The contract will commence from 1st April 2012 and run for 10 years, with the option to extend for a further period of up to five years. The contract, which has an estimated value of over £1billion, will ensure that a greater proportion of money is spent on delivering frontline services and improving customer satisfaction.

Nine of the 10 major highways contracts in Essex will expire on the 31 March 2012, with the final contract terminating in 31 March 2013. All these existing contracts to operate Essex’s highways will be replaced with one single long-term partnership arrangement.

Ringway Jacobs Limited will form a strategic partnership with ECC, bringing with them a proven track record and an innovative approach in delivering highways services.

Bill Taylor, Managing Director for Ringway Jacobs said: “It is a significant award for Ringway Jacobs being one of the largest contracts of its kind in the country. We will focus on delivering on the promises we made in our bid which was developed on the basis of our success in delivering integrated highways contracts throughout the UK. I am delighted with this award and am committed to making this a success by working collaboratively with Essex County Council to deliver real efficiencies in service delivery”

County Councillor Tracey Chapman, Cabinet Member for Highways & Transportation said: “Customer focus and improving core services are two of our top priorities, and the Highways Transformation Programme will help us to achieve this. By joining forces with a strategic partner we will be combining the experience and best practice of the public and private sectors to deliver greater value for money for Essex residents.”