Cost-cutting roads group scoops awards

A money-saving partnership which has generated savings of over £12 million has scooped two top awards.

The Midlands Highways Alliance (MHA) - led by Leicestershire County Council - was presented with first prize in the 'highway contractor partnership' category, and a special merit award, at last month's Highways Magazine Awards.

Formed in 2007, the innovative partnership consists of 13 local authorities and the Highways Agency. By working together on deals with contractors and buying equipment jointly, it has saved £12.2million across the East Midlands.

The MHA involves four private contractors who work together to deliver highway and transport schemes around the region, such as the Enderby park and ride and Foxhunter roundabout.

Lesley Pendleton, County Council cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “There are clear benefits to collaborative working with other authorities and so far, the MHA has achieved £12.2million of efficiency savings across the region, and delivered a number of crucial schemes from Peterborough to Staffordshire.

"As well as providing excellent value for money, the MHA has just recently started a new construction skills and training academy which will benefit existing employees from both the contractors and local authorities, as well as new staff entering the industry.

“Although in its infancy, we hope the academy will be one of the biggest training success stories in the UK - with any luck we might be reporting on award successes of the academy next year.”

Enderby park and ride was also short listed in the ‘Environmental Sustainability in the Highways Sector’ category.

For more information about the Midlands Highway Alliance, please visit: www.leics.gov.uk/mha .