Revealed: Highways sector deal proposals handed to DfT

23/09/2020 | DOMINIC BROWNE

Proposals for a highways sector deal have been drawn up by the Highways Sector Council (HSC) and are currently being reviewed by the Department for Transport (DfT).

Highways understands the recommendations follow the six main themes, which the HSC focuses on – people and skills, innovation, safety, environment, value, investment and delivery models.

Areas that are likely to feature in the submission, which has not been released yet, include potential reforms to procurement in the wake of Brexit and how tender processes and delivery might be reshaped as a result.

The prospect of revisiting 'out of date' legislation has also been raised by those close to the HSC - including cornerstone laws such as the Highways Act 1980 and Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

Other issues could include reacting to new legislation, particularly around the environment, modal shifts towards more active travel and micromobility, the trialling of new technologies and a more circular economy including recycling optimisation.

The deal has been drawn up without extra funding requests; however a call for more stability and long-term funding horizons is also thought to be part of the submission, Highways understands.

Mark Stevens, chair of ADEPT's engineering board, said: 'There is no promise of additional money coming into the sector. Effectively the idea was that the HSC would map out what could be done essentially for no extra funding, but by utilising the skills of everyone working together on a cross-sector approach.'

Speaking at Meon's Build Back Better virtual conference this week, Mr Stevens said: 'When COVID-19 hit there was a real urgency. The deal came about because of collaboration, no holds barred, everyone thinking about what could be done differently, what can we really achieve if we have the right circumstances.'

Mr Stevens described some legislation in the sector, which dates back 30 or 40 years, as being 'out of date'.

The HSC is a cross-sector body with a membership that includes Highways England, the Local Government Association, ADEPT and the CIHT as well as Tier One suppliers.

It officially launched this year, however it had existed in shadow form before then and was asked by DfT to start preparing a sector deal in 2019.

The Department for Transport said it is working closely with the Highways Sector Council. A spokeswoman said the department had received the submission and was considering its proposals.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Director of Transport

£112,924
East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is on a bold journey. East Midlands Region
Recruiter: East Midlands Combined County Authority

Ferry Host - WMF3049i

£25,584 - £25,992
Ferry Host - WMF3049i Windermere, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Director of Streetscene

£94,972 - £108,767
We continue to have big ambitions for our borough Fareham, Hampshire
Recruiter: Fareham Borough Council

Principal Engineer - Urban Traffic Control (UTC)

£44,711 - £49,764
Liverpool is home to vibrant, energetic and engaged communities. Liverpool, Merseyside
Recruiter: Liverpool City Council

Roadworker/Driver

Grade 6 £25,183 - £25,638 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We’re looking for Roadworker/trainee LGV drivers to be part of our team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Chargehand (2 Posts)

Grade 9 £31,344 - £33,253 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We’re looking for experienced Project Chargehands to be part of the Highways Construction Services team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Lawyer 2- Planning and Highways

£49,764 - £54,181
We are looking for a fresh thinking and enthusiastic Planning and Highways Lawyer Hereford, Herefordshire
Recruiter: Herefordshire Council

Development Engineer

£35,967 - £41,268 per annum
Are you ready to play a key role in shaping and safeguarding the future of our highways and public spaces? Bexley (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Bexley

Professional Services Partnering Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Professional Services Partnering Manager to lead the strategic management Darley Dale, Matlock
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Technical Supervision Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are looking for an experienced and driven Technical Supervision Manager to lead our technical supervision teams within the Highways Service. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Street Lighting Electrician (CDC)

Grade 8, £32,662 - £36,239 (pay award pending)
Highways Operations is a growing service area within the Place directorate. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Highways Assistant Engineer WMF2133e

£39,513 to £40,476
We have an exciting opportunity for the right person to work within the challenging and ever-changing landscape. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highways Inspector/NRSWA

£36,345 - £40,344
We are looking for an organised and self-motivated individual to join our Streetworks Team based in Hackney Central. Hackney, London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Hackney Council

Structures Commissioner

Grade 14 £53,166 - £59,080 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as the Structures Commissioner. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Team Leader Network Co-ordination

£51,429 - £58,140
As Team Leader for Network Coordination, you’ll manage a team that oversees all works and events on our public highways. Kensington and Chelsea, London (Greater)
Recruiter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recruiter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recruiter: Hull City Council

Principal Transport Planner

£45,718 to £49,764
Do you have considerable experience in the transport strategy and policy, and are you looking for your next career development opportunity? Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: Sheffield City Council

Project Lead - Bridges and Structures WMF3037e

£45,718 to £46,731
We are currently seeking to recruit a Project Lead to join our Bridges and Structures team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW