Kent County Council (KCC) has reappointed Telent to maintain its traffic signal network with a new £54m contract that could add a total of 10 years to the partnership.

With an initial term of five years, the contract will run from 1 April 2026 until 31 March 2031 but also allows for an extension up to 31 March 2036.

Under the renewed contract, Telent will be responsible for providing ‘proactive and reactive maintenance' for Kent's Intelligent Transport System (ITS), which consists of:

  • 365 traffic signal-controlled junctions,
  • 417 traffic light controlled pedestrian crossings (pelican, puffin, toucan, pegasus),
  • 148 electronic roadside message signs (VMS),
  • 236 electronic vehicle activated warning signs (VAS),
  • 191 highway monitoring CCTV cameras and one over-height vehicle detection site.

Kent also noted that the company will be responsible for the provision of new council-funded signal schemes, but added that ‘the level of this is not guaranteed'.

Telent stated that part of the reason for its reappointment to the contract was its ‘strong health and safety record and consistent service delivery,' which includes no major incidents across the lifetime of its contract with the county.

Paul Owen, director - traffic technology at Telent, said: ‘Maintaining a network of this scale requires not only technical capability, but deep local knowledge and a team that understands the infrastructure inside out.

'Being reappointed by KCC is a strong endorsement of our ability to deliver safely, consistently and with minimal disruption. Retaining the same expertise and processes ensures continuity from day one and allows us to continue supporting the county with reliable, responsive services.'

Peter Osborne, KCC's cabinet member for highways and transport, added: ‘Keeping Kent moving safely and smoothly means having a traffic signal network people can rely on. Telent has consistently done a great job maintaining our infrastructure and stepping in quickly when something needs fixing.

'We're really pleased to be continuing this long-standing partnership, helping make sure journeys across the county stay dependable for everyone who uses our roads.'

Full contract details can be found here.