Agenda item

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 was undertaken.

 

            The Operational Area Manager confirmed that the Policy would be changed to show that Ward Members would be consulted when any works were being undertaken in their wards.

 

            In response to the Integrated Impact Assessment question The Highway Network Manager confirmed that as this policy revision was a Strategic report Officers were required to undertake an Integrated Impact Assessment and he outlined what this entailed. The Operational Area Manager clarified that the Policy and Specifications were not solely for street lighting but also covered traffic signals, electrical infrastructure, CCTV and items in and over the highway. The Highway Network Manager confirmed that the title would be extended to cover the other areas which were covered.

 

In summing up the questions from Councillor Peers the Highway Network Manager confirmed that they would be more specific with regard to the Policy name across the documents, night inspections would be amended to correctly reflect the 14 day and 28 day distinction, part night lighting and dimming would be split within the Policy and point 5.9 will be amended state will consult with interested parties and include the criteria for part night lighting within the Policy.

 

In response to questions from Councillor Dan Rose the Operational Area Manager said following earlier discussions the criteria would be attached to the policy t to cover dimming, part night lighting and trimming.

 

In response to visually impaired point it was confirmed that a large number of organisations were consulted on larger schemes, such as the Holywell Town Council Scheme. Calls were also received by the service from people wanting and enhanced or reduced level of lighting and he explained what measures were undertaken.

 

Referring to the 3,000 and 4,000 bulbs point the Operational Area Manager explained that 3,000 to 4,000 were used in Sites of special scientific interest  (SSSI).  It was explained that 95% of the current infrastructure was set at 4,000 which was the old standard when the LEDs were replaced 8 years ago and was still low on the scale when referring to illumination and output.

 

Councillor Rose sought clarification that 4,000k were put in because it was slightly less energy and for carbon saving but ignoring nocturnal animals for those areas as badgers exist in urban areas. He felt the carbon footprint was important but not at the expense of biodiversity and he wanted this to be included in the criteria   In response the Operational Area Manager explained the lanterns, apart from the heritage lanterns, had zero upward waste light with nothing going out from the target zone. He explained how the LEDs were raised within the body of the lantern and had even less waste light. The lanterns could be positioned to where they were needed and manipulated away from hedgerows. It was also explained that a 360 shielding arrangement could be applied to the lanterns which reduced the light spillage even further to just target the area. These were used when applications were received from residents who said the lights were too bright or shining into properties. The Operational Area Manager then referred to the 4,000 k lights saying that these were already installed and would have a lifespan. It was not possible to mix lanterns with 3,000 to 4,000 as this would affect people with visual impairment. He explained that even if a 4,000 light were installed it could be rated at 3,800.  The infrastructure governed where the columns were placed and he outlined the balance between meeting the regulations with regard to light spill, the current infrastructure, the age of the equipment and duties with regard to biodiversity and the environment.

 

In response to a question from Councillor Bernie Attridge on the adoption of lights from Town & Community Councils, the Operational Area Manager confirmed that this was included within the specification and criteria within this policy. The principle was the same for Town and Community Councils and Developers.

 

In response to the question of the costs involved for Town & Community Councils requesting Flintshire to adopt the lighting, the Operational Area Manager outlined the processes and assistance that Flintshire had provided over the last 8 years. It was explained that the costs were not within the policy as they were covered under Fees and Charges and the Highway Network Manager agreed to include these in the Fees and Charges Review.  It was explained that this policy document would be used across North Wales to ensure cost savings for the procurement of brackets, columns etc.

 

With regard to the Vehicle Activated  Signs (VAS)  point the Operational Area Manager commented that he would have to consult colleagues and agreed to ask the Highway Network Manager to provide an update to committee.

 

With regard to Mayrise question it was confirmed that this was developed in  the 1990s with streetlighting the first service to use it. There were issues with this system when trying to report faults on the system and he agreed to speak to the Contact Centre with regard to this.

 

With regard to the point of speeding up Scottish Power faults it was confirmed that they worked to the Ofgem National Standards which they had to adhere to. If they were outside of those Standards then they had to apply for an exemption and provide explanation of the reasons for the delay and they were also fined.

 

With regard to dangerous road signs it was confirmed that when a report was received the team would attend immediately to ensure it was made safe. The repair works would then be programmed into their work schedule. The speed would depend on the actual sign and its location.

 

Councillor Alasdair Ibbotson raised a number of questions which the Operational Area Manager responded to. 

 

In response the night-time inspections point it was confirmed that here had been no change. As previously discussed, it would be clarified within the policy with regard to the 14 and 28 day in the summer and winter months.

 

With regard to the response time standards point the Operational Area Manager was not aware of any changes but was aware of the review being undertaken with regard to the service standards. The Highway Network Manager explained that the review was part of the forward work programme looking to be clearer on the standards within policies but he would not expect Streetscene standards to erode policy standards.

 

Referring to the response time question the Operational Area Manager confirmed that it would progress with the fastest response time which could be taken. The faults were not always repaired instantly but the team would attend, make safe and then the 10 day timeframe would be included to repair the fault.

 

Councillor Allan Marshall commented that this was a large document and asked if he could forward any comments to the Operational Area Manager following the meeting. He asked the following questions :-

 

In response to the timing and switching of photocells question the Operational Area Manager commented that this was dependent upon whose assets it was but the majority of Flintshire’s assets were photocells. The issue of pole brackets was a huge problem as well as the porcelain fuses which were no longer accepted under the regulations.  Scottish Power had to be involved in the transfer of service and Flintshire could do everything else. This also applied to columns but Flintshire owned more so were able to undertake more of the repairs.  

 

In response to the night-time inspections in rural areas point the Operational Area Manager agreed with the comments made but said that these could not be inspected during the day as they were off. He commented that the Area Electricians would be able to locate and inspect the lighting within their area.

 

            In response to the errors in the policy with regard to  names and job titles the Operational Area Manager agreed to look at these.

 

In response to the increasing number of faults at point 1.06  the Operational Area Manager reported that it was not just the street lighting fault but the entire infrastructure which included signs, cabling, photocells, porcelain fuses which encompassed what was maintained on the aging infrastructure. It was noted that lighting failure can also be reported via my account.

 

In response to the point on the replaced LED lighting and cost reduction in energy the Operational Area Manager confirmed that once the light was changed the power supplier should have been contacted. If they were changed during maintenance then he would have to speak to his colleague Jamie Bennett. This would change on Mayrise if the asset was included and an invoice should have been sent to the Community Council.  He agreed to look into this.

 

In response to the adoption and non-compliance question from Councillor Chris Bithell the Operational Area Manager commented that this was why the detailed specification was included in this policy. This related to everyone including developers and outlined the clear understanding of what was expected and the timeframes for carrying out the installations.

 

In response to the Section 38 point raised the Operational Area Manager would have to refer to his Highway Development Control colleagues. Bonds were still required and he agreed to come back with a more detailed response.

 

The Chair referred to the term DNO for example and asked if something could be included to outline what these abbreviations referred to. The Operational Area Manager agreed to include this in the policy.  With regard to Section 38 which was covered under the Highways Act 1980 he confirmed that links had been included to this Act or Standards at the beginning of the paragraph.

 

Councillor David Coggins Cogan asked a number of questions which were answered by the Operational Area Manager.

 

In response to the question the Trunk Road Agency costs it was reported that this related to the previous policy and that there was no costs burden for Flintshire.

 

In response to the question on the capital budget for replacing street columns  the Highway Network Manager confirmed that there was no dedicated capital programme for streetlighting columns and that this was included in the Highways Asset Management Plan. Carriageways was a priority with £1.5m received in capital which was allocated to get the most benefit from that available money.  This was not enough to maintain a steady state which was estimated at £3.2m per year. Inflation was included and he reported that around £150,000 per year was being allocated to column replacements.  He referred to the Highways Inspection Review which would look at risk assessments for the highway network and presenting some of the risks and challenges as part of that review.

 

In response to the question on the trimming and dimming the Operational Area Manager explained that trimming referred to the reduction in the switching time for when the photocell came on.  He then outlined the two standards which were used for dimming depending on the location.

 

Councillor Mike Peers proposed that recommendation 1 was accepted but that recommendation 2 was amended to “that the Committee noted the revised Street Lighting Policy.”

 

He then proposed a Recommendation 3 “that the Street Lighting Policy as presented was to be revised as agreed by Officers and brought back to Committee for approval.”

   

Councillor Mike Peers moved the recommendations in the report and this was seconded by Councillor David Coggins Cogan.

 

RESOLVED:

 

(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; and

 

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