Safer Roads ahead thanks to new Pothole Scheme

Roads across Cheshire will soon be safer for motorists and cyclists thanks to a nationwide mapping scheme.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has launched a first-of-its-kind audit into mapping potholes across England as part of the Government’s multi-billion pound plan to tackle the scourge of road users everywhere.

The new system will use data from delivery companies like Deliveroo, Uber, Tesco and Ocado to map out ‘pothole hotspots’ so they can be targeted for repair as quickly as possible.

Using information from these businesses and working with Gaist, a highway data and mapping company, the Department for Transport and local authorities including in Cheshire can target improvements so roads are in top condition as people return to work.

The scheme is the latest tranche of the Government’s biggest nationwide pothole repair programme—part of a £2.5 billion funding commitment to make our roads safer.

Eddisbury MP Edward Timpson said he was delighted the new system would lead to safer roads across the area.

“This is very welcome news for Cheshire cyclists and motorists. As one myself, I know how important a good, safe road network is to so many people,” Mr Timpson said.

“Tackling potholes not only reduces the likelihood of accidents and saves lives, but cuts down on the need for vehicle repairs, saving families money.

“And not only that: better, pothole-free roads help people make their journeys quicker, so they can spend more time doing the things they want to do with family and friends.

“Any system which can help tackle pothole problems in Eddisbury is very welcome.”

The launch of the new scheme comes as highway maintenance works undertaken in the lockdown months have led to 319 miles of resurfacing, making sure roads are in better condition so that people can get back to work and school safely.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:

“I want our roads to be as safe as possible, so during the lockdown we’ve resurfaced hundreds of miles of road. But now I want to go further by identifying critical potholes, and ensuring these are fixed as quickly as possible.

“We’re teaming up with delivery companies, which know the roads well, in order to map out where remaining potholes exist, and then relentlessly target them with our record £2.5 billion pothole repair fund.

“Better road surfaces benefit motorists and cyclists alike, ensuring the back to school and work environment is safer for everyone.”