One of the largest integrated highways partnerships in the UK is now underway in Essex, working to deliver an improved level of service for residents.

The strategic partnership between Essex County Council and Ringways Jacobs Ltd is officially named Essex Highways. Ringway Jacobs bring with them a proven track record and extensive experience of delivering highways services for other local authorities across the UK.

Launched this month, the contract will run for 10 years, with an option to extend for a further period of up to five years. The partnership will optimise the efficiency of highways services, ensuring resources are focused on delivering frontline services and improving customer satisfaction.

The new partnership will deliver the majority of highways and transportation services in Essex, including infrastructure and structures maintenance, improvement works, public rights of way, winter service, gully emptying and surface dressing.

Essex Highways is committed to using the latest technological innovations to improve efficiency and enhance customer services for Essex residents. Examples of this include enhancements on the website www.essex.gov.uk/highways and vehicle tracking technology to enable residents to check works being carried out, such as winter gritting.

The performance of the partnership will be tracked against robust key performance indicators, monitored by a core commissioning team located centrally at Essex County Council.

County Councillor Tracey Chapman, Cabinet Member for Highways & Transportation, said: “Essex Highways combines the experience and best practice of the public and private sectors, and will deliver greater value for money and an improved local service for residents. We are committed to improving core services and customer focus, and this new partnership with Ringway Jacobs Ltd will help us to achieve this.”

Managing Director for Ringway Jacobs, Bill Taylor said:  “This is an exciting opportunity for Ringway Jacobs.  As a company, we are experienced in delivering this kind of contract and believe we can successfully transform local services and deliver maximum value to customers.”