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The National Traffic Control Centre collects real-time information on road conditions.
The Project Control Framework
On 1st April 2008 we launched the Project Control Framework. The Framework sets out how we, together with the Department for Transport, manage and deliver major improvement projects.
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Helpful ways to access the latest traffic information when you need it.
The Strategy
Introduction
1.1 Route Management Strategies (RMS) are being developed by the Highways Agency, with their consultants, to provide a framework for the management of trunk routes within the context of wider transport networks. The strategies are focused on making best use of existing infrastructure through an analysis of problems, issues, functions and objectives and identifying how the route can be managed, maintained and, if required, improved over the next ten years.
1.2 This Route Management Strategy covers the M66, A56 and M65 in East Lancashire and is being produced by Parkman Ltd. The RMS has been partly funded by Lancashire County Council, which currently manages and operates the M65 between Junctions 10 and 14. Following detrunking, the Council will also operate the M65 between Junctions 8 and 10.
1.3 The map below shows the network covered by this RMS (click on the map to view a larger version).
2. The Purpose of the Route Management Strategy
2.1 The purpose in developing the Strategy is to:
- Assist the Highways Agency to improve its planning and optimisation of investment.
- Achieve consistency, transparency and openness and be integrated with other transport and land use policies and programmes.
- Enable the Highways Agency to provide an input into these policies and programmes.
- Maximise customer focus.
- Improve forward planning over a 10-year horizon.
2.2 Route Management Strategies embrace the five government policy objectives for transport:
- To protect and enhance the built and natural environment;
- To improve safety for all travellers;
- To contribute to an efficient economy and to support sustainable economic growth in appropriate locations;
- To promote accessibility to everyday facilities for all, especially those without a car; and
- To promote the integration of all forms of transport and land use planning, leading to a better, more efficient transport system.
2.3 The strategy development supports the Highways Agency's Strategic Aim "to contribute to sustainable development by maintaining, operating and improving the trunk road network in support of the Government's integrated transport and land-use planning policies".
2.4 The strategy will also take account of the eight Key Objectives for the Highways Agency:
- To give priority to maintenance whilst minimising whole life costs.
- To develop its role as a network operator.
- To reduce congestion and improve journey time reliability.
- To carry out the targeted investment programme.
- To minimise the environmental impact of the trunk road network.
- To improve safety for all road users and contribute to the Government's new safety strategy and targets for 2010.
- To work in partnerships that promote choice and information for travellers.
- To be a good employer, managing the Agency's business efficiently and effectively, seeking continuous improvement.
2.5 The HA Strategic Aim and Key Objectives are presented through eight strategic plans:
- Operate
- Maintain
- Improve
- Safety
- Environment
- Economy
- Accessibility
- Integration
3. The Route Management Strategy Process
3.1 The development of this Route Management Strategy is guided by the following process:
- Press Announcement
- Collate of data and reports
- Obtain HA Strategic Plans and HA Network Strategy
- Establish status of local and regional transport and land-use policies
- Prepare Route Performance Frameworks
- Agree initial/draft Route Management Strategy
- Prepare and hold RMS seminar
- Prepare and hold Strategy Development (Value Management) Workshop
- Review recommendations of workshop and report
- Carry out potential action studies
- Refine Draft Route Management Strategy
- Prepare and hold Strategy Confirmation (Value Management) Workshop
- Finalise draft Route Management Strategy and Draft Management Plan
- Prepare and hold public consultation
- Finalise and publish Route Management Strategy
- Regular Review
3.2 The final Route Management Strategy contains the following information:
- Route Functions
- Route Objectives
- Route Problems and Issues
- Prioritised Route Actions
- Route Management Plan
- Performance Frameworks
