Repairs to road defects

8 March 2018

Our highways service is working flat out to deal with the increasing number of road defects caused by fluctuating winter temperatures. 

A spokesperson for Cheshire East Council said: “We put the safety of road users as our highest priority. Our highways teams repair an average of 150 road defects each day, including potholes, and re-surfacing up to 300 square metres of highway to make the borough’s roads safe for residents. Defects are categorised according to a national standard of acceptable road surface quality.

“Since January, Cheshire East highways has received a four-fold increase in inquiries from members of the public about potholes and, in response, have increased the number of repair teams operating.

“The council recognises that residents are concerned about the number of potholes appearing on our roads and our highways service is working throughout the borough to address the problem on a priority basis.

“In response to concerns about the condition of some of the borough’s roads the council last month voted through a budget which included investment of an additional £7m in highways.

“The council also voted to protect its highways budget from further cuts, adding an additional £2m to the initial £5m capital budget available to invest in the borough’s roads maintenance programme.

“Repeated fluctuations in weather conditions – from above to below freezing – coupled with heavy rainfall, create the worst possible conditions for road surfaces and result in an increase in the number of potholes.

“Our strategy is to keep our road network safe through the delivery of pothole and patching repairs. We programme larger maintenance schemes for the spring and summer months, when weather conditions are more favourable.

“Conditions in winter may prevent permanent repair in a small number of cases and we would encourage residents to report any issues to us online or by phone on 0300 123 5020.

“All reported potholes and road defects are inspected and we have directed additional resources towards tackling the problem.

“Because of our co-ordinated and robust evidence-based approach to prevention, as well as repairs, we have seen a sharp decline in the number of people claiming compensation for damage linked to potholes – the council currently has a 95 per cent repudiation rate for highways claims.”