Cornwall Council has been ranked fourth out of 37 local authorities in an independent review of highway service value for money, although the assessment also highlighted a £24 million gap between current road surface treatment spending and the level considered necessary to maintain the network.
The review, carried out by the Future Highways Research Group (FHRG) and considered by the council’s sustainable growth scrutiny committee, recognised strong performance in road condition and service delivery, alongside a 45 per cent reduction in carbon emissions since 2019.
The findings praised the partnership between Cornwall Council and its arm’s-length highways company, Cormac, highlighting its “one team” approach to governance and positive engagement with town and parish councils.
However, the review also identified opportunities to improve public perception and satisfaction with the highways service. A new Cornwall Highways website is being launched to provide information on planned roadworks and updates on progress.
Discussion at the committee meeting focused on the long-term funding needed to sustain the network’s condition.
Councillor Mark Gibbons, representing Looe East and Deviock, asked about the investment required to maintain the council’s current position.
Cormac business director Andy James said around £20 million was currently spent on road surface treatments each year, compared with £44 million identified as necessary by an independent assessment of the treatment programme.
The resulting £24 million difference highlights the challenge of maintaining the network’s condition over the longer term.
Drainage was another key area of concern, with councillors highlighting feedback from parish councils about the condition of drainage assets and the potential for problems during the winter months.
Mr James said keeping water away from the highway was fundamental to protecting the network. Cornwall has around 90,000 gullies and drains, which are mapped and maintained according to a planned schedule, with higher-risk locations checked more frequently.
Cormac also monitors weather forecasts and identifies flood hotspots across the county so that preventative action can be taken ahead of adverse weather.
The maintenance of rural roads and ditches was highlighted as a particular challenge, with Mr James explaining that work traditionally carried out three or four times a year is now undertaken annually.
He warned that reduced maintenance could allow water to remain on carriageways for longer, accelerating deterioration and increasing the risk of damage.
Councillor Gibbons said maintaining the rural network proactively would be important to avoid higher costs in the future, arguing that investment in preventative maintenance should form part of the council’s approach.
The review therefore presents a mixed but constructive picture for Cornwall’s highways service: strong performance in several areas, alongside a need to address the maintenance funding gap, drainage and the long-term sustainability of rural roads.
(Picture Cornwall Council)
