Close working on signals gets the green light

A bright idea on partnership is set to get the green light from Bristol mayor George Ferguson. City Hall currently works with South Gloucestershire and North Somerset on a joint contract for the maintenance and installation of traffic signals. This Joint Arrangement contract is now being expanded to include Bath and North East Somerset.

The current 10-year Joint Arrangement contract expires in March 2013. Officers in Bristol South Gloucestershire and North Somerset have arranged a one year extension so that the councils can procure a joint eight-year contract along with Bath and North East Somerset that will reduce the cost to all four local authorities. It is not yet known how much the new contract will save, but it is expected that the inclusion of Bath and North East Somerset and more efficient ways of working will reduce long term maintenance costs and new installation costs.

The contract will include traffic signal maintenance and installation as well as Variable Message Signs, Vehicle Actuated signs and Fibre Optic communications.

The expanded Joint Arrangement between the four authorities will foster improved working relationships and help to co-ordinate works to reduce congestion across the West of England area.

Bristol Mayor George Ferguson said: “Shared purse arrangements, which save money and improve efficiency for all concerned, are the cornerstone of effective cross-boundary working. We shall build more effective infrastructure for significantly less money if we work closely together and make the most of new technologies and innovations.”

Councillor Brian Allinson, Chair of South Gloucestershire Council’s Planning, Transportation and Strategic Environment Committee, said: “Seamless arrangements with our partners can achieve great savings. I’m very happy to share the cost of delivering essential services with neighbouring authorities. South Gloucestershire have demonstrated a cost-effective partnership for signals development and maintenance that can be widened out to our close neighbours with confidence.”