Shropshire people asked for views on county’s highways and transport services

Shropshire residents are being asked for their views on the county’s highways and transport services – from the condition of roads and footpaths to the quality of cycling facilities.

Their answers will be compared with the views of other members of the public across England and Scotland, thanks to the National Highways and Transport Public Satisfaction survey.

Shropshire Council is one of 106 councils to sign up to the standardised survey that will ask members of the public exactly the same questions, whether they live in Somerset, Suffolk or Shropshire.

The survey, which is being run for the ninth year is the largest collaboration between councils, offering the opportunity to compare results, share in best practice and identify further opportunities to work together in the future.

The questionnaire will be sent to a minimum random sample of at least 3300 of Shropshire’s residents from Monday 27 June 2106, followed by a reminder, with local and national results to be published in mid-October 2016. Since the survey is based on a sample, residents that receive a copy are being urged to take part.

Residents that receive the questionnaire can complete the survey on line if they prefer. A short URL link will be printed on the front of the questionnaire and they will be required to enter a code before completing the questionnaire.

The results will enable Shropshire Council to find out what people in the county think about these important services.

Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways and transport, said:

“This survey will tell us what people think of the highways and transport services that Shropshire Council provides, but also enable us to compare the Shropshire findings with those from other parts of the country.

“If anyone receives a copy of the survey, I encourage them to complete it.

“The survey findings will help us to better understand our customers’ views, and deliver the best possible outcomes for local residents, as well as helping to identify areas of best practice and spot national, regional and local trends.”

Further information

1. Shropshire Council is one of 106 councils taking part in 2016.
2. Participation enables Shropshire Council to demonstrate a transparent and responsive process for reviewing and responding to levels of public satisfaction with the highway and transport service.
3. Our ability to demonstrate this process forms part of the DfT’s incentivised funding assessment for additional highways funding.
4. In 2015, 898 questionnaires were completed in Shropshire giving a response rate of 27%. This was the fifth highest response rate out of the 100 authorities taking part.
5. In 2015, Shropshire was ranked 61st for overall satisfaction with local highways and transport.
6. The survey assesses performance against a number of indicators which are grouped into the following themes: accessibility; public transport; walking and cycling; tackling congestion; road safety, and highway maintenance and enforcement.
7. Compared to a peer group of 29 comparable authorities, Shropshire Council is ranked highest for satisfaction for the following benchmark indicators:
   a. The condition of pavements
   b. The cleanliness of pavements
   c. Direction sign posts for pedestrians
   d. Good park and ride schemes
   e. The routes taken by heavy goods vehicles
   f. Keeping drains clear and working
   g. Weed killing on pavements and roads
   h. Provision of drains