A report informing the Committee of the Department for Transport Traffic Signal Obsolescence Grant Award to replace ageing and obsolete traffic signals during 2024/25 and 2025/26 and seeking approval for the delivery of the Award.

The Committee considered a report that provided an update on the Department for Transport’s Traffic Signals Obsolescence Grant (TSOG) award of circa £561k to the Council to replace aging and obsolete traffic signals in the town during 2024/25 and 2025/26. The report also sought scheme and spend approval to implement the scheme.

The report stated that there were 160 traffic signal sites within the Borough and that it was recognised the Council had an aging traffic signal asset portfolio that was nearing the end of its maintenance life. Approximately 60% of the Council’s traffic signal assets needed to be modernised and replaced and many traffic signals in the Borough had become obsolete, which meant that it was becoming increasingly difficult to source and secure replacement parts. Furthermore, older assets were more prone to faults and breaking down which had a detrimental impact on pedestrian access and traffic flows. In turn, these caused unnecessary delays and contributed to congestion and higher pollution levels. Additionally, older assets using halogen type lamps were significantly less energy efficient compared to modern LED equivalents and so cost more to run.

In 2021 the Council had commissioned an asset condition survey to identify the current condition of its traffic signal assets. The survey assessment accurately recorded the locations of assets, inventoried the type of equipment in place at each location and identified and prioritised those assets that most needed to be replaced. The outcome of the condition assessment had identified a backlog of aging and obsolete traffic signal assets valued at that point in time at approximately £7.2m.

The report explained that funding was required to reduce the backlog of aging and obsolete equipment and to bring the town’s traffic signal assets up to current standards. In November 2023 the DfT had announced £70m worth of funding to Local Transport Authorities for the period covering 2024/25 to 2025/26 of which £30m was allocated to the TSOG. The Council had made a successful bid for money from the TSOG fund and had been awarded a total of £561,230.58.

The report listed 12 pedestrian crossing sites had been selected for replacement and modernisation using the TSOG funds. The 12 sites were those that had been identified as having had the most faults and failures requiring the most reactive maintenance and so were the most in need of replacement. The report explained that designs for all 12 sites had already been completed and, should the Committee grant scheme approval, the necessary purchase orders would be raised and the works programmed to commence in January 2025 with an expected six month delivery programme.

The report also explained that there had been additional funding allocated from various other capital grant schemes that would see traffic signal assets upgraded and replaced at other sites and locations throughout the town. The various capital schemes, sites and projects were set out in the report and, in addition to the schemes funded by the TSOG, these would further assist the Council to reduce the catalogue of obsolete traffic signal assets, have a positive impact on traffic flows and help to reduce congestion and pollution. The report stated that the Council would also continue to actively bid for appropriate external funding to improve the condition of all traffic services assets.

Resolved –

(1)           That the Department for Transport’s Capital Traffic Signal Obsolescence Grant award of £561k over 2-financial years 2024/25 & 2025/26 be noted;

(2)           That scheme and spend approval for the Department of Transport’s Capital Traffic Signal Obsolescence Grant award 2024/25 & 2025/26 be granted.