To scrutinise the assessment of requirements, how these are prioritised, MCC’s approach, etc.
Minutes:
Carl Touhig delivered a presentation and answered the members’ questions with Christopher Mitchell, Sueanne Sandford,Cabinet Member Catrin Maby, and Graham Kinsella:
Why is there no project plan for major roadworks, and could visibility of the various stages help to manage expectations and improve communication with residents and businesses?
Publishing a detailed programme of work can create unrealistic expectations because plans often change due to factors such as ecology checks or storm damage. However, there is a commitment to improve communication by sharing available plans for major works and engaging with communities earlier, while making clear that changes may occur.
Who is responsible for the A40 in Monmouth, particularly when traffic lights fail, and how should such incidents be handled?
Responsibility for the A40 lies with SWTRA, but some traffic lights may fall under MCC’s network. Both teams would respond to incidents, and the police should be the first point of contact for immediate safety. Further investigation can be carried out if specific details are provided.
Are there alternatives to temporary pothole repairs that could provide more permanent solutions and save money in the long term?
Temporary repairs are used for immediate safety and are cost-effective, but the team also undertakes patching and permanent repairs when possible. Materials are chosen for quick installation and minimal disruption, and engineering expertise is applied to incorporate permanent fixes into wider maintenance programmes.
What qualifies as a pothole, and could addressing smaller defects earlier help to prevent bigger issues?
Potholes and defects are categorised based on road hierarchy and defect size. The urgency and response depend on location and severity, with higher priority given to defects on main roads or in wheel tracks.
Is there an annual work plan for clearing drains, given that blocked drains can worsen potholes, especially in winter?
Drainage is handled reactively due to resource constraints, with no scheduled preventive maintenance. Blocked gullies are addressed when reported, and residents can help by clearing leaf litter from gully tops.
Is the budget split equally between roads and pavements, considering the extensive lengths of both?
The budget is not split equally. There is a long list of pavement works, but funding is capped. Pavement condition analysis is ongoing, and active travel funding is used where possible, particularly in targeted areas like Chepstow.
How can issues with unadopted highways and open manholes be resolved, given the difficulty in identifying ownership and ensuring safety?
Specific cases can be investigated if details are provided. The approach involves working with enforcement and legal teams to resolve ownership and address safety concerns. It is important to use the MyMon app or Council services to report issues, as this helps to prioritise and track repairs.
Is the increased weight of electric vehicles (300-500 kg heavier than combustion vehicles) being monitored for its impact on road conditions, and is there any research on this?
The issue is recognised, and monitoring is underway for technical notes and failures, particularly at junctions, as the situation evolves. Relevant findings will be shared as they become available. It is also noted that some roads lack modern foundations, which affects maintenance.
Does pothole monitoring and prioritisation take into account risks to cyclists, especially on rural roads, and should signage or other measures be considered for cyclist safety?
Inspectors are instructed to consider all road users, including cyclists, when assessing defects. Repairs are prioritised on routes heavily used by cyclists or for active travel. While signage is used in some cases, the preference is to fix hazards quickly rather than rely on signs.
How does the Council balance residents’ concerns about potholes and degraded roads with limited budgets and prioritisation of social care, and is this balance communicated effectively?
The issue reflects a long-term accumulation due to constrained public budgets and prioritisation of social services and education. Monmouthshire faces particular challenges as a rural county within a regional funding structure, alongside the impact of climate change and the need for significant infrastructure investment. Efforts are ongoing to raise these concerns with regional and national bodies, and cross-party understanding is emphasised.
At what point do recurring potholes in the same location trigger a permanent repair or further investigation?
When potholes are repeatedly reported through the official My Council Services system, the location is flagged for a more permanent fix. If both temporary and permanent repairs fail, further investigation is carried out to identify underlying issues. Reporting through the official system rather than by email ensures this process is followed.
How is public awareness being raised about the Highway Code changes giving pedestrians priority at junctions?
The guidance has changed to give pedestrians priority at junctions, but behaviour change is challenging. Welsh Government is consulting on introducing simple zebra crossings at minor junctions, which could be implemented in the future to reinforce pedestrian priority.
Could there be a review of how frequent problem locations on smaller rural roads—especially those with blocked drains, culverts, and ditches—are managed, given their impact on flooding and access?
Over the past two to three years, teams have improved pre-emptive action before heavy rain by clearing known problem culverts and drainage points. A list of about 100-120 such locations is maintained and can be shared with councillors to help prioritise. Some issues fall under landowner responsibility (riparian ownership), but the Council works with them to resolve problems where possible.– ACTION: to provide the list
Chair’s Summary:
The Chair and members thanked the officers present and wider team for their sterling work in dealing with the recent flooding. Thank you to the officers and Cabinet Member for the presentation and responses today. – ACTION: to provide the presentation to members