The highways job was previously advertised as a two-year term last year but the procurement process was abandoned in favour of a longer term deal in the hope of gaining bigger savings from the private partner.

Under the new procurement plan, highways and street lighting maintenance elements of the contract will start next July, with bridge maintenance staggered for a start in October of 2013.

Street cleaning and other environmental services will be let as a separate lot, expected to be worth up to £70m over the course of the contract.

Firms have until 17 September to complete PQQs. Further information is available from Steve Body on email [email protected].