Monitoring programme
Introduction
In developing our approach to measuring progress we have adopted the following principles:
- Choosing indicators relevant to our and the public's priorities and objectives, consistent with LTP requirements;
- Making best use of the data available whilst ensuring it is reliable;
- Looking where possible at ‘outcomes’ rather than ‘outputs’ to measure what impact the LTP is having; and
- Making sure we monitor what action has taken place to understand why the observed changes have happened.
This chapter first introduces our approach to monitoring in more detail. It then outlines the process we have used to set our targets. A table then summarises all our targets and indicators and finally, we show how the selected targets contribute to our seven objectives. Appendix P provides much more detail on each target.
Alongside the mandatory indicators we have also selected several ‘supporting indicators’. Some of these have associated targets and some do not. However, they are all monitored for the context that they provide to other mandatory and local indicators.
Performance monitoring procedures
Many of the targets we have set depend on a number of partners, both internal and external, working with us. To ensure that these targets are met it is crucial that they are owned by all the partners. We have therefore consulted with partners, for example bus operators, when setting targets to make sure that they also feel the targets are realistic and that they are happy to work towards them.
A shortcoming of the monitoring process in LTP1 was that future targets and trajectories were not systematically reviewed and revised in the light of new data. For LTP2 we have developed more systematic and rigorous performance monitoring programmes. In particular, the targets relating to the work carried out by Bedfordshire Highways are scrutinised on a monthly basis and summary reports issued each quarter. Progress on Best Value Performance Indicators is reported to the County Council on a regular basis.
With regard to the works covered by Bedfordshire Highways, if it is noticed that a target is not on track, this is discussed with the Council to see if funding or performance can be reviewed in order to meet the shared targets.
Where responsibility for targets remains within the transport policy team and operation team at the Council they will be also monitored regularly. If we are not on-track a meeting will be convened to review the actions taken so far and to discuss how the strategy should be revised to get the target back on track. If it is decided that more resources are required this will be considered against progress on other targets and overall resource availability.
Where possible we will avoid resetting targets during the LTP period, but in some circumstances factors outside our control may cause targets to move off-track, in which case it may be necessary to revise them. If performance exceeds expectations new targets may be appropriate; in others revisions might be needed in the light of deteriorations in trends. In either case these will be reported in the Annual Progress Report and through discussion with the relevant stakeholders and bodies. To limit the risk of external factors resulting in a target not being met we have carried out a risk assessment on each, including considering how potential risks will be mitigated when setting targets.
Setting targets
To ensure that our targets are both realistic and challenging we have carried out detailed trajectory analysis before setting each one. Targets have been set after consideration of:
- Past trends in each indicator. In many cases past trends have been compared to past programmes or investment, in order to work out what returns for our investment is likely in the future.
- Schemes and initiatives that we and our partners are planning to implement and the likely effect of these on the indicator (see Chapter 5).
- Results of Public Involvement Exercises. While our public and stakeholder discussions revealed little in the way of specific indicators and targets to be included in the LTP, they did identify priority areas for action which are reflected in targets and indicators (see 'Local Views on Transport' section in Chapter 4).
- Our relationship with with our partners.
- Local socio-demographic forecasts.
- Predictions of job growth.
- An in-depth risk asssessment for each target, including an assessment of overall risk level.
- Benchmarking. Where possible we have compared our targets to those set by other authorities in their provisional LTP2. Where information was available the particular authorities we have chosen to compare ourselves to are Hertfordshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire. Worcestershire and Leicestershire. Like Bedfordshire, these authorities are all semi-rural, have medium sized urban areas and high car ownership. Where information was unavailable for these authorities we have compared ourself to other areas.
Appendix P presents the outcomes of this trajectory analysis for each target in detail.