Announcing the launch the Executive Board member with special responsibility for Transport, Cllr Tim Carroll said, “We are entering a new era with the launch of Somerset Highways, with the emphasis on delivering a large number of schemes which, although quite small, have a significant impact on local communities.

 In the towns the emphasis is on making our town centres and residential areas better for pedestrians, and in rural communities the schemes focus is on providing footways and crossing points that help local people move safely around their neighbourhood.

 Last year we showed that we listen to local people who were asking us to speed up our recovery and improvement. This year it's full steam ahead for the next stage – meeting the government’s ten-year target of road recovery improvements”.

 He said that the new arrangements were based on addressing the comments, suggestions and concerns expressed by the residents of Somerset during the contract development and letting process and he stressed that they would seriously influence the way Somerset Highways will operate when it officially takes over services on 1st July.

In addition to launching the new service some one hundred and twenty new transport schemes were announced as the 2003/4 Transport Investment Programme was officially unveiled, along with the new arrangements for highway and transport service delivery in Somerset.

Richard Deacon, Managing Director Atkins Highways and Transportation said: "There is no doubt that if you get the highways network right, you bring social and economic benefits to the whole community”.

"We hope the people of Somerset will share this vision, and will be patient with short-term inconvenience from road works which will result in long-term gains for local business and residents”.

A joint company formed between John Wainwright & Co and Foster Yeoman called “Mendip Contracting” will help Somerset Highways deliver it aims and objectives.