Efforts to encourage local highway authorities to embrace the principles of good asset management have been given a boost with launch of the Highways Maintenance Efficiency Programme (HMEP) e-learning toolkit.

 

The free to use online resource has been designed to give highway practitioners the skills they need to manage services more efficiently and help them better make the case for highway maintenance funding. Practitioners who complete the training will gain a certificate for their CPD record from CIHT. To access the toolkit click here.

 

“Many local highway authorities have embraced asset management, but the awareness of this approach is often limited to a few people within an organisation,” said HMEP advocate Matthew Lugg. “This toolkit has been designed to help embed an asset management culture for everyone involved in delivering the highway maintenance service.”

 

HMEP manager at the Department for Transport Haydn Davies added: “It is absolutely crucial that all local highway authorities have the skills to carry out asset management for highways. Things have got better, but we are still not quite where we need to be across all of the 153 authorities.”

 

CIHT’s director of education and membership Sue Stevens said: “Asset management is at the heart of providing the transport networks that people need. With challenging local authority budgets it is important that those involved in highway maintenance understand how to achieve greater savings and efficiencies. CIHT is happy to endorse the on-line course as suitable CPD for members.”

 

Also this week the Department for Transport has welcomed an “overwhelming response” to a consultation on reviewing guidance contained within the UK Roads Liaison Group’s codes of practice. More than 600 comments have been received from those involved in highways, structures and lighting as well as professional institutions, user groups and specialists with risk, legal and insurance backgrounds.

 

Currently there are three codes of practice covering highways, structures and lighting. Following completion of the review there will be one single code that covers all three asset types.

 

Department for Transport’s head of highways maintenance and code of practice steering group member Steve Berry OBE said: “The Department for Transport and UK Roads Liaison Group would like to thank all those who have contributed to the process so far. The feedback received has indicated a strong support for this review and the fundamental principles of the revised code.

 

“All comments received will be considered and where appropriate amendments will be made. A number of key issues have been identified from the consultation and the Department for Transport and steering group are now responding actively to this feedback.”

 

From the comments received one of the most significant issues identified was how to implement a ‘risk based’ approach in a highway authority context. The Department for Transport has agreed that additional guidance will be developed to support practitioners in this area. Therefore it has been agreed by the steering group that the revised release date of the new code will be summer 2016 to accommodate the further work required.

 

(Photo: Department for Transport)