In a recent letter to the Department for Transport (DfT), Cllr Ian Gillies has called on the Government to provide more funding to speed up the series of repairs needed on York’s roads.
This comes after new and improved technology suggested a sharp increase in the deterioration of York’s roads. The new technology has been able to provide a more accurate picture when compared to previous years. However, due to this increase in accuracy, the Council’s data now suggests indicates a sudden and sharp worsening in the condition of York’s roads.
Furthermore, with the prolonged winter weather, wet and icy conditions have also taken their toll on York’s roads. In the last five years, the Council has on average, delivered 75 grit applications. This year, to date, the Council has delivered 108 treatments and more are expected.
Over the last three years, the Council funded roughly £6 million of local funding on top of existing DfT funding, nearly doubling the DfT funding of £7 million. As has been demonstrated nationally, there is a need to recognise the need to match the funds for repairs with the needs of the extensive road network.
Cllr Gillies has now written to Jesse Norman MP, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, outlining the current situation and putting forward the case for additional investment in York’s roads.
Cllr Ian Gillies, Conservative Council Leader, said:
“Clearly the increase in the number of potholes is unacceptable and our administration is seeking additional government investment to add to our own funding for repairs.
“In addition to the severe weather as a cause let’s not forget the extensive programme of gully cleaning and repair we’ve initiated to deal with the backlog of neglect left over from the previous Labour council, which over the years has led to the degradation of many of our minor roads. This winter’s ice and frost has added to existing pressures and shows why we continue to prioritise road maintenance.”