Roads contractor AWG Highway Maintenance and consultant Capita DBS have issued a high court writ against the Highways Agency for unfair discrimination in the awarding of a £130m PFI road maintenance contract in Kent
The firms claim in the writ that they are the victims of unfairness and discrimination in contracts for public works, and are suing for compensation.

It is claimed that the Highways Agency breached regulation 20 (1) (b) of the Public Works Regulations 1991 and its obligations of fairness in a tender for a managing agent, advertised last April.

Carillion was awarded the contract for a major section of the A249 trunk road in Kent under a 30-year contract.

The Highways Agency refused to comment at the time Building went to press. AWG Maintenance and Capital confirmed that proceedings were under way.