England’s local authorities are to benefit from a new contract just agreed by the Highways Agency.

The agency has awarded a £45 million framework contract to Schmidt UK and Romaquip for a new fleet of winter service vehicles.

The vehicles will be delivered over the next four years.

Under the contract, local authorities who wish to renew their fleets can approach the Highways Agency, which will act as framework manager.

The authorities will then benefit from the scale savings of a national contract.

Martin Hobbs, the agency's national winter service delivery manager, said that the contract demonstrates that efficiency savings can be achieved through central and local government working together.

"This is a significant investment and will enable us to improve the level of service for road users, whilst at the same time reducing running costs and ensuring a cleaner environment with less waste and greener engines."

The first of the new fleet, which will operate on England's motorways and major A-roads, will be in operation in time for next winter.

They will be used for clearing snow and spreading dry, treated and pre-wetted salt.