The Association for Road Traffic Safety and Management (ARTSM) and the Retroreflective Equipment Manufacturers Association (REMA) have formally announced they are to merge to form a single trade body.

Following several months of negotiations, as first revealed by Highways News, the ARTSM Executive and REMA Council have agreed that a merger will take place with effect from 31 December with all the necessary arrangements to be completed in the last quarter of this year. Their respective members have been advised and both organisations are now undertaking due diligence processes.

The merger will create a stronger, more collaborative organisation that represents both the permanent and temporary equipment sectors. It brings together the shared goal of both Associations: putting safety first across all areas of the transport industry. The merger will allow the new organisation to maintain the same high standards of quality, while reducing duplication and creating greater opportunities for a more integrated and holistic approach across the sector.

The principal objects remain:

• To improve road safety by promoting compliant quality products supplied by our members;

• Be the informed envoy of members to Government and Standards Bodies and to ensure that the standards and specifications produced are credible and practicable;

• Ensure that members are aware of relevant industry standards and policies;

• Engage in the resolution of non-adherence to mandatory standards.

Kealie Franklin, CEO of ARTSM, commented: “Sharing expertise is a fundamental value that trade bodies bring and, without a broad knowledge, they can fall foul of siloed views and biases.  Merging will ensure that we remain flexible and appreciative of the wider views, whilst continuing to deliver value to our members and the industry as whole.”

(Picture: ARTSM/REMA)