Gwent highways and transport services could merge (From South Wales Argus)

Gwent highways and transport services could merge

2:20pm Monday 17th September 2012 in News

NEWPORT council could work with other authorities to deliver highways and transport services under new Welsh Government plans.

Friday’s cabinet meeting was told a proposed merger of services across council areas would reduce duplication, improve services and save money.

Highways and transport services in Wales are currently delivered through 22 local authorities, four regional transport consortium and three trunk road agencies, which act on behalf of the Welsh Government.

Local government minister Carl Sargeant wants to move to a regional delivery of services and has asked each regional transport consortium to offer ideas about how it could be implemented early next year.

According to cabinet reports the South East Wales Transport Alliance (SEWTA) is looking at a number of options to help with this.

They include using regional contractors for civil engineering works and sharing staff, engineering and design skills, as well as public transport resources.

Cllr Ken Critchley, cabinet member for infrastructure, said collaboration may work in some circumstances but not in all and he would be interested to see how the plans pan out.

Cllr Ray Truman, added: “I’ve got no problem with collaboration if it saves money but we have got to make sure we operate efficiently and effectively.”