Blackpool Secures £2.3m Government Funding for Pothole Repairs

Blackpool is slated to receive £2.3m in government funding to address potholes throughout the Lancashire seaside town. This allocation forms part of a larger £1.6bn government cash-injection, which aligns with a commitment made in its election manifesto to fix potholes. Labour indicated that it is increasing national funding for road maintenance by almost 50 per cent compared to the previous year. Blackpool Council is set to obtain a total of £2,366,000 specifically for work within the resort. Blackpool South MP Chris Webb stated: “I’m pleased to see such a significant investment in our roads in Blackpool.” He further added: “This funding is a vital boost to help Blackpool Council tackle this problem and make our roads safer for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.” The council’s Project Amber scheme utilizes an advanced imagery system that captures high-definition pictures of roads to detect potholes and compile data on areas most in need of repair. The council reported that, in addition to saving money on the highways budget and reducing road closures due to roadworks, it has decreased its compensation bill for pothole-related pay-outs since implementing this technology. Edmund King, president of the AA, welcomed the additional funding for the country’s roads, remarking: “We urge councils to focus on permanent and innovative repairs rather than adopting a ‘patch and run’ approach. “Better maintenance of the road network is the number one concern of drivers as damage costs a fortune and potholes can be fatal for those on two wheels.”