Past chief executive of the Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA) Paul Boss has returned from retirement and joined Stabilised Pavements Ltd (SPL) in a new role as asset and growth manager.

Mr Boss announced his intention to leave the sector in May last year before stepping down from leading the RSTA; however, his planned retirement became a mini-sabbatical of four months, some of it travelling in Europe and Australia.

The honorary IHE follow told Highways he didn't feel 'quite ready for retirement and still feel I have a lot to give'.

Mr Boss said: 'With 35 years' experience in highway asset management with Staffordshire CC, Amey, and the RSTA, I will work with SPL to spread the message and training regarding the benefits of good environmental and efficient asset management of highways.

'In-situ road recycling is already a proven efficient and carbon-friendly alternative to conventional road reconstruction.

'With the introduction of low carbon cements and other materials, along with more efficient plant, the environmental benefits are increasing, and road recycling represents at least a 50% carbon saving against conventional road reconstruction [RSTA Carbon Emissions for Road Surface and Other Maintenance Treatments for Asset Management Purposes Report 2023].'

He added: 'At present, there are still relatively few local authorities making use of in-situ recycling and therefore benefiting from the environmental and cost savings the process has to offer.

'Our hope for the future is that in-situ road recycling will be the first choice for road reconstructions, and conventional reconstructions using only virgin aggregates will only be utilised where the recycling option is deemed unsuitable due to for example the economies of scale on small schemes.'

SPL is holding a free event for local and national roads authorities, ‘Green Roads Ahead', at Lord's Cricket Ground on 30 January, where delegates will hear from industry experts from LCRIG, Cemblend, XAIS-PTS, Bituchem, Dorset County Council, Foster Contracting, and Levett Business Services.

For further details and to request a place, please contact Stabilised Pavements Ltd or Paul Boss directly at p.boss@stabilisedpavements.co.uk.