Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration.

The Government’s response to the 2014 Transport Resilience Review identified a need for local authorities to develop and identify a resilient network for their highway network. The resilient network was initially to ensure that during extreme weather conditions, access to key services and necessary support to the economy are maintained.

The Council is now also required to provide consideration of industrial action, major incidents and other local risks beyond weather related incidents impacting on the highway. The document has been updated to reflect this. The Government also recommends that the network is reviewed every two years. It has been 2 years since the original network was identified and so this review has been undertaken.

Cabinet is requested to approve:

•        The proposed prioritisation process, network identified and the actions recommended for the different incident type.

•        That future approval of amendments to the network in line with the adopted guidelines is delegated to the Director of Place in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson, 0161-474-4351, sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider an updated Resilient Network document, updated in light of new guidance from the government, to set out how the Council would ensure access to the highway network would be maintained in the event of extreme weather, major incidents and other local risks.

RESOLVED – That in relation to the Resilient Network Review:

·         The proposed prioritisation process, network identified and the actions recommended for the different incident types be approved

·         future approval of amendments to the network in line with the adopted guidelines be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy & Regeneration.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration

The report sets out a review of the Council’s Resilient Network document including consideration of other issues requested by the Department of Transport beyond weather related incidents impacting on the highway.

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to review and comment on the report and the review of the Resilient Network document.

Officer Contact: Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4351 or email: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out a review of the Council’s Resilient Network document including consideration of other issues requested by the Department of Transport beyond weather related incidents impacting on the highway.

The Cabinet Member (Economy & Regeneration) answered questions in relation to the report.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Councillors noted that whilst under all but the most extreme conditions the presumption would be to keep the network open. However, in certain circumstances the closure of routes would be considered and alternatives planned.

·         Procedures for responding efficiently to emergencies on the highway and how information is shared between agencies and partners.

·         Work undertaken at a Greater Manchester level but also the emergency planning powers available to the Council to take quick action to deal with an emergency – an explanation of the Silver Commander role undertaken by senior Council Officers was given.

·         How members of the public and councillors can report any concerns of incidents to the relevant council officers.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.