More than £2 million more than originally planned in this year’s Council budget is being set aside to help tackle the amount of potholes in the Bath area.
Large scale improvements to road surfaces are now planned with a £9.32 million investment being proposed by Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Cabinet to help win the fight against potholes in response to public concerns.
By April 2016, the £9.32 million investment made over a three year period will have resulted in around 13% of the entire road network being either resurfaced or surface dressed – equivalent to 93 miles.
Councillor Caroline Roberts (Lib-Dem, Newbridge), Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “The proposed commitment is over and above what we planned for last year and is due to the Council by being financial prudent and responsible with taxpayers money.
“If agreed, the investment will enable the Council to respond to public concerns about roads following the severe weather and improve the conditions on local streets for those on foot, people who use bicycles and drivers.
“The improvements will also protect the public purse. Planned maintenance reduces the number of potholes that occur during severe weather and minimises the need for costly pothole repair work. By making this investment we are reducing the overall cost of maintenance for the local taxpayer.”
As normal, future improvement schemes will be selected on the basis of those roads in greatest need of repair and of most benefit to the public.
If the proposal is agreed by the Council, a programme detailing specific will be worked-up and agreed in April 2014.
The budget proposal also contains an additional £2 million for highways structures, like bridges, over the two year period.
The Cabinet proposal will be discussed on 12 February 2014, 6.30pm, Guildhall. The final budget decision lies with the Council on 18th February, 6.30pm, Guildhall.
For more information about the budget go to www.bathnes.gov.uk/budget2014.
