Executive Summary
The Hartlepool Highway Maintenance Plan has been developed to conform with the recommendations set out in the Well-maintained Highways, Code of Practice for Maintenance Management published in October 2016 and founded on the key principles of Best Value and Risk Assessment.
This policy document is divided into 10 sections, which can be summarised as follows:
Introduction - this sets the scene through identifying the vision, goals and values of the Council insofar as they relate to transportation in general and highway maintenance in particular, and the new Well-maintained Highways, Code of Practice for Maintenance Management
Policy Framework - this encompasses the key Best Value requirement for policy integration by linking the Council's aspirations and strategic objectives to the Government's transport policy contained in the "Ten Year Plan for Transport". This is more comprehensively considered in the Hartlepool Local Transport Plan within which highway maintenance has a significant contribution. Delivery of these objectives and polices will be underpinned by a risk management strategy.
Maintenance Strategy and Hierarchy — this comprises the strategy elements of a detailed inventory, a defined hierarchy and policies and objectives linked to maintenance activity types and categories. The hierarchy is the foundation of the strategy and is fundamental in determining policy priorities. However, in order to operate effectively, the strategy should be supported by a comprehensive management system, the level of which is determined by the extent of the defined inventory. Moreover, the Council is committed to the development of UKPMS and the type of survey regime approved will determine how future maintenance strategies are supported.
Service Delivery — this defines how maintenance activities are undertaken in Hartlepool through various service delivery contracts. The procurement strategy for service delivery contracts takes into account the implementation guide "Rethinking Construction" fundamental for securing Best Value.
Inspection and Assessment — this defines the inspection and assessment regime detailing safety and service inspections and structural condition surveys. The inspections incorporate items for inspection, frequencies of inspection, defect investigatory levels, risk assessments and defect response times. The Hartlepool policies on structural condition surveys are outlined. This section comprises the policies and procedures that are fundamental to safety and third party insurance issues.
Condition and Standards — linking to the core network objectives of safety, serviceability and sustainability, this section defines the condition at which investigatory levels for maintenance are applicable and the appropriate treatments that may result. It covers all elements of maintenance activity and also includes regulatory functions, winter service and weather and other emergencies.
Programming and Priorities — this sets within the context of Best Value the establishment of priorities at corporate, departmental and maintenance levels. Programming and prioritising maintenance works are considered in relation to statutory requirements, core network objectives, maintenance type activities (such as reactive and routine maintenance) and maintenance category elements (such as drainage systems and road markings).
Quality Management — this sets out the requirements for consistent standards of quality in respect of materials, treatments and processes in order to meet the core network objectives and to secure Best Value. Consideration is given to the National Highway Sector Schemes, environmental issues, noise pollution, waste management and the recycling of existing highway materials.
Financial Management — this sets out the financial procedures to be adopted by the Council. It defines the budget allocation procedure in respect of special maintenance, basic maintenance and capital maintenance and specifies the procedures for dealing with claims and rechargeable works.
Performance Measurement — this sets out how the Council is measured in terms of Best Value through benchmarking, performance indicators and performance targets.
Whereas the Highway Maintenance Plan sets out the policies and objectives underpinned by the Risk Management Strategy, guidance on how risk assessments are translated into maintenance works will be contained in the "Hartlepool Council Highway Inspection Manual."
The adoption of this Manual together with appropriate training of all inspectors will enable effective risk assessments to be undertaken on site.