MP Ian Liddell-Grainger has applauded Somerset Council’s decision to switch to night-time working to complete a controversial cycle path project along the A39 between Minehead and Dunster. 

But he said thousands of motorists could have been spared hours of misery and frustration if the system had been introduced earlier. 

Council officials withdrew the million-pound contract last month after temporary traffic lights caused further chaos with vehicles queuing for four miles. 

Now they have apologised to motorists and announced the work will be completed with overnight shifts, even though it will take longer and cost more. 

But Mr Liddell-Grainger, MP for Bridgwater and West Somerset, said the change of heart had come far too late in the day. 

“From the moment this scheme started last year it was clear daytime working was going to cause mayhem and possibly endanger lives because of delays to emergency vehicles,” he said. 

“But the council refused to listen to any complaints and simply ploughed on, apparently as a result of their usual attitude that ‘it’s only the A39 going to Minehead so it doesn’t matter’. 

“As a result of their obstinacy thousands of drivers have suffered huge delays and missed appointments and travel connections. 

“The one positive is that this can be held up as an example of how not to run a road scheme when future generations of traffic engineers are being trained. 

“In the meantime- and since it is inconceivable that any council, particularly one so given to pleading poverty, would have embarked on a £1 million project such as this without being aware of huge public demand for it - I look forward to the sight of hordes of cyclists travelling wheel to wheel along the path every time I drive past.”