The Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 16 March 2026 to discuss the Highways Infrastructure Asset Management Strategy and Plan for 2026-2029, the Highways Winter Service Fleet Maintenance Contract, and the delegation of transport functions from the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority. The committee also reviewed performance reports for Highways, Education Transport, and Road Safety, as well as an update on major highway projects and the committee's work programme.

Highways Infrastructure Asset Management Strategy and Plan

The committee considered the Highways Infrastructure Asset Management Strategy (HIAMS) for 2026-2029 and the Highways Infrastructure Asset Management Plan (HIAMP) for 2026. These documents outline the council's approach to managing, maintaining, and investing in its extensive highway network, valued at approximately £12 billion. Key themes included a focus on preventative maintenance, the use of AI and digital technology for data analysis and forecasting, and a commitment to improving the condition of unclassified roads and drainage systems.

During the discussion, councillors raised concerns about the potential for unmetalling of roads, the impact of tree root growth on pavements, and the proposed changes to response times for certain repairs, moving from a 24-hour window to the end of the next calendar day. Officers explained that these changes were designed to improve operational efficiency and allow for better planning, without compromising safety. The strategy aims to maintain the network in a steady state while accelerating improvements on unclassified roads and enhancing drainage and traffic signal assets. The committee acknowledged the recommendations to the Executive Councillor for Highways and Transport.

Highways Winter Service – Fleet Maintenance Contract

The committee reviewed the report on the Highways Winter Service Fleet Maintenance Contract, which covers the maintenance of the council's 47-vehicle gritter fleet. The report recommended extending the contract with Transport Connect Limited (TCL) for four years, until September 2032, and introducing an inflation mechanism and enhanced performance monitoring with financial penalties. This was proposed to ensure the contract remains financially viable and to maintain the operational readiness of the fleet, which is crucial for fulfilling the council's statutory duty to maintain roads during winter. The committee acknowledged the recommendations to the Executive Councillor.

Delegation of Transport Functions and Section 101 Agreement

The committee considered the delegation of transport functions from the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA) to the three constituent authorities. This delegation is a transitional measure to ensure the continued delivery of local transport authority functions until formal transition arrangements are in place. The GLCCA will retain responsibility for transport strategy and investment planning, while constituent authorities will manage scheme delivery, operations, and maintenance. The committee acknowledged the recommendations to the Executive Councillor.

Highways Performance Report (Year 6, Quarter 3)

The committee received a comprehensive performance report for the Highways Service for the period October to December 2025. Overall performance scores for the Alliance, Client, Professional Services, and Traffic Signals contracts showed improvement, although the Highway Works Term Contract saw a slight reduction. Specific attention was given to the Traffic Signals Contract, where a new provider, Swarco, will take over from April 2026. The report highlighted that 10,160 faults were repaired by the Highway Works Term Contract in Q3, including 6,996 carriageway potholes. The National Highways and Transport (NHT) Public Satisfaction Survey for 2025 indicated an overall score of 46%, a 3% increase from the previous year, though still below the NHT average. The Highways Complaints Report for Q3 showed a 22% decrease in formal complaints compared to the previous quarter, with roads requiring repair, pavements, and flooding-related issues being the most common themes. The committee acknowledged the report and its recommendations.

Education Transport Service Level Performance (Quarter 3)

The report on Education Transport performance indicated that 1,230 applications were processed in Q3, with 63% approved. The average time taken for eligibility decisions remained low at 1.65 days. The proportion of single occupancy contracts was 13.3%, and the number of pupils requiring a Personal Assistant (PA) had increased by 16.2% compared to the previous year. The creation of a dedicated Contract Management team had led to improved supplier engagement and the introduction of the Panacea software for the Dynamic Purchasing System. The committee acknowledged the report.

Road Safety Performance (Quarter 3)

The Road Safety report showed a decrease in the number of people killed or seriously injured (KSI) in road traffic collisions, with 107 KSI figures as at September 2025, lower than both the previous quarter and the same quarter in the previous year. Child KSI figures remained stable at 5. Analysis did not indicate any clear commonality or pattern across user groups. The committee acknowledged the report.

Highways Major Project Update Report

An update was provided on several major highway projects. The Grantham Southern Relief Road's Section 3 bridge launch faced challenges, causing programme delays, but design refinements are complete. The North Hykeham Relief Road has received final DfT approval, with the sod-cutting ceremony scheduled for March 2026. The Sincil Bank Regeneration Scheme's highway elements are complete, with Gateway and Greening elements ongoing. Nettleham Road Roundabout improvements are progressing, awaiting planning permission for a footbridge and land acquisition. Bailgate works are ongoing, with some delays due to weather, but positive feedback has been received. Yarborough Hill is addressing ground movement with a reinforced earthworks solution, and Metheringham Crossroads is planned for traffic signal installation due to its accident hotspot status. The committee acknowledged the report.

Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme for the coming year. The next meeting on 27 April 2026 will include the Nettleham Road Roundabout scheme, active travel improvements, the Highways Drainage Works Programme, and the Pothole Pro report. An informal Q&A session on education travel will follow. Councillor Mrs Charlotte Louise Edwards Vernon expressed concern about the perceived lack of substantive items on the work programme, advocating for more planned discussions. Councillor Martin Ian Colin Christopher requested a dedicated report on flagged pavements due to their high contribution to injury claims. The committee approved the planned work programme, subject to the addition of the flagged pavement report.