Bath and North Somerset highways deal

Bath and North East Somerset council has agreed a new £16m highway services partnership with engineers Atkins.

The partnership will be responsible for improving the condition of 1,100 kilometres of roads, as well as footways, across the south west council's area under a three year contract.

Atkins will be responsible for providing services including repairing pot holes, snow clearance and salting, as well as implementing road safety measures.

Atkins will be also set targets to address the causes and effects of climate change, including recycling waste, avoiding waste being taken to landfill and reducing carbon emissions from the company's vehicles and plant.

Charles Gerrish (Con), the council's cabinet member for customer services, said: "Improving transport and the public realm is a key priority for Bath and North East Somerset Council which is why we are investing over £16 million over three years towards highways and network management maintenance costs.
 
"The recent Audit Commission corporate assessment of the council reported that road quality has improved which is testament to the hard work of staff – but alongside Atkins we are aiming to make things even better."

Philip Hoare, Atkins Managing Director - Highway Services, added: "We are delighted to have secured this opportunity to work in partnership with Bath and North East Somerset Council. This is another great step forward for us as a business in strengthening our regional business in the West.