Questions have been raised about local consultation and significant changes to the programme of Europe’s largest highways PFI project in Birmingham.
Cllr Jerry Evans, chair of Birmingham City Council’s transport committee, said ‘lessons must be learned’, and described the issue of timely consultation as ‘irritating’.
He told Surveyor new plans included the removal of roads not originally cited in previous documentation, and called for the contractor, Amey, to reappear before the committee next month to explain itself.
Cllr Evans said: ‘The revised second year programme is radically different from what was presented previously, and includes roads disappearing entirely.
‘The indicative programme, after the next 12 months, is entirely different. Don’t get me wrong, we are pleased with the work Amey is doing – and the improvements to the road network are much needed – but lessons must be learned.’
Cllr Evans said the need to communicate clearly plans for the future was crucial to cabinet members and the local authority.
‘We have to ensure there is not miscommunication with residents about proposals, as this would not go down well,’ he added.
But Eddie Fellows, Amey network manager, explained why changes had occurred to the plans. He said: ‘Year one is our firm plan of work for the next 12 months, subject to consultation. The following four years were indicative, based on information gathered at the start of the contract.
‘Our most recent condition survey showed a marked improvement in the general condition of the network, as a result of our additional investment and the programmed surfacing work already carried out following the severe winter. We have, therefore, altered the plan of works to reflect this.’
The committee’s concern about resident consultation referred specially to dropped kerbs.
Cllr Evans said: ‘When Amey does work in a road, it is meant to offer residents dropped kerbs at discount prices. It would help to have more than one week’s notice, especially when planning permission is needed.’
‘But it is important to say it has got better – and the issue has now been resolved.’
Mr Fellows said: ‘Last year’s consultation was the biggest highways consultation ever undertaken in Birmingham.
‘We will be working with the city council to implement the recommendations of the scrutiny report.’
