A 21-year Highways Term Maintenance Contract (HTMC) between Kent County Council (KCC) and Ringway has come into force, ushering in a new phase for the county's roads.

Under the agreement, Ringway will deliver a broad range of core services, including road repairs, winter gritting, drainage, bridge inspections and maintenance, alongside a 24/7 emergency response capability to keep routes safe and open.

Valued at around £50 million per year, the contract is designed to bring faster, more efficient fixes for potholes, drainage problems and other defects; embed clear performance standards and accountability; and provide better value for money through transparent pricing and strong contract management.

Ringway takes over from Amey, which partnered with KCC for the past 12 years. In that time, Amey supported major infrastructure schemes, introduced innovative technologies and contributed to community initiatives, leaving a positive legacy across Kent's highway network.

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Peter Osborne, KCC's Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: "From today, our new highways contract with Ringway is live, providing a strong foundation of our long-term approach for looking after Kent's roads.

"Kent has one of the largest and busiest road networks in the country and this new partnership puts us in a better position to keep people moving safely, now and in the future.

"I would also like to say a huge thank you to Amey and all their staff for 12 years of outstanding service to Kent and for the positive legacy they leave."

Patrick Connolly, Contract Director, at Ringway said: "The start of this contract marks an important moment for Ringway and our partnership with KCC. We are proud to have been chosen as a trusted delivery partner and to take on responsibility for supporting a safe, reliable and well-maintained highway network.

"This contract has been shaped around transparency, value and collaborative working, and our focus is firmly on high‑quality, consistent delivery that residents will see on the ground. By working respectfully and openly with KCC and stakeholders, we look forward to building a strong partnership and delivering positive outcomes across Kent."

Kyle Clough, Highways Sector Director at Amey said: "As our tenure as highways contractor for KCC comes to a close, we want to express our genuine appreciation for the strong and constructive relationship we have built with the Council over many years.

"Our immediate priority is to continue delivering a high‑quality service for Kent's residents through to the end of the contract, while working closely with KCC to ensure a smooth and well‑managed transition to the new provider. We thank our staff, partners, and stakeholders for their commitment throughout this contract and look forward to continuing our support for Kent in future opportunities."