Managing highways maintenance contracts effectively

We retain in-house technical expertise to independently assess maintenance interventions proposed by contractors.

We routinely analyse actual unit costs for core highways maintenance activities delivered under contract. This includes activities such as road surface treatments and pothole repairs. We compare this information against benchmarks and historic performance.

We use defined KPIs to monitor highways maintenance contracts. We actively monitor these KPIs to manage contract performance.

We support permanent repairs being completed on the first visit wherever it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Evidence summary

We retain in-house technical expertise to assess maintenance options and review contractor proposals, helping to ensure the most appropriate treatment is selected for each location.

Our engineers review materials and repair methods to confirm they meet required standards and provide the best long-term outcome for the highway network.

We monitor contractor performance through a range of key performance indicators (KPIs), including:

• programme delivery
• quality of completed works
• cost efficiency
• health and safety performance
• inspection and testing results
• use of recycled materials
• defects identified at handover

We also review and benchmark costs to support continuous improvement and help ensure highway maintenance and repairs are delivered efficiently and provide value for money.

More information about highways maintenance contracts

Around 80% of pothole repairs in Cumberland are carried out by our in-house highways teams, with the remaining 20% completed by specialist contractors using spray injection patching and thermal patching techniques.

Our focus is on delivering durable, right-first-time repairs rather than maximising the number of repairs completed. Contractors are not rewarded based on repair volumes.

Before any work is carried out, we assess each defect to ensure the most appropriate repair method is selected. We also carry out sample inspections to monitor workmanship and confirm repairs meet the required standards.

If repairs do not meet expectations or defects reoccur, contractors are required to complete remedial work at their own expense.

This approach helps us:

• maintain high repair standards
• achieve better value for money
• reduce the need for repeat visits
• support long-lasting repairs
• promote a permanent repair approach wherever appropriate