A £3 million blitz to tackle a backlog of potholes across Liverpool has exceeded its target.
It was envisaged that the initiative, which started in March, would see 14,000 potholes repaired in three months – but now it is estimated that 20,000 will be dealt with by the end of July.
Around £1 million is being spent in each of the north, south and central/east parts of the city.
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said:
“Because of efficiencies in the programme we have been able to repair a significantly higher number of potholes- something which will be welcomed by everyone in the city.
“However, I know that despite this blitz the condition of our roads is not good enough, to say the least. To put this programme in context – we are spending £3m and we have a backlog of £269million in road repairs.
“I have consistently lobbied the government over this issue to try and get the necessary funding to make a real impact on this issue- currently we only get about £3m a year from the Department for Transport.”
The spending on pothole repairs is in addition to the £80 million that the council is spending over the next five years improving main routes in the city and the annual resurfacing programme for local roads most in need of replacement funded by the Department for Transport (DfT).
Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said:
“This has been an intensive programme of repairs which is dealing with some of the most badly affected roads in the city.
“Potholes are an issue which produces numerous complaints from motorists and cyclists – and they give a poor impression to visitors to the city. We regard it as very important that, despite the cuts which have been imposed on us, we try and make a difference. All councils are facing problems with potholes in their roads but we are adopting a vigorous approach in tackling them.
“This programe is being funded through contributions from developers undertaking regeneration projects but it will also reduce the number of claims for compensation we receive.”
The progress on the programme can be seen on the council’s website at:
http://liverpool.gov.uk/parking-travel-and-roads/report-an-issue/report-a-pot-hole/