A revised plan on the inspection, repair and management of roads has been agreed by South Ayrshire Council and is set to bring a number of benefits for road users and pedestrians alike.
Driven by a national framework "Well Maintained Highways, Code of Practice," endorsed by the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), the Council has adopted a number of points for improvement in the identification, prioritisation and repair of roads.
In addition, a training programme for employees and an information leaflet for customers will be provided as part of the new process.
The new regime has been developed on a risk assessment basis and provides a practical approach to the risks and potential consequences of road defects including pedestrians, motorists and cyclists and, in particular, those most vulnerable.
Councillor Peter Convery Portfolio Holder for Sustainability and the Environment explained: "The Council has a duty to maintain the road network and to improve road safety.
"The new plan will help balance those legal responsibilities with those of road users who are required to drive in a safe manner, and at a safe speed taking into account such matters as the nature of the road, the weather conditions, and the traffic conditions.
"The plan sets out the frequency of road inspections, ranging from monthly for main or secondary roads, to three monthly for smaller link roads, often single file.
"In addition, we will be inspecting footpaths and walkways in a similar way, with main footpaths inspected at least once a month, secondary walking routes three monthly and low use footways at least annually."
A further benefit of adopting the plan on a risk assessment basis is that defects can now be more readily assessed according to four specific categories.
Category 1 covers serious defects which will receive immediate priority as they represent greatest risk to safety and, where possible, these will be made safe at the time of inspection, or within 2 hours. Permanent repairs will be carried out within 24 hours.
Category 2 repairs cover defects that require prompt attention because they represent a hazard may cause structural deterioration in the short term and will be repaired within five days.
Listed under category 3 are defects that require attention but are not deemed as urgent and should be repaired within 20 working days.
Category 4 repairs are non urgent and will be added to the scheduled list of works and will be repaired as part of the routine road maintenance programme.
Councillor Convery continued: "The priority for repairs in each category is calculated on a matrix that balances the severity of the defect against the risk it presents to the public and will allow us to deal with defects and repairs on our roads and footways effectively and on a priority basis."
Councillor Convery concluded: "I welcome the adoption of this new plan and am confident will deliver positive results for road and footpath users in South Ayrshire."