Issue - meetings

To provide an update following the conclusion of the public consultation and present the final draft of the strategy for adoption.

(a)       That the Committee note the portfolio’s performance against the current standards and policy.

(b)       That the Committee note the revised Street Lighting policy

(c)       That the changes agreed with Officers would be put to Cabinet

The Highway Network Manager introduced Darrell Jones, the Operational Area Manager (North & Street Lighting). The report provided information on the periodic review of the Policy in line with changes in demand.

The Operational Area Manager provided an overview on the Streetlighting, Traffic Signals and Associated Equipment Policy and Specifications   This was an update from the previous agreed policy and related to adopting the highway network and infrastructure for the Council.  Information was provided on the policy, equipment installation and standards which included street lighting, traffic signals and signs and other external items such as EV chargers and defibrillators which had not previously been included. The Policy and Specifications now included all relevant standards.

Councillor Mike Peers raised a number of questions :-

In response to the Vehicle Activated Signs question the Operational Area Manager confirmed that the 30 mph signs were currently switched off and had been covered. They were being maintained electrically and structurally but were not in use.

In response to the column and lighting assets question the Operational Area Manager reported on the lifespan of the variety of infrastructure which existed in the county.  A project replacing the lanterns was undertaken a number of years ago but the issues now were with the infrastructure and columns. Information was provided on the work of the external company undertaking a rolling programme of inspections together with an explanation of the traffic signals site visits which were undertaken every year because of their shorter lifespan.

In response to the question on Night Inspections it was agreed there was an error in the document and it was agreed to correct this. These were carried out every 28 days during the summer months and 14 days during the winter months.  In response to the question by Councillor Peers for a criteria to be included in the Policy, the Operational Area Manager explained that the10 day period was for inspection of the Streetscene sites with the aim for these to be undertaken as quickly as possible.  In some instances such as DNO (Direct Network Operator)(Scottish Power) if it was identified as a mains fault, then the information would be passed to Scottish Power who defaulted to the OFGEM Regulations with regard to the repair of that light. This was published on the Council’s website and Infonet.

With regard to the part night lighting question the Operational Area Manager explained that this had been trialled on numerous occasions in areas within Flintshire and was still being undertaken in some areas. Consultations and assessments had been carried out with local members, emergency services and local groups and an outline was provided of the savings which could be achieved and areas which could be considered for part night lighting.   

In response to the Dimming question the Operational Area Manager explained that this was covered under the previous policy to dim all lanterns by 30%, this excluded the vulnerable areas and CCTV areas. This provided the savings during the darker hours when less vehicle traffic and footfall  ...  view the full minutes text for item 63