Somerset Council is at risk of missing out on approximately £3 million in funding to fix potholes if it fails to report the number of repairs already completed to the government. The Transport Secretary’s announcement of an additional £300 million for road repairs in the southwest comes with a condition - local authorities need to demonstrate progress by a looming deadline.
The council’s share of the funding is just over £12 million, earmarked for the most urgently needed road repairs. However, a failure to report the status of repairs by late-June could result in the withholding of a quarter of the funding.
The cost of pothole damage to vehicles, estimated at £600 per driver, and the prevalence of potholes on roads has made repairing them a top priority for both drivers and government. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the need to address the issue, highlighting the financial burden and safety risks posed by neglected roads.
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To receive the initial 75% of the funding, Somerset Council must allocate it for immediate repairs, with the remaining 25% contingent on the submission of a detailed report by June 30. The report should cover expenditure, the number of potholes filled, road conditions, and plans for long-term maintenance and weather resilience.
The council is under pressure to demonstrate effective utilization of the funding and commit to improving local roads, particularly by addressing pothole-ridden areas. Failure to do so would not only mean a loss of funds but also a missed opportunity to enhance road safety and quality.