guarantees, they are pushing contractors for longer durations, aspiring for repairs to last five to eight years.

The committee noted the proposals for the TAMP refresh and considered additional aspects for inclusion.

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

The committee reviewed its work programme for the 2025/26 municipal year, considering several in-year requests for topics to be added. A significant debate occurred regarding the inclusion of Net Zero and Decarbonisation on the work programme. Councillor Chris Snow proposed their inclusion, highlighting public concern over climate change impacts and the council's commitment to reducing emissions. After discussion, a vote was taken, and these items were not included in the work programme.

Councillor Paul Stubbins had submitted several requests, including for the Environment and Climate Strategy with a focus on decarbonisation and flood risk management, the Communication Strategy – Love Clean Streets app, and the Local Transport Plan, encompassing Local Transport Grant and the Bus Service Improvement Plan. He also requested the Growth Plan, including the Culture and Tourism Strategy and the Lancashire Skills and Employment Framework.

Following considerable debate, the committee decided to reserve several items for further information or discussion. The Flood Risk Management Strategy was added to the work programme. The Love Clean Streets app was noted as undergoing updates and was scheduled for potential review in the 2026/27 year. The Local Transport Plan items, including Local Transport Grants and the Bus Service Improvement Plan, were reserved pending further information, particularly concerning the transition to the Lancashire Combined County Authority. The Growth Plan items were also discussed, with the Lancashire Skills and Employment Framework to be considered within the existing Get Lancashire Working topic.

The committee also agreed to defer discussion on the Cultural Tourism Strategy Element pending further information from Democratic Services. The Local Transport Grants were also reserved for further information.

The committee noted the work programme for 2025/26 and agreed to consider the in-year requests, with several items being added to the programme or reserved for future discussion.

Other Discussions

The committee approved the minutes of the previous meeting held on 11 September 2025. Discussions also touched upon the legalities of developer contributions, with a consensus reached to investigate potential legal avenues rather than pursuing illegal options. Concerns were also raised about the shift of resources away from residential roads towards the A, B, and C networks, with assurances given that urgent work on other networks would still be addressed.