Simon Fox, Assistant Director for Highways and Infrastructure, introduced a report from the Director of Neighbourhood Servicesto approve and adopt the 2020 Highway Infrastructure Asset Management Policy (HIAMP), 2020 Highway Infrastructure Asset Management Strategy (HIAMS) and 2020-2025 Street Lighting Policy.

The HIAMP and HIAMS represented no change in direction from those approved by the Cabinet Member in February 2020 but were reviewed and updated to align more closely with the Wirral Plan 2025, specifically the themes for ‘Safe and Pleasant Communities’ and ‘Sustainable Environment’. The 2020-2025 Street Lighting Policy outlined the positive effect street lighting had on the ambiance of a place and its reputation, and the role it plays in reducing crime and fear of crime. The Policy stated that lighting equipment provided should be suitable for fulfilling the lighting needs in each specific area, illuminating it in the most effective manner.

Members queried the luminosity of the streetlights, when the full LED replacement would be completed, whether areas with older residents could be prioritised, and whether the streetlight map displayed all the streetlights accurately. Simon Fox confirmed a Public Consultation was being carried out to understand residents attitudes with regards to luminosity and backlighting and stated that the contractual finish date for the LED project was Autumn 2021 but additional works may result in a legitimate extension to early 2022.  It was noted that streetlights across the whole borough were being replaced and that the contractor had been given the ability to determine where resources were best placed to ensure value for money, but that demographics were always considered and could be looked at again. It was agreed that specific cases where the new streetlight map may not locate all the streetlights could be investigated and that Councillors would be liaised with regarding any planned changes to columns.

On a motion by the Chair, seconded by Councillor Chris Cooke, it was -

Resolved: That

(1)   the report be noted and the authority’s approach to the Highway Infrastructure Asset Management be endorsed.

(2)   the draft Wirral 2020 HIAMP, 2020 HIAMS and 2020-2025 Street Lighting Policy be approved and the Director of Neighbourhood Services be authorised to make any further amendments that the Director considers will correct errors and omissions or will otherwise aid in the operation of the policy in consultation with the Chair and Spokespersons of the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee.