They found that compared to other well run highways services across the country our service was above average for effectiveness and just below average for spending efficiently.
The consultants also looked at a wide range of different options for running the service in the future, including a joint venture with a partner from the commercial sector or setting up a company owned by us.
There were advantages and disadvantages for each of the options, but the best performance and service will be achieved with a commissioning approach called the future highways model.
This means that we will carry on providing the service through our own staff and external contractors, which I’m sure will be welcomed by everyone in the service.
Our employees already deliver a great service. They’ve proved that by their work in recent months in fixing a record number of potholes. We gave the team extra funding, and the team has put this to great use., and our roads are now in a much better state.
The new way of working will mean that our highways team will be more flexible and more innovative in their approach. We will look to make improvements in the way we work so that our service works better, quicker and cheaper.