Issue - meetings

To Consider the report from the Transport Planning Projects Team Manager

The Projects Team Manager introduced the report on Dockless Bike Rental in Southeast Dorset, describing the key points and the timeline around Beryls contracting and subsequent withdrawal from Southeast Dorset at the 3 year break point.

Following the presentation there was a discussion that covered several key areas-

·       The involvement of procurement and legal in the contracting phase

·       The importance of due diligence in contracting and shared intelligence

·       The value of active travel and the importance of engaging with partners

·       The value of partnership working in travel due to travel habits expanding beyond Local authority borders

·       The use and repurposing of the bikes owned by Dorset Council from this scheme.

·       Other options of bikes and fixed docking stations

·       The relationship between Dorset Council and Beryl and the sharing of information including financial transparency.

Recommendations

The Place and Resources committee recommend that;

1-    the Council completed their own due diligence when commissioning services, partner’s and providers

2-    contract dates are harmonised to enable commissioning pan-Dorset contract’s moving forwards in schemes such as Beryl Bikes

3-    contract management practice is improved with emphasis enforcement of contracts, core terms and actions taken if contracts are breached.

4-    Asset management practice was reviewed focusing on the reuse of assets when changes occurred.

5-    contingency planning be considered during procurement, commissioning and contract management to be ensure service continuity.

6-    the local member protocol be revisited and applied to ensure Ward Members received timely updates

7-    Transport Action Groups and wider stakeholder engagement occurred ahead of changes around active travel