Pothole Action Fund 2016-now
Following the autumn statement in 2016 the Department for Transport announced their Roads Investment Funding Package, which includes the Pothole Action Fund: www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-roads-funding-package.
Currently through this fund Devon is receiving the following allocations:
- 2019/20 – £1,923.000
- 2018/19 – £2,200.000
- 2017/18 – £3,192,000
- 2016/17 – £1,952,000
Asset management principles
The Highway Asset Management Plan provides for preventative work whenever possible. A low-cost intervention, delivered at the right time in the life of a road, provides a better solution compared to full reconstruction of an alternative section of road which is in a worse condition. We have insufficient funding (capital) to meet all of the demand for maintenance works. We, therefore, need to prioritise strategic routes which does mean that some sections of lower category roads will remain in a poor condition. They will, however, be kept safe through our safety inspection process.
Our network
With the lower part of Devon’s road network deteriorating due to a lack of funding the additional Pothole Action Fund is a good opportunity to further address this part of the network.
Funding allocations
Allocations have been calculated by providing a fixed equal sum for each electoral division plus a sum to reflect the needs of that electoral division. The need element is assessed using data on pothole frequency on the minor road network
- 2019/20 – Allocations by electoral division
- 2018/19 – Allocations by electoral division
- 2017/18 – Allocations by electoral division (includes £70k carryover from 2016/17)
- 2016/17 – Allocations by electoral division
Next steps
Local members are invited to discuss potential schemes with their local highways officers. Highway officers will have a list of sites based on DCC data. Alternative schemes can be introduced by members. The impact of any additions, on their electoral ward allocation, would be reviewed and revised accordingly.
Provisional programme
Following consultation with local members, the following schemes have been identified and programmed for delivery.