Island Roads has recruited 15 ‘lay assessors’ to feedback on their work sites across the Island.
Having completed both on and off site induction training, these Lay assessors will act as ‘mystery shoppers’ visiting highway works across the Island to assess them from the perspective of a member of the public. They will look at various aspects of work including pedestrian/highway user safety, the access around the work site for residents, information supplied to residents, the work being done and the finished result.
The lay assessors will report their detailed findings to Island Roads and the Isle of Wight Council and these will be reviewed alongside the specialist inspection and monitoring undertaken by Island Roads staff.
Paul Herbert, Island Roads Service Director said:
“Our newly appointed Lay Assessors are local residents from across the entire Island. They represent all ages and backgrounds including drivers, cyclists, mobility impaired, pedestrians and public transport users.
“Their feedback will be an important component in helping us to ensure that while our works are underway, they meet the diverse needs of the local community whilst causing minimal disruption.
“The Highways PFI will continue to be a major part of life on the Island in the coming years and we are very keen that we engage fully with the local community and that the local community has an opportunity to be involved in the work we are doing as well.
“As well as providing an independent view on how we are carrying out our work, the lay assessors will be an important link between Island Roads and residents.”
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Mike Starke said:
“I was happy to volunteer as a lay assessor of Island Roads’ operations, as it offers an opportunity for Islanders to monitor first-hand the quality of work in progress and contractors’ handling of the inevitable disruption to traffic. These are vital elements in delivering on the pledge to give value for the public money committed to the repair and maintenance of the Island’s roads throughout the 25-year PFI project that’s now under way.
“After a series of comprehensive training sessions, I now feel equipped to provide an informed layman’s view of what can be seen as good practice on works sites, as well as where it is perceived improvements might be made.
“I hope this will contribute to the fulfillment of that promise of seeing we get the most out of the project in return for our major cash investment.”
Lay Assessor Edgar Elsom added:
“As a local resident, I was interested in volunteering for this scheme. I’m pleased that the Island Roads recognises the needs of all highway users in relation to this important undertaking and I hope to be able to provide valuable feedback as a result of my site visits, including input from local people.”
Island Roads is looking to add to the team of Lay Assessors. If you are interested in becoming a Lay Assessor for Island Roads, and can spare one day a month of your time, please email Island Roads Customer Services Manager Louise Watson at [email protected] for call 01983 822440 for more information.
