Consultation is underway on new plan to prioritise Suffolk’s potholes

A new road repair plan will see larger potholes on major roads in Suffolk getting priority.

The new Highways Maintenance Operational Plan, which has been trialled since May, is out to online public consultation until November 18.

It gives priority to the level of risk a road defect, such as a pothole, will pose to people using the road.

For example a deep pothole on an A road with a speed limit of 60mph presents a greater risk than a similar sized pothole in a residential cul-de-sac.

Suffolk Highways will also be more proactive and will tackle smaller potholes at an earlier stage to prevent them getting worse and also repair smaller holes while contractors are on site dealing with larger ones.

Cllr James Finch, Suffolk County Council cabinet member for highways, said: “The new plan will ensure the county’s busiest roads are maintained to the best possible standard while keeping our quieter roads safe.

“Over time with the earlier identification and repair of smaller defects there should be less high priority defects, therefore reducing risk and improving safety on Suffolk’s roads.”

But Labour’s Cllr Sandra Gage says this will result in residential roads being left with potholes for longer and less regular road inspections.

To give your views go to www.suffolk.gov.uk