Agenda item

Report of the Group Director of Services.

The Cabinet Member with Local Services Portfolio introduced the report of the Group Director of Services (previously circulated) providing Members with an annual update on delivery of the Darlington Transport Plan, outlining delivery, performance and public satisfaction in 2023/24 and seeking approval for the 2024/25 programme, including the release of funding.

The submitted report stated that the Tees Valley regionhad secured significantfunding from Government, including the £310M CityRegion SustainableTransport Settlement(CRSTS) programme, whichwould bedelivered by the end of March 2027; £6.851M Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) funding to deliver improvements to bus services by the end of March 2025; there hadbeen goodprogress on the development anddelivery of the transport capitalprogramme includingworking inpartnership with Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA)to deliverelements of the strategic transport plan; in2022/23 a new Transport Strategy for the borough, a Town Centre Transport Planand Parking Strategy were adopted by Council, andwork continued in implementing the associatedaction plans; outlined the progress on the schemes delivered in 2023/24; andthe proposed programme of schemes for 2024/25.

It was reported that there was afocus by the Department for Transport (DfT)on decarbonising transport and levelling up, both in terms of funding made available to the north, and in ensuring that there was a balance between sustainable transport measures and options that supported motorists; the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) was progressing with the completion of Phase 1 of the Faverdale/West Park to town centre cycle route; the Tees Valley Enhanced Bus Partnership continued to deliver benefits to residents, with BSIP+ funding having secured several supported bus service contracts, to ensure service provision in areas left without a bus service following commercial reductions; the Tees Valley region had notionally been allocated funding of £978M for the second round of the CRSTS which covered the period 2027/28 to 2031/32; and that the government had announced an additional minimum £100.1M of highways maintenance funding for Tees Valley between 2023/24 to 2033/34.

In introducing the report, the Cabinet Member with Portfolio for Local Services advised Members of a minor amendment within Appendix A of the submitted report, in relation to the works around dropped kerbs in Sutton Close.

Discussion ensued on the disparity in funding between the amount required for highway maintenance on an annual basis and the grant allocation received, and the need to provide basic services appropriately before looking at the bigger schemes. Questions were raised in relation to a number of streets scheduled for resurfacing, with further reference made to the issue of potholes, both locally and nationally. Members referenced the potential for a greater number of 20mph zones, the aim to reduce overall car journeys, and gender inequality in transport. The Cabinet Member with Portfolio for Local Services responded thereon.

RESOLVED – (a)  That the progress in delivery of the Darlington Transport Plan, as detailed in the submitted report, be agreed, and £0.893M Integrated Transport Block and £2.729M Highway Maintenance Funding, be agreed, to deliver the 2024/25 transport programme, as detailed in Appendix A of the submitted report.

(b)  That delegated authority be given to the Group Director of Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Local Services, to explore opportunities to reprofile highway maintenance funding from future years to make most efficient use of resources.

(c)  That delegated authority be given to theGroup Directorof Services,in consultationwith the Portfolio Holderfor Local Services, to agreebidding on external funding opportunities, and if successful, release the funding, including :

                                       (i)      theBus ServiceImprovement Plan (BSIP);

                                     (ii)      schemesas detailedin theCity RegionSustainable TransportSettlement (CRSTS) Delivery Plan;

                                   (iii)      Capabilityand AmbitionFund (CAF)– activetravel revenue;

                                   (iv)      ActiveTravel Fund(ATF) –active travelcapital;

                                     (v)      TeesValley CombinedAuthority Levellingup Fund(LUF);

                                   (vi)      Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) funding.;

                                  (vii)      Traffic Signs Obsolescence Grant (TSOG);

                                (viii)      Intelligent Traffic Management Fund (ITMF); and

                                    (ix)      any other relevant funding which is made available in 24/25.

(d)That the performancedata relatingto transportservices, as detailed in Appendix D of the submitted report, be noted.

REASONS - (a) To continue todeliver Darlington’s Transport Strategy asset out in the Darlington Transport Plan, Town Centre Transport Planand Parking Strategy 2022/30, which support the Tees ValleyStrategic Transport Plan (STP).

(b) To maximise the opportunities tomaintain highwaysassets for thebenefit ofall road users.

(c) To assist TVCA inthe deliveryof the CRSTS, LCWIP, BSIP, Network North and Plan for Drivers programmes and associated action plans, in line with Government guidance.