Highways England appoints single law firm to £3m contract to clear backlog of network claims

Highways England has appointed law firm Shakespeare Martineau to a £3m contract to provide advocacy and litigation services for network claims (‘green claims’).

These claims are where Highways England is the legal claimant.

The agency said: “The work will include taking claims through litigation on our behalf, providing advice and support on the more complex and high value claims, assisting with clearing our backlog of in excess of 2,500 claims and supporting claims where liability may be in question.

“This may also include supporting new ways of pricing claims other than actuals but ensuring that it remains reasonable.”

Shakespeare Martineau has been appointed for a period of two years with an option to extend for 12 months.

Highways England said the aim of the contract was to ensure that the backlog for all Highways England claims has been cleared and that it is able to recover claims in respect of damage to its strategic road network in a timely manner. “With the aim of recovering in excess of 90 % of the value of those claims.”

Five tenders were received.

Mark Merrell, partner and Head of Shakespeare Martineau's Corclaim uninsured loss recovery team, said: “We are clearly delighted to be working with Highways England in helping them to recover damages to which they are entitled, and which ultimately goes back into the public purse to help with the costs of maintaining and improving our road network.

“The appointment is a big vote of confidence in our dedicated and market leading ULR team and thanks go to all of our staff in doing such outstanding work, which has ultimately led us to such an exciting appointment.”