CHANGE: Procurement shake-up to save money?
Comprehensive review and reorganisation of procurement procedures in the highways sector is the answer to government savings, an industry expert has claimed.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s Spending Review statement, George Lee, National Director of the Road Safety Markings Association, said a reshuffle would also free funds for safety and maintenance initiatives.
He claimed that inconsistent and inefficient procurement models within the highways sector lead directly to waste and poor value for money for UK taxpayers.
“Inadequate quality and inaccurate costings in highways tender submissions lead to massive waste with public money allocated to road and road safety improvements not achieving its purpose,” said Mr Lee.
“Piecemeal development of procurement models over the years has led to an overly complex tendering process in which it is all too easy for public funds to be wasted without benefiting the country’s transport infrastructure.
“The Chancellor could make significant savings and ensure better quality highways by demanding a thorough shake-up of procurement processes in the highways sector.
“It is only by stripping away wasteful practices that any meaningful savings will be realised.”
The Road Safety Markings Association are the sector’s largest trade association.
Image courtesy of Mat Fascione, with thanks.
