The Connect Event was delivered in partnership with representatives from Devon County Councils highways team including: Rob Richards, Ian James, Tom Vaughan, John Fewings, Carolyn Van Huysse, and Jon Boyd.  The session spotlighted four key initiatives:

1. Road Warden Scheme: Participants learned how this initiative allows councils to take charge of minor highway works, facilitating quick and efficient completion of essential tasks. The discussion revealed that some councils were unaware that road repair materials are available for free and were encouraged to reach out to confirm their participation.
2. Snow Warden Program: With winter approaching, the importance of this program was emphasised, particularly the role of volunteers in ensuring safer travel conditions during harsh weather. Attendees discussed the need to tailor the program to local resources and volunteer availability.
3. Self-Funded Delivery Scheme: This initiative encourages community-driven infrastructure improvements. Councils were advised to engage their Neighbourhood Highways Officer to initiate discussions. Concerns about financial risks were discussed, with reassurance provided through the scheme’s structured gateway reviews.
4. Parish Paths Partnership: This program encourages local stewardship of pathways to enhance connectivity. Challenges around volunteering were discussed, and councils were reminded to use available tools for reporting issues they cannot manage independently.

During the session participant took part in three polls, helping organisers gauge the level of awareness, engagement, and future interest in the schemes, with the following results.

Current Awareness

It was really encouraging to see how many councils were already aware of the majority if initiatives available.   Out of 45 participants, awareness was as follows:

• 91% aware of the Road Warden Scheme
• 75% aware of the Snow Warden Scheme
• 15% aware of the Self-Funded Delivery Scheme
• 67% aware of the Parish Paths Partnership

Current Engagement

It was also great to see how many were already engaged in those schemes already:

• 26% already active with Road Wardens
• 47% participating in Snow Warden Scheme
• 4% engaged in Self-Funded Delivery
• 47% Parish Paths partnerships

Future Interest

By the end of the session, 33 participants reflected if they would be interest in starting and/or continuing with the various initiatives.  And interest appeared to increase as a result of our session:

• 73% looking to engage in Road Warden Scheme
• 51% interested in the Snow Warden Scheme
• 42% wanting to explore Self-Funded Delivery
• 48% to engage with Parish Paths Partnership

Cara Stobart, DALC County Officer, expressed her gratitude to the participating councils, stating, “DALC recognises the significant challenges Devon County Council faces in delivering crucial highways services. We are truly appreciative of the openness shown by parish and town councils today in exploring collaborative opportunities with the DCC Highways Team. This event marks an important step towards proactive partnerships that will benefit our communities.”

For those who missed the event or wish to revisit the discussions, a recording of the session and a copy of the presentation are available.

Additionally, resources mentioned during the event can be accessed through the following links:

• Road Warden Scheme: Explains what the road warden scheme is, what types of works can be done, insurance cover, and more!

• Snow Warden Scheme: Explains the scheme, what snow wardens do, provides case studies, and more!

• Self-Funded Delivery Scheme: Read the cabinet report that enables communities to fund and deliver their own minor highway improvements.  Interested councils should discuss their ideas with their Neighbourhood Highways Officer.

• Parish Paths Partnership: Find out about annual grants to maintain local rights of way, as well as additional resources such as maps, inspections, maintenance, and more!

Thank you to all who attended and contributed to the productive discussions. DALC looks forward to its continues collaboration with councils and the Highways Team, to enhance the quality of life in our communities through innovative and collaborative highways management.

Upcoming highways themed Connect Events

We have a series of further Connect Events planned – all designed to continue building understanding and collaboration between councils and the highways team.

• Understanding road maintenance – 18 Oct, 1pm.
• An insight into roadworks – 5 Dec, 1pm.
• Highways investment unveiled – 6 Feb, 1pm.
• Highways and the planning system – 3 Apr, 1pm.

Register your free place today!

What are Connect Events?

‘Connect Events’ are one the many ways in which DALC supports its member councils.  The aims of the events are to connect councils to information, stakeholders, resources, as well as the wider network of councils in Devon, to help support councils to work effectively in their communities.

Connect Events cover a wide range of topics, usually with a focus on public services and policy, and fostering collaborative relationships with others. They are free to attend, normally held online, and open to councillors and officers.

Helpful Reminders

• All councils are encouraged to use online reporting tools to quickly and effective log issues on the ground with the Highways Team. This process issues a reference number and logged the matter with the appropriate sub-contractors to resolve.
• Outside of reporting tools, Council’s initial point of contact for all highways matters is via their Neighbourhood Highways Officer. If you do not know who that is, contact DALC for information.