A neighbouring country and metropolitan council have agreed to jointly deliver their highways and transport services.

Warwickshire County Council and Coventry City Council have formally signed an agreement to share highways and transport works and services. County council leader Cllr Alan Farnell and city council leader Cllr John Mutton signed the ‘Memorandum of Understanding' between the two authorities which will see a 'partnership approach' to delivering services and works.

Cllr Farnell said: "This marks the start of a historic and beneficial working relationship. The formal agreement sets out the intention for both councils to work in partnership and share the resources necessary to develop and deliver highways and transport services and works. It is the aim of both councils that through sharing resources we will be able to carry out future project work in the most effective and efficient way possible.'

Cllr Mutton added: 'As neighbours, it makes sense to work together and to utilise each other's areas of expertise. I am confident that the people of Coventry and Warwickshire will benefit from this agreement.'

The document emphasises the  'joint development and delivery of work in order to achieve efficiency savings, and improve the quality of service provided to clients, councillors and the public.'

The Memorandum of Understanding is a formal arrangement for sharing working and resources where possible. As an example Warwickshire County Council can conduct the management and design of highways and transport works on Coventry's behalf, and vice versa.

The agreement will mean the two authorities will have a partnership approach to civil engineering and structural design, transport planning schemes, contractor funded schemes and safety audits.