£60 million fund to fix Greater Manchester's potholes
The cash will pay to repair and maintain around 125 kilometres of road across the region
A new £60 million fund has been created to repair more of Greater Manchester's roads and pavements.
The Pothole Fund, announced by Mayor of Greater Manchester Bev Craig, will be spent across every borough in the region.
It's enough to repair and maintain more than a million square metres of road, according to the Mayor's office, which is around 125 kilometres.
Around 2.5 billion trips are made on Greater Manchester's roads every year, not only by motorists but also buses, trams, cyclists and pedestrians.
Where the money is going
The fund will go to Greater Manchester's 10 councils, with the amount each receives based on an agreed funding formula.
The Mayor's office says the £60 million is more than the annual budget the councils collectively get from central government each year to maintain their roads and pavements.
The extra cash comes from the region's transport budget, with leaders agreeing to move funding towards highways maintenance.
The allocations are:
Bolton: £6,552,000
Bury: £4,374,000
Manchester: £8,155,000
Oldham: £5,258,000
Rochdale: £5,243,000
Salford: £5,388,000
Stockport: £6,820,000
Tameside: £4,980,000
Trafford: £4,992,000
Wigan: £8,241,000
What the fund will pay for
The money will be used to repair hotspots where surfaces are in poor condition, as well as to resurface roads and pavements to stop them deteriorating in the first place.
The Mayor's office says damaged roads are a common and frustrating issue for drivers across the country, and can also be hazardous for people walking, cycling or wheeling.
Cold and wet winters, more traffic and heavier vehicles are among the factors blamed for the problem.
The fund fulfils a commitment Bev Craig made to repair more roads and make sure pavements are safe as part of her mayoral manifesto.
Bev Craig, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:
"Keeping our roads and pavements safe and well maintained is essential for a growing city region like Greater Manchester. That's why I promised to create this new Pothole Fund that will benefit drivers and everyone who uses our roads to get around.
"Properly maintaining our roads will save motorists money on costly repairs. And by preventing potholes forming in the first place, councils won't have to spend as much money on emergency road repairs.
"This issue came up repeatedly on the doorstep during my election campaign so I'm pleased that I can do something about it so quickly, building on the significant work already planned by councils across Greater Manchester.
"It's all part of my commitment to make getting around Greater Manchester easier, safer and more reliable, no matter how people choose to travel."
On 2nd September, the Mayor visited Trevor Road, a residential street in Eccles, where resurfacing work is underway.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said:
"Our residents deserve roads and pavements that are safe, reliable and fit for a growing city. This investment gives us the means to fund repairs, prevent future deterioration and improve everyday journeys for everyone who lives, works or travels through Salford. It's a welcome boost that will help us keep our communities connected and support the city's continued growth.
"With this extra support, we can make real improvements that will benefit our communities. Maintaining and improving our highways network is not simply about fixing potholes – it is about supporting our economy, connecting communities and making sure our streets are fit for the future."