Asset Management Plan - Newcastle City Council

Goals, Objectives & Policies3.0 Goals, Objectives & Policies3.1 Objectives of Asset OwnershipThe Council as the Highway Authority has a duty to maintain the highway network ina condition to enable the safe passage of the travelling public. Much of the HighwayNetwork ownership has been handed down to the Council through historic routesand networks, although over time this has been augmented by acquisition throughnew developments or the introduction of new routes to facilitate the growth in traffic.While the basic duty of a Highway Authority relates to safe passage, Newcastle Cityhas upgraded the highway network over time such that it now provides a strongcontribution to the quality of life in the local neighbourhood and is vital for economicprosperity.3.2 National GoalsThe overarching national goals, set out in the government’s ten year Plan in 2000are:National Ten Year Plan TargetsTo halt the deterioration in the condition of local roads by 2004, and toeliminate the road maintenance backlog by the end of the 10-year Planperiod.• To reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured in Great Britainin road accidents.• To reduce road congestion on the inter-urban network and in large urbanareas in England below current levels by 2010.• To increase bus use whilst improving levels of punctuality and reliability.• To triple the number of cycling trips compared with the 2000 base3.3 Local ObjectivesThe overarching corporate objectives put on the highway network are set out in theTyne & Wear Local Transport Plan (LTP), the main objectives being:• Accessibility – improving access and enhancing opportunities to reach a fullrange of facilities and activities, especially those without access to a car andwith specific emphasis on people with mobility problems;• Economy – supporting economic growth, promoting regeneration andimproving prosperity;25