The search is on for a new highways provider (From Cotswold Journal)

The search is on for a new highways provider in Gloucestershire

3:22pm Sunday 3rd February 2013 in News By Freya Leng

GLOUCESTERSHIRE County Council (GCC) is looking for a new company to look after the county's highways.

If the cabinet agree at their meeting on Wednesday, the council will be inviting tenders from providers who want to take on highways and transportation services in Gloucestershire.

Since 2005, the county council has had a contract with Atkins to provide the services under the partnership of Gloucestershire Highways.

But the contract ends in March next year so the council needs to find a supplier to work with as part of a new five-year contract - which could be extended up to 11 years and is worth up to £450million.

GCC has been consulting with people across the county including through a household survey, parish and town councils and councillors before starting the search.

The contract will be to provide most highways services including road repairs and winter maintenance.

Councillor Will Windsor Clive, cabinet member for communities, said: “People care a great deal about highways and that’s why we need a provider that can provide the best possible services within the resources we have.

“If cabinet agree to start this search we’ll be looking for a company that has a proven track record in delivering first class highways services.

“We’ll be looking for a contract that gives value for money for Gloucestershire’s tax payers at the same time as quality services.”