Councils to receive £100m for pothole repairs

COUNCILS are to receive an extra £100m to repair potholes after the severe winter weather left roads in an even worse state.

Cuts to funding for councils had raised fears that a backlog of repairs would simply get worse, but the Government said it was making extra money available because of savings made by the Department for Transport.

Town hall leaders welcomed the pledge of extra money, which will only be available to authorities which promise to publish details of how the money is spent online.

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Transport Secretary Philip Hammond said: “Millions of motorists across the country have their daily drives ruined by potholes. And the awful winter weather we had this year is only going to make that problem worse.

“That is why, despite the tough financial position we are in, we are going to give councils over £100m extra to help carry out much needed repairs to England’s roads. I am determined to see the winter damage to our roads fixed as quickly as possible and we will be working with councils to make sure that happens.

“This money should make a real difference to the millions of drivers who are fed up with having to continually battle against dangerous potholes, giving them safer and smoother journeys.”

The Government said it has already provided £831m to councils for road maintenance this years, but authorities warned of a growing backlog after freezing weather in November and December caused more damage.

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Money will be distributed according to the amount and conditions of roads authorities have.

Coun Peter Box, the leader of Wakefield Council and the chairman of the Local Government Association’s Economy and Transport Board, said: “Councils filled in more than two million potholes last year and, following the coldest December on record, face an enormous task to keep roads in a safe condition this year.

“It is good news the Government has responded to the concerns of local authorities by agreeing to the LGA’s request for extra money to fix potholes caused by unprecedented winter weather.”