Drivers and cyclists will benefit from smoother, safer roads
after the Transport Secretary reaffirmed the Government's
manifesto commitment to fix up to one million more potholes a
year as she visited Blackpool today (26th September).
The country's pothole plague has become a menace, slowing
everyone's journeys, putting lives of drivers and cyclists at
risk, and pushing up repair costs for hard-pressed drivers.
Transport Secretary met with road workers and
councillors to see first-hand the extensive work being undertaken
to tackle the pothole plague and learn how high-definition
imagery is used to spot defects and speed up repairs.
Blackpool's Project Amber scheme uses an advanced imagery system
that takes high-definition images of roads to detect potholes and
compile data on areas most in need of repair. It is hoped systems
like these can be replicated across the country, helping to
repair England's neglected roads and save money for drivers and
councils.
As part of her mission to get Britain moving, The Transport
Secretary has pledged to deliver for drivers with wider plans to
tackle the soaring cost of car insurance, accelerate the roll out
of electric vehicle charge points, and deliver a new Road Safety
Strategy to reduce tragic deaths and injuries on our roads. This
Government is prioritising safe, reliable and modern
infrastructure, as a key part of its mission for growth.
Transport Secretary, , said:
“For too long, this country has suffered from a pothole plague.
Our roads have become a constant and visible reminder of the
decline in our country's infrastructure, which stunts economic
growth.
“From drivers to bikers to cyclists, everyone who uses our roads
deserves a safe and pleasant journey. That's why I've pledged to
support local authorities to fix up to one million more potholes
per year.
“Blackpool Council are already doing fantastic work to make the
most of new technology to repair potholes faster. This should be
a model for every community to learn from and help deliver the
roads their drivers deserve, so that Britain can get
moving.”
Cllr Paula Burdess, Blackpool
Council's Cabinet Member for
Community Safety, Street Scene and Neighbourhoods,
said:
“It was great to welcome the Secretary of State to Blackpool today and show
her how we deal with the issues around road maintenance and
potholes.
“Blackpool has always been synonymous with innovation - how we
look after our roads is no different. I'm really proud that
Blackpool are leading the way nationally with innovative road
maintenance.
“Our highways team work extremely hard to keep the roads
functioning for residents and visitors to the town. We
continually strive to use new methods that are quicker and less
disruptive, alongside materials that are longer-lasting and
better for the environment.
“By repairing the roads at an early stage we can also avoid more
costly repairs in the future and ensure our roads stay stronger
for longer to create a better Blackpool.”
Launched in 2019 by the Local Council Roads Innovation Group
(LCRIG), Blackpool was the first local authority to use this
technology to repair its roads.
Since 2019 Blackpool has seen significant reductions in its
compensation bill for pothole related pay outs. In previous years
it was paying up to £1.5 million a year to settle claims. Last
year it only paid out £719.
The Government will set out how it will achieve its manifesto
road resurfacing commitment at the Spending Review.
