Highways Agency to target PFI MACs in new consultation document

The Highways Agency is drawing up its second consultation document to be released to the industry on the adoption of private finance across its MAC contracts (PFI MAC).

Due to be released in March, the document will be designed to ask contractors for views on how to finance the new contracts and will ask for advice on the investment decisions needed to make the agreement work.

Consultation will last for between six and eight weeks.

It is believed that Kent's Area 4 MAC contract has been earmarked to trial the first PFI MAC if the format is agreed.

Last month the agency released its consultation document on the use of DBFO and how to reduce its cost and time overheads. Industry feedback is due in at the end of the month.

Meanwhile, one contractor told CJ that the delay in the award last week of the Area 13 MAC to Amey/Mouchel had been down to the financial situation at Amey.

"The award was put back weeks but the agency always knew that Amey/Mouchel was in a strong position to win the contract," he said. "However, the agency had to be sure of Amey's finances and held meetings with the group."