Council awarded £4m to fix potholes

A government grant of £4m has been awarded to Hertfordshire County Council to fund up to 20,000 additional pothole repairs across the county.

Road surfaces across Hertfordshire have suffered exceptional damage this year due to snow and ice during the winter followed by heavy rainfall in the spring, resulting in an increase in potholes.

The council will also replace or protect existing surfaces on hundreds of roads across Hertfordshire to extend their lifespan and head off thousands of further potholes from developing. This will see more than one million square metres of road treated – the equivalent of 140 football pitches.

Other planned works for the current year include repairs and maintenance to pavements, roads, bridges and traffic signals, as well as tackling safety problems, reducing traffic congestion, and making walking and cycling more practical and attractive. 

Cllr Phil Bibby, Executive Member for Highways and Transport, said: "We know that the condition and safety of the county's road, pavements and cycleways really matter to our residents, and it matters to us too. We’ve got some of the best roads in the country and our teams are working hard to repair the damage caused by the winter weather.

"We are prioritising work where it most needed and where it will have the greatest impact. This investment will make a real difference and help us to do even more to ensure Hertfordshire has the infrastructure our communities need."

The news comes as it emerged that insurance claims against the council for pothole damage to vehicles increased by 315% in the year to April. 

Updated 9th June 2023 to add information about increase in damage claims