Improved traffic flow on roads across Worcestershire will be supported by critical infrastructure specialists Telent, which is set to upgrade traffic assets including signals across the county’s 4000km road network. 

The contract renewal will extend Telent’s ongoing 12-year relationship with Worcestershire County Council (WCC) and aims to reduce congestion in the county through a comprehensive scope of maintenance.

The work includes addressing faults at 113 traffic signal junctions, 192 pedestrian crossings, and associated control and communication equipment, first-line maintenance for CCTV cameras, optical maintenance, realignment of signal heads, and thorough cable fault investigations. Telent will also support WCC in modernising the road network through the installation and renewal of Traffic Signals and Pedestrian Controlled Crossings.

Telent’s commitment extends to supporting the Council’s flood action plans. At short notice, the company will mobilise teams to remove traffic signal poles in high-risk flood areas, as demonstrated in January 2024.

Additional responsibilities cover planned traffic signal switch-offs, ensuring the safety of signals for roadworks, and replacing equipment damaged by accidents or vandalism. The service will also manage faults in variable message signs and car park management equipment.

“Our goal is to continue ensuring long-term stability of the county’s traffic signal equipment, with high-quality, regular maintenance and upgrades, keeping it in a fault-free condition,” said Paul Owen, Director of Traffic Technology at Telent. ” In the last five years, Telent has managed to achieve a 30% reduction in fault rates, which further emphasises the collaborative success that we have achieved with the Council during the existing contract.”

Telent’s ongoing partnership with WCC to deliver Traffic Signal Management (TSM) services, has fostered an excellent working relationship, equipping the team with extensive experience and familiarity with the county’s network and its assets. This expertise is invaluable for the new contract term, spanning 6.5 years, with potential extensions up to a total of 10.5 years.

“A key transport priority across Worcestershire is to continually deliver improvements that keep the roads across our county safe and enjoyable. Keeping our traffic technology assets, including signals and other crucial infrastructure, maintained to the highest standard is critical to ensuring that our roads flow as smoothly as possible and helps us tackle congestion,” said Gavin Loach, Traffic Control Systems Manager at Worcestershire County Council.

Telent has proven itself to be a trusted partner, by reducing fault rates and fostering a strong working relationship with our team, and we look forward to continuing our work with the company as we deliver for the county.”

Telent’s commitment to delivering social value alongside its regional contracts will continue in Worcestershire. In alignment with Worcestershire County Council’s Net Zero Carbon Plan, Telent will prioritise environmental sustainability by implementing measures to reduce carbon emissions throughout the project lifecycle. This commitment underscores Telent’s pledge to achieve a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050.