Residents Asked for their Opinions on Highways and Transport in Reading

HOUSEHOLDS in Reading are being asked for their views on the town’s highways and transport services as part of a nationwide survey. At least 3,300 randomly selected Reading borough residents will be sent a National Highways and Transport Public Satisfaction survey to complete with topics ranging 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. Reading Borough Council is one of 111 Local Authorities to sign up to the standardised survey which will ask members of the public exactly the same questions, whether they live in Redcar, Rotherham or Reading. The survey, which is being run for the eleventh year is the largest collaboration between local authorities 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 3,300 Reading residents from 7th June, followed by a reminder, with local and national results to be published in late October 2019. Since the survey is based on a sample, residents that receive a copy are being urged to take part. Residents who 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 local authorities to find out what people in their area think about these important services. This will provide one of several ways Reading Borough Council can assess how it is performing. It gives the public an opportunity to say which services they think the Council should prioritise and improve.

Cllr Tony Page, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport, said:

“Reading’s participation in the National Highway and Transport Survey is in line with our commitment to understand and respond to the views of our residents. “It also enables us to identify areas of best practice and spot national, regional and local trends. This is not about producing a league table of local authorities but about understanding resident’s views better and working together to deliver the best possible services. “I would encourage households who receive the survey to complete it and let us know what they think about highways and transport services in Reading.”

Notes to Editors

• The National Highways and Transport (NHT) Network is a unique collaboration between Local Authorities across England and parts of Scotland with a common agenda – service improvement. The Network provides an environment in which members can measure their own performance, compare with their peers and identify areas for improvement. • The NHT Network and the Public Satisfaction Survey are managed by performance management specialists, measure2improve, the NHT Network administrators • The survey is being carried out on behalf of the participating Local Authorities by market research specialist, Ipsos MORI. • Participation in the survey is voluntary. It is believed to be the first survey of its kind to bring together so many separate highway authorities from all over England and parts of Scotland to carry out their surveys in a comparable format • The survey questionnaire covers all aspects of local highway and transport services (e.g. from the condition or roads and footways to Road Safety and Cycling). The questionnaire should be completed in around 15 minutes. • Residents who receive the questionnaire in the post may opt to complete the questionnaire on-line if they prefer. • Last year’s survey results and more information is available via www.nhtnetwork.org