Decision details

Approval for the implementation of Contract Standing Orders (CSOs) 10.03 and 9.07.1c to allow the Novation of the contract for the supply and maintenance of mobile computers and accessories for parking services from WSP UK Ltd to Taranto Systems Ltd.

In September 2020, the Council approved the award of a contract for mobile computers and accessories for Parking Services, including a 5-year care package to WSP UK Ltd (WSP).

1 WSP sold their traffic support business known as ‘Taranto’ to Taranto Systems Ltd. Taranto Systems Ltd is a subsidiary of the Volaris Group, a well-established provider of software and services to public and private sectors. The sale formally completed on 31 October 2020.

WSP have assured the Council that the sale of their traffic support business will neither affect the services provided or alter any terms and conditions under the contract as awarded to WSP. It is therefore WSP’s intention and request that the contract for the contract for the supply and maintenance of mobile computers to Taranto Systems Ltd be novated from WSP to Taranto Systems Ltd alongside the contract for the Parking Management IT System (PMIS), once it’s executed, Cabinet’s approval having already been obtained for novation of the latter contract.

Consideration was given to not novating the contract. However, this contract is essential to the delivery of parking services and its delivery was already underway by the time WSP’s request to novate it came in to the Council. There is no compelling reason to resist the novation when the same favourable contract terms would continue in place with WSP’s proposed successor company, Taranto Systems Ltd, whereas any attempt to move to an alternative supplier would be likely to disrupt the timelines for implementation of the new Parking Management IT System Contract that this contract supports.