Agenda item

Report of the Assistant Director Community Services, Assistant Director Highways and Capital Projects, Acting Head of Community Safety

The Assistant Director Community Services, Assistant Director Highways and Capital Projects and Acting Head of Community Safety submitted a report (previously circulated) providing Members with an update on performance against key performance indicators at Quarter 4 2023/24.

It was reported that of the 35 indicators reported to this Scrutiny Committee, 25 were reported six monthly. 31 of the 25 indicators reported have Quarter 4 (year-end) data which can be compared with the same period for 2022/23.

The submitted report gave the performance position in relation to the 31 indicators, of which 24 had increased when compared to the same period last year or from when last reported, whilst 7 had decreased when compared to the same period last year or from when last reported.

Members ensued into conversation around Fly-Tipping, how reports of large fly tipping have decreased but reports of small fly tipping has increased. Members wanted to understand what provision has been put in place for back alleys and rural areas. Members asked in cameras could be an appropriate action to stop the offences of Fly-Tipping. Members wanted the Committee to send a letter of recommendation to Magistrates supporting the idea to raise the fixed penalty fine.

Members discussed the percentage of principal roads where maintenance should be considered and how on the narrative that a Scanner Vehicle had previously been used, which now a Visual Annual Engineering Inspection now takes place instead. Members wanted clarification on what this process is and asked questions around roads within their wards.

Members discussed the punctuality of buses in Darlington and wanted to understand the main reasons behind this. Members have requested that an invitation for Arriva to attend this Scrutiny Committee would be a sustainable way to understand the issues further.

Conversation then ensued around the incidents and accidents in road traffic accidents, Members have urged for data to be received around speed monitoring in Darlington. Members were reassured that the date is forthcoming.

RESOLVED – That the contents of this report be noted.