An innovative partnership has been struck between a local authority and National Highways in a bid to tackle the challenges faced on its main roads network.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government-owned company, which operates and maintains England’s motorways and major A-roads.
The 10-year agreement will see the two parties work together to ensure motorists using the A500 and the A50 can travel safely and more efficiently around the city.
The partnership will also enable the city council and National Highways to work more collaboratively to synchronise planned works to minimise disruption and support emergency and event planning.
This approach will be particularly linked to the Meir Tunnel and the bet365 Stadium area – and deliver on environmental, investment and economic growth objectives.
As part of the MoU, representatives from both parties will meet regularly to share best practice and talk through tactical and operational issues – and resolutions – regarding the city’s highway network.
Councillor Amjid Wazir, cabinet member for environment and enforcement, said: “This is a positive step forward in ensuring a collaborative working relationship between Stoke-on-Trent City Council and National Highways.
“Ensuring the A50 and the A500 operate effectively and efficiently is critical to the local economy, and this latest agreement demonstrates our commitment to working in partnership to tackle the challenges we face with our strategic road network and promote the best interest of the city for our residents and businesses.”
Victoria Lazenby, National Highways’ head of planning and development, said: “We are delighted to have signed this Memorandum of Understanding having recognised the opportunity for closer working practices between our two organisations including better communication, co-operation and collaboration.
“Through this more joined-up approach we can ensure our roads support economic development and growth and we will work together to meet our environmental goals on air quality, biodiversity and reaching net zero carbon. “Together we will look to manage efficient and effective operation of both local and major roads through the district such as the A50 and A500 to keep the people of Stoke-on-Trent moving.”
