North Yorkshire highways to receive upgrades through new contract

North Yorkshire highways are to be upgraded after council approval to ensure they are fit for the future.

The 5,750 miles of North Yorkshire highways to the south of the M62 are to receive upgrades via a new contract. The council are seeking a ‘Teckal’ company for the contract, expected to be worth £50million a year.

Currently, North Yorkshire councils maintain roads through its contractor Ringway and services consultant WSP. These contracts are due to finish in 2020 and 2021, and after consultation, it has been decided a ‘Teckal’ company alongside a single service consultant is the best option for further maintenance.

Cllr Don Mackenzie, the Executive member for access, said: “It’s a model which would allow us greater control and flexibility over our highways service delivery, while removing the contractual constraints that exist with the current arrangements. Through more direct accountability for the works on the ground we could deliver a ‘right-first-time’ service with the customer continuing to be at the heart of everything that we do.”

“A very large proportion of the highways team live in North Yorkshire, they are passionate about their communities and take pride in delivering services which are used by their own friends and families. We believe that the proposed delivery model will ensure that we get the maximum benefit from that local pride and passion.”

“While it’s not expected that a new company would deliver work for external customers during the first years of operation it is important we are innovative and consider the strongest options for improving services that also represent best value all round.”

The contract will cover highway conditions, seasonal maintenance, and responses to emergencies such as flooding. The company which receives the contract would be fully owned by the council but would be able to operate commercially afterwards.

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