Council pledges £24 million to tackle Rotherham's potholes

It follows an investment of £10 million over the past three years, which RMBC says has reduced the number of potholes by a third.

The new commitment within the capital budget — £6 million annually for the next four years — would be the biggest roads investment in decades.

The council says this will halve the number of potholes on the borough’s highways.

Cllr Emma Hoddinott, cabinet member for roads, said: “The results of our 2020 Roads programme can be seen right across the borough as we have begun to deal with the backlog of repairs needed.

“Last year alone, the council repaired 37 miles of roads.

“But we know that there is much more work still to do to improve roads for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike.

“This commitment shows the importance that we know residents give to this work.”

The council’s ruling Labour group is expected to publish its full budget Budget pot to

beat potholes proposals on February 3.

These will include cuts of £13.9 million in the revenue side of the budget, following a £15.8 million reduction for 2019/20.

And it will take the total savings since 2010 to more than £200 million.

Meanwhile, a report released this week revealed twice as much is budgeted to be spent on roads in London (£62,350 per mile) than in the Yorkshire region (£31,042) this financial year.

The new Conservative government has pledged to make available £2 billion for filling potholes over the next four years, as outlined in the Conservative manifesto.

WHERE should the council be prioritising its pothole attention? Do you regularly drive over a cav- ity-riddled carriageway or avoid running along a particularly ragged road? Send us your photos and selfies with the worst ‘pot spots’ across Rotherham and we’ll feature them — and send on to RMBC. Email newsdesk@rotherhamad vertiser.co.uk, including your details and the location