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Executive (I)
Tuesday, 4th February, 2014

REPORT TO:84
DECISION NUMBER:PH/16/2014
EARLIEST DATE FOR DECISION:4th February 2014

BETTER BUS - ANPR BUS PRIORITY
Matter for Consideration:
The Procurement arrangements for the Better Bus Automated Numberplate Recognition Bus Priority system.
Information:
The Council has been successful in securing funding from the department of Transport through the Better Bus Area fund, for a scheme designed to provide intelligent traffic management facilities through the use of Bluetooth and Automated Numberplate Recognition scheme technology at a range of traffic signals along routes serving Blackpool Town Centre.

The main aims and objectives of the initiative are to:

• To grow the number of bus passenger visits to Blackpool Town Centre by improving the bus passenger travel experience by increasing reliability, ride quality and meeting special travel needs. The increased number of visits will increase footfall and Town Centre spend thus promoting economic regeneration during a time of austerity.


• Promote modal shift from car to bus, particularly among low-user social groups, reducing peak time traffic congestion, realising the economic benefits of free-flowing traffic, particularly in attracting inward investment.

• Contributing to poverty reduction by assisting job seekers to reach available job opportunities and generally improving work force mobility.

The scheme needs to be delivered by no later than 31st March 2014; otherwise the funding may be claimed back by the Department For Transport. To deliver the scheme, the Council needs to commission a rage of services and equipment.

Pell Frischmann

Project Management and Software Writing - £75,000
Timetable and Whitelist Database - £5,000

Motus

Supply of Equipment - £217,721
Services - £95,925
Installation of Equipment - £19,800

Procurement Considerations

During 2008/2009, the Council undertook a robust and compliant procurement process under the Competitive Dialogue Procedure for the appointment of a Contractor/ Partner to deliver the Streetlighting and Traffic Signals Private Finance Initiative (PFI). The Community Lighting Partnership (CLP) was awarded the contract and the Council has entered into a 25 year deal with CLP.

Pell Frischmann is an investor in the Private Finance Initiative, and is also a subcontractor appointed through Community Lighting Partnership responsible for design. Motus are a subcontractor appointed through Community Lighting Partnership and the procurement process, responsible for the installation and maintenance of Blackpool’s Traffic Signals infrastructure.

An analysis will be undertaken at a later stage to determine whether the equipment will be accrued into the Private Finance Initiative Maintenance.

Does the information submitted include any exempt information?NO
Legal Considerations:
Separate Contracts should be entered into with both Pell Frischmann and Motus. Pell Frischmann under the NEC Contract for Professional Services and Motus under a Supply and Installation Contract.
Personnel Considerations:
Responsibility for overseeing the system's operation will be delegated within the Transportation Division, primarily to the Principal Engineer (Traffic Management).
Financial Considerations:
If the Council does not deliver and implement the scheme, the funding from Department for Transport will be withdrawn.
Performance Management Considerations:
The system to be installed will yield highway performance data that has not been available previously, which will extend beyond its benefits for bus services. This data will be integrated with Transportation Division's existing data collection framework.
Risk Management Considerations:
The work has to have been delivered and implemented by the 31st March 2014, otherwise the Council will lose the funding. The delivery of the scheme through the Private Finance Initiative subcontractors is the most efficient method of delivery. To engage a third party could cause unnecessary delays, as they would have to liaise with the Private Finance Initiative in terms of installation. The on-going operation of the scheme also relies on technology utilised by the Private Finance Initiative.
Relevant Officer:
Peter Cross, Head of Transportation
Relevant Cabinet Member:
Councillor J. Jones
Consultation Undertaken:
A project board has been set-up where the scheme is discussed with relevant stakeholders.
Background Papers:
Is this a key decision?NO
Is the decision required in less than 5 days?NO
Recommendations:
That a dispensation from Contract Procedure Rules is granted and direct awards made to Pell Frischmann and Motus, who have both been through a compliant procurement exercise under the Streetlighting and Traffic Signals Private Finance Initiative (as detailed in Procurement Considerations).
Reasons for Recommendations:
The Procurement process and exemption is required to meet the Department for Transport’s timescales.
Is the recommendation contrary to a plan or strategy adopted or approved by the Council?NO
Is the recommendation in accordance with the Council’s approved Budget?YES
Other alternative options to be considered:
This scheme is entirely dependent upon Better Bus Area Fund DFT funding and cannot be funded from any other source.
Policy, Overview, and Scrutiny Committee Chairman (where appropriate)
Date Informed: N/A
Date Approved: N/A
DECLARATION(S) OF INTEREST (if applicable)
None
Decision:
The Cabinet Member agreed the recommendation as outlined above namely: That a dispensation from Contract Procedure Rules is granted and direct awards made to Pell Frischmann and Motus, who have both been through a compliant procurement exercise under the Streetlighting and Traffic Signals Private Finance Initiative (as detailed in Procurement Considerations).
Date:4th February 2014
Reason for Decision:
The Procurement process and exemption is required to meet the Department for Transport’s timescales.

Date of Publication:		4th February 2014


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