A company helping to clear major road incidents demonstrated its skills in front of a government minister.
Huddersfield-based FMG went through its paces for Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin.
The demonstrating followsFMG’s success in being re-awarded the Highways Agency National Vehicle Recovery Manager (NVRM) contract, which will see FMG provide recovery services for the Highways Agency across England’s strategic road network for up to seven years.
Working alongside specialist recovery operator Egertons Recovery Ltd, based in Cheshire, FMG staged the demonstration to show the removal of an overturned vehicle from a restricted carriageway, while maintaining traffic flow.
The demonstration also showcased how screens were coming into use to prevent other motorists “rubber necking” and causing additional delays and risks to recovery operations.
The demonstration was co-ordinated by FMG head of network Jim Dawson, who gave the minister a running commentary during the recovery.
Said Mr Dawson: “The minister was interested to understand the process and the latest techniques for keeping Britain’s roads moving during times of potential disruption.
“Incidents have an obvious human impact, but the impact can also be felt on business and UK plc. Delays caused by accidents can cost companies time and money and it’s vital that we continually reappraise our procedures, and use practice events like this to ensure we’re prepared for all eventualities.”
In the past five years that FMG have been handling the NVRM contract, the firm has dealt with more than 48,000 incidents and has helped the Highways Agency to reduce response times to incidents.
FMG also works with long-standing customers including blue chip clients such as GE Capital and SIG, DHL, a number of police forces, the NHS in Scotland and alongside insurance partners like AIG, Zurich, QBE, Allianz and Chartis.
