Working conditions for A-one employees are set to become safer and more efficient, with the purchase of a new 14.5 metre van-mounted mobile elevating work platform (MEWP).

The van – an Iveco Daily 50C15 with a maximum loaded weight of 5200KG – supports an Aldercote Limited PA145 power access platform, allowing the team to undertake essential highway maintenance.

On 22nd October 2008, we launched The Young Driver Roadshow in conjunction with RAF Leeming, the 95Alive Partnership and Driver Skills Ltd, a York-based advanced driver training company.

The Roadshow included both presentations and in-car demonstrations, which represented a new and innovative approach to the way safer driving information is provided for young drivers.

On Sunday 27th April 2008, we supported a young driver education event at Belmont Park and Ride (A1 Junction 62), led by Durham County Council.

We supported this by taking along an IPV ISU and a gritter, as well as hiring a 'digi van'. The digi van is a delivery van with one side cut out and replaced by an outdoor screen, which is powered by the van. This was used to display Highways Agency driver education materials targeted at 16 – 19 year olds.

We have been working in partnership with the Highways Agency, Sembcorp UK and UPM-Tillhill to reinstate the native broadleaf trees, shrubs and ground flora in the 2 hectare Hopehouse Wood in County Durham.

Tank matting, also known as soft ground tiles, is used predominantly to provide a flexible and stable platform to enable vehicles to cross areas of soft ground without major difficulties. The tiles feature a lug and slot connection method allowing the tiles to be joined and used on larger surfaces.

It was used to provide a base for trailer-mounted variable message signs (VMS) on the soft surface of hard shoulders. In both instances, the matting has proved to be highly successful.

On the 28th August 2008, we attended the launch of the Retriever motorcycle at the Metrocentre, along with the Highways Agency and CF Recovery.

The Retriever is the first vehicle of its kind to be operational in the UK. It represents a new method of attending broken down vehicles and is particularly effective on congested parts of the network.

We have been working extremely hard to deliver the Off Network Diversion Route (ONDR) programme on behalf of the Highways Agency. This national project remains a high priority within the Agency and was one of the key delivery goals within 2007/08.

Derek Turner, Director of Traffic Operations for the Highways Agency, has championed the ONDR programme. Clear goals were given for each year of the project and we achieved these goals for Year 1 with flying colours. 70% of all routes are operational in Area 14 against a national target of 50%.

RIDEWELL - Teesside's biggest biking event - was held on Sunday 6th July 2008. This followed a similar event last year that was cancelled due to the terrible summer weather.

The occasion was jointly organised by Cleveland Police and Stockton Borough Council, hosted in the grounds of Preston Hall and Museum. The aim was to raise awareness and help reduce Teesside's biker casualty toll.

On 5th November 2008, we visited Park View Secondary School in Chester-le-Street, County Durham.

The visit comprised 6th form students currently studying A-levels. One of the subjects they are working on is ‘Business’. We were asked if we could go along and explain the different aspects of our business.

It all started with a question from a designer in the office kitchen, “How many plastic milk bottles does it take to make a kerb?”

Imagine the laughter that this created! Nevertheless, construction workers’ long-term health and the environment eventually proved to be the big winners.