Environmental analysis news: UK agencies to work together to improve environment

The Highways Agency and the Environment Agency have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to cement their commitment to make travel on England's roads as environmentally sustainable as possible.

Chief executives from each organisation met on November 30th to sign the MoU that will build on the relationship that was forged following the announcement of a similar pledge three years ago.

Paul Leinster, chief executive of the Environment Agency, commented: "This agreement will lead to new drainage systems that reduce flood risk and improve water quality and joint training and provision of specialist equipment to reduce pollution after road incidents."

Sections within the MoU relate to water environment, waste, incident management, information exchange and contacts.

Both organisations hope that this increased level of cooperation will lead to environmental benefits across England.

Under the original agreement, which was signed in November 2006, response to pollution incidents on the roads was prioritised with the aim of significantly reducing the environmental impact of highway spillages.

Posted by Claire Manning