The Highways Agency has exercised its option to extend the first National Vehicle Recovery Manager (NVRM) contract, awarded to Yorkshire-based FMG in 2008. The two year extension means the contract now runs to autumn 2013.

FMG provides a single point of contact for Highways Agency Traffic Officers needing to get broken down, damaged or abandoned vehicles removed from 5,000 miles of England’s strategic road network; this includes motorways and sections of all-purpose trunk roads.

FMG head of NVRM Service Philip Graham said: “Over the last three years we have worked closely with the Highways Agency’s Traffic Officer Service and our supplier network, especially during periods of severe weather, to recover vehicles quickly and safely to keep traffic flow moving.”

The service has received praise from the Road Haulage Association (RHA) for its collaborative approach to the handling of roadside vehicle recovery.

FMG CEO John Catling said: “Working in collaboration with the Highways Agency and our recovery partners, we are helping maintain a safer road network, where there is less disruption following an incident.”

Highways Agency head of service Gary Bacon said: “FMG has maintained a professional and consistent approach to meeting the very stringent quality targets required to achieve our aims and objectives.

“Our decision to extend the original contract builds on the hard work to date and will allow us to continue what is proving to be a successful partnership.”