Staffordshire Launches £15M Two-Year Blitz to Fix England’s Worst Potholes
Staffordshire has launched a £15 million initiative aimed at addressing its severe pothole issues over the next two years. This effort, introduced by Staffordshire County Council, targets the numerous lower-level potholes that, while not posing immediate safety risks, require prompt repairs.
Key Details of the Pothole Repair Initiative
- Funding Amount: £15 million
- Duration: Two years
- Focus Areas: Lower-level potholes across Staffordshire
- Emergency Repairs: Serious potholes will be prioritized for repair within 24 hours to one week, depending on severity.
Government Rating and Community Feedback
Recent assessments have designated Staffordshire’s roads with an amber rating, indicating significant repair needs. Local residents have consistently voiced concerns over pothole conditions, emphasizing their frustration with road quality.
Peter Mason, the cabinet member for strategic highways, stated, “We’re committed to delivering visible improvements on local roads. This funding specifically addresses the backlog of lower-level defects.”
Strategic Approach to Repairs
The council aims to improve road repairs through better planning and resource allocation. Local teams will decide on repair locations, allowing for comprehensive area fixes rather than addressing individual potholes. This strategy is anticipated to enhance repair longevity and optimize costs for residents.
Pothole Ranking by Authorities
The initiative is part of a broader governmental effort to tackle what has been termed the ‘pothole plague’ across England. Each of the 154 local highway authorities has received traffic light-style ratings. Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are both categorized as ‘amber’, along with 124 other authorities.
| Authority | Rating | Spend Scorecard | Condition Scorecard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staffordshire County Council | Amber | Green | Amber |
This new funding reflects Staffordshire County Council’s commitment to improving local road conditions and addressing the ongoing pothole backlog. The council aims to provide residents with much-needed road infrastructure improvements over the coming years.
