Climate and environmental factors, such as heavy rainfall, prolonged heat, and freeze-thaw cycles, are integral to effective highways asset management, as they influence asset performance, deterioration rates and long-term resilience. Understanding both the impacts of a changing climate and the carbon implications of maintenance activities supports better decision-making, helping authorities to optimise durability, manage risk and deliver best whole life value from their assets.
| ID | Question | |
|---|---|---|
| 9.1.1 | Have you updated your asset management policy and strategy to reflect the increased probability of extreme-weather and/or geohazards now and in the future? | Yes |
| 9.1.2 | Have you identified your resilient network and agree this with senior decision-makers | Yes |
| 9.1.3 | If yes, when did you last update this. | 06/2025 |
| 9.1.4 | Have you identified locations that are repeatedly affected by extreme weather (e.g. flooding, heat damage, storms)? | Yes – formally recorded |
| 9.1.5 | Which climate‑adaptation measures are currently implemented on your network? | |
|
Yes | |
|
Yes | |
|
Yes | |
|
Yes | |
|
Yes | |
|
No | |
|
No | |
| 9.1.6 | Have you measured and benchmarked the greenhouse gas emissions from your highways maintenance service using a recognised industry standard? Or do you have arrangements in place to do this, such as by signing up to the DfT funded ADEPT Carbon Leadership Programme. | Yes |
| 9.1.7 | Have you formally engaged with the DfT funded ADEPT live labs 2 Programme, to understand what lessons your authority can utilise to increase the efficiency of your operations and support decarbonisation efforts? | No |
Evidence Summary
|
The Council has embedded climate resilience within its highway asset management approach, with the Highway Asset Management Policy currently being updated to further reflect climate pressures and future risks. A resilient highway network was reviewed and updated in June 2025, and locations affected by recurring flooding and severe weather are formally recorded. Climate adaptation measures include targeted drainage improvements, SuDS, slope stabilisation, heat-resilient surfacing and tree planting. The Council also measures and benchmarks carbon performance through recognised industry approaches, including participation in the NHT Carbon Customer Quality Centre (CQC) questionnaire, to support continuous improvement and informed carbon reduction planning. Wirral Council has recently registered to join the ADEPT Carbon Leadership Programme to increase efficiencies, reduce carbon emissions and save money by measuring and identifying how to reduce carbon emissions embedded within the delivery of our Highway Maintenance service. |
Further context on your adaptation and resilience activities
|
The Council continues to strengthen the resilience of the highway network by identifying and monitoring locations that are vulnerable to flooding, coastal influences, heat damage and other severe weather impacts. This information is used to inform maintenance programmes, prioritise investment and support operational decision-making during adverse weather events. Adaptation measures include targeted drainage improvements, enhanced gully maintenance, the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), slope and embankment stability works, heat-resilient surfacing treatments and tree planting to provide natural cooling and environmental benefits. The Council's resilient network was reviewed and updated in June 2025 to ensure key routes remain functional during disruptive events. Climate considerations are being further embedded through an update of the Highway Asset Management Policy, ensuring future investment decisions reflect climate risks, whole-life asset performance and long-term network resilience. Carbon performance is also monitored and benchmarked through participation in the NHT Carbon CQC questionnaire to support continuous improvement and decarbonisation objectives. |