Press office

The new contract, which will begin on 1 September 2011, was awarded to Network Information Services Ltd (NIS), a joint venture between Mouchel and Thales UK. It will replace the traffic data processing and publication elements of the existing ten year National Traffic Control Centre contract with a more efficient one providing better value and real time traffic information for people using motorways and major A roads in England.

A commercial technology team from Eversheds, led by partner Nick Blane, senior associate David Cunningham and assistant Richard Purdy, advised the Highways Agency throughout the procurement process. The result of the procurement and appointment of NIS will help the Highways Agency meet its strategic objectives and drive forward the traffic information services provided for road users.

Nick Blane said:

“A key aim of the Highways Agency is for the new national traffic information service to be sufficiently flexible to adapt to future requirements, organisational change and technology opportunities. The Eversheds team produced and negotiated a complex set of contractual documents utilising its expertise in major technology projects, procurement and competitive dialogue processes in both the public and private sector to assist the Highways Agency to realise this aim.”

Roads Minister Mike Penning said:

"I welcome the award of this new contract which will deliver considerable savings while still providing the information services for drivers using motorways and other major roads in England. The National Traffic Information Service is central to the Highways Agency's role of managing traffic and making the most efficient use of the existing network. Timely and accurate traffic information helps both private and commercial road users to plan their journeys, avoiding delays and congestion that add to the cost of journeys."