Highways Agency

Preface

During June 2003 the Highways Agency held two PFMAC Workshops, in Bristol and Birmingham, with a wide range of stakeholders who generously set aside valuable time from their extremely busy schedules.

For the Agency to introduce new initiatives into the maintenance of the network, working in a strong and meaningful partnership with stakeholders from the earliest opportunity is essential. The Workshops were convened in full accordance with that ethos, allowing delegates to actively consider the maintenance direction the Agency is taking and offer constructive comment in a professional and positive environment. The Agency has endeavoured to ensure that comments and opinions expressed by delegates have been properly incorporated into the report.

To be certain of maximising the potential benefits afforded through the PFMAC concept, the Agency has carefully considered how best to progress the project and it has decided to extend the timetable in respect of full operational implementation. This will allow maximum synergy with other important developments, not least the Traffic Manager role and the Secretary of State's Multi Modal Study announcement of 9 July, links to robust performance criteria and appropriate risk allocation through positive partnering. While the PFMAC development work continues, a new enhanced MAC will be considered. This will take forward many of the important and achievable benefits already apparent from the PFMAC including whole life costing attributes, performance specifications and partnership based risk-sharing.

To ensure momentum is retained, the Agency expects to engage in more focussed and direct interaction with stakeholders in the near future.