The Local Government Association Strategic Highways Peer Challenge brought together a team of more than 75 experienced senior highways professionals, council employees, councillors, partners and stakeholders from other local authorities to Derbyshire for 3 days, to provide an independent assessment of the service.
The peer team recognised the step change made by Derbyshire Highways over the past 12 to 18 months and our ability to deliver our increased highways investment programme. Additionally, it highlighted a number of particular strengths, including:
- a strong asset management and lifecycle planning approach;
- the noticeable shift from reactive repairs towards planned and preventative maintenance;
- the improvement of road conditions and the quality of work;
- a committed and positive workforce;
- the ability to deliver an increased programme of investment;
- excellent career pathways, graduate recruitment and apprenticeship opportunities;
- positive relationships with councillors, partners and other council services.
We welcome the findings as important independent recognition of the progress made, while acknowledging that there are opportunities for further improvements which include, among others, better communication with communities, strengthening forward planning and ensuring that the benefits of highways investment are increasingly visible to residents.
The next stage will focus on creating a sustainable long-term operating model to ensuring that continued investment delivers outcomes which people can experience.
Our leader, Councillor Alan Graves, said:
“We know how important roads are to Derbyshire’s residents and communities.
“This independent review recognises the significant progress made by our highways service in the condition of the roads, the quality of our repairs and the reduction in the backlog of work.
“But we are not complacent. We know there is more to do, and we welcome the areas for improvement identified by the peer team. We will turn those recommendations into a clear plan and continue the progress already being made.
“Our ambition is to build on the step change we have already achieved and ensure Derbyshire has a highways service that is resilient, sustainable and increasingly focused on the things that matter most to our residents and communities.”
Councillor Charlotte Hill, Cabinet Member for Highways, said:
“This was a thorough independent challenge of our highways service by experienced people from across the sector. They have recognised the substantial progress Derbyshire has made, while also challenging us about where we need to go next.
“Their findings matter because they provide a broad picture of our highways service. They recognise improving road conditions, better repair quality, a reducing backlog, strong asset management, and the commitment of our workforce.
“We are a strong team of dedicated people, wanting the best for Derbyshire, and we are continuing to work hard to bring even more improvements.”