4.0 Appendix

Funding Considerations

4.1 The use of special materials will result in an increase in cost over that of purely functional specifications although it is frequently the case that the use of higher quality, flexible materials attract a lower order of maintenance costs over time.

4.2 Where maintenance work is necessary the incorporation of special materials as part of the scheme cost will be the norm in Special Areas. Highway maintenance works in Special Areas should be carried out with materials and to standards which are appropriate to the context of the area.

4.3 Other factors such as improvements, development, declaration of special status, urban regeneration etc, will sometimes trigger highway works and advantage should be taken of all these activities to fund environmental enhancement.

4.4 There will be opportunities for promoting traffic calming measures in association with highway maintenance works. The opportunities for linking proper maintenance with highways environmental enhancement should not be lost.

4.5 One of the main problems with these diverse activities will be programme co- ordination and availability of funding in the same financial year. Every effort must therefore be made to liaise with other bodies at a very early stage of the proposed activity.

4.6 A report to P & T Committee on 24 March 1975 was entitled "The Highways Element of District Council Activities". Paragraph 2.2 of the report reads:-

"2.2 Landscaping or other Special Environmental Treatment.

When road construction or improvements are carried out the standard of landscaping or provision of environmental treatment above the purely functional requirements of a road e.g. special kerbing, or facing on bridges, should be that appropriate to the environment through which the road runs and as such should be the responsibility of the County Council as Highway Authority"

4.7 Meanwhile, every opportunity will be explored for securing funding from other private and public sources.