ALMOST £1.2million has been saved by North Ayrshire Council in maintaining roads so far, with that to increase to almost £4million of savings by 2018.

The council is focusing on its roads improvement programme and since the authority opted to retain direct provision of its roads service back in 2013, a series of measures have been introduced, resulting in the identification of annual revenue budget efficiencies amounting to £1.198 million, which is expected to reach a total saving of £3.978 million by 2018.

Plans were forward for the three Ayrshire councils to create a shared roads service and generate savings of £540,000 within five years. But North Ayrshire Council elected to retain direct control of its roads service, leading to greater savings.

There have also been new measures introduced which includes the implementation of a new internal service delivery model for street lighting maintenance and a programme to replace street lights with low-energy units.

Areas that have strategic links to Glasgow will be focused on, with accessibility and awareness of the Irvine Enterprise Area, and connections to key business and tourist areas.

Plans will also be brought forward to develop further opportunities for young people by taking on more trainees in the programme.

Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for place, said North Ayrshire Council was determined to build on the success achieved to date.

He said: “This review will signal an even greater effort on behalf of the council to ensure that our road links provide benefits for all of North Ayrshire.

“It’s only right and fitting that we look at all the economic and environmental factors as we develop a 21st century roads network which will fulfil our ambitions.

“It’s particularly pleasing that while we have already made a number of improvements to our roads service and been nominated for a number of UK-wide awards, we have also managed to identify savings of £1.2 million.”

A long-term investment plan will be developed to deal with roads maintenance, while efforts will be made to improve satisfaction levels among drivers and pedestrians.

Meanwhile, the roads team and Streetscene will work closely in areas such as winter maintenance, weather emergencies, road closures, and highway and lighting inspections.

Cllr Gurney added: “There are a number of common areas where skills are complementary and interchangeable. These common areas, supported by additional training, can provide flexibility to meet peaks and troughs in workload and... remove elements of duplication.”