13 February 2009

COUNCIL CHIEFS ISSUE POTHOLE WARNING

Local authority directors responsible for a substantial part of Britain’s road network have warned that potholes will be an inevitable consequence of recent ice and snow and urged motorists to take special care.

The warning comes from CSS, which represents the strategic directors involved in crucial transport, waste management, environment, planning, energy and economic development issues. Its members are responsible for three-quarters of the road network and just under half the population of England and Wales.

Matthew Lugg, chair of the CSS engineering committee said: “The harshest winter for nearly 20 years has had a devastating effect on our road network with average night time road surface temperatures remaining below freezing throughout January and February. The repeated freezing and thawing with the abrasive impact of grit has caused carriageways to split and potholes to form.”

The problem in urban areas is exacerbated by the damage caused by reinstatement of utility trenches.  CSS Research identified that the long term integrity of the road surface has been severely affected by these works and advocated that utilities pay the full cost of this damage.

Mr Lugg continued: “Whilst it will take time to assess the true extent of the damage, we do know that local highways teams will have to prioritise the resources needed to make immediate repairs.

“Local authority highways teams across the country are working to ensure roads are kept safe. In the meantime, we are advising our local authority members that the worst affected roads must take priority, but some stretches will need more extensive resurfacing and that will take time.”

The public are encouraged if they do come across a dangerous pot-hole to report it as soon as possible to their local highway authority.

Mr Lugg added: “Recent weeks have been a challenging time for local highways authorities and the end to the current spell of bad weather does not mean that we can relax. I think the roads teams have done exceptionally well and have played a crucial role in keeping the nation moving. We have contingency plans but this tests them to the limit.”

ends

Media contact  

Michael Pullan, Daybreak Communications office 0845 644 3845; mobile 07789 886094; michael.pullan@daybreakcomm.co.uk

Notes to editors                                                                                                                                           

• CSS represents local authority chief officers who manage some of the most pressing issues facing the UK today. Membership is drawn from all four corners of the United Kingdom with members responsible for three-quarters of the road network, two thirds of the land area and just under half of the population of England and Wales. Operating at the strategic tier of local government, they are closely involved in crucial transport, waste management, environment, planning, energy and economic development issues.

• Matthew Lugg is Chair of the CSS Engineering Committee. The committee provides technical advice and expertise to the Roads Liaison Group and its four associated boards.  The chair of the committee is a member of the Roads Liaison Group and the committee also provides the Chairs for the Roads, Bridges and Lighting Boards.