Petition calling for Suffolk pothole repairs passes 1,000 signatures

A petition denouncing the state of Suffolk roads has received more than 1,000 signatures.

Phil Robson, from Norton, is calling for local authorities to implement "comprehensive repairs" to roads.

Mr Robson said: "Our vehicles are suffering damage due to the state of disrepair that these roads are in."

A Suffolk County Council spokesperson said it had increased resource and funding to address the issue.

The petition, which is aimed at the council and the Department for Transport, is 300 signatures away from its 1,500 target.

Mr Robson said poorly maintained roads and inadequate drainage systems were resulting in cars being damaged.

"Suffolk's road network is vital for our daily lives - for commuting to work or school, visiting family and friends, or accessing healthcare and other services," he said.

"It is unacceptable that we should face such issues due to lack of proper maintenance."

A March report released by the Asphalt Industry Alliance revealed 18% of roads across England and Wales had less than five years of life remaining, with nearly a third having between five and 15 years.

Mr Robson requested local authorities "take immediate action by implementing comprehensive repairs on existing roadways and ensuring suitable drainage systems are put into place".

Many signatories of the petition shared their concerns, referring to their own tyre and alloy wheel damage as a result of potholes, the associated costs to fix their cars, and the poor visibility of potholes on flooded roads.

The council's budget, which was approved earlier this month, included a £48.2m investment into Suffolk's highways for the next financial year, amounting to £197m over the next five years - the bulk of which was put towards maintenance.

The council spokesperson said: "Suffolk is tackling issues head on by increasing resource and committing extra funding, and trialling new ways of working, such as the recently promoted dragon patcher.

"We recognise there is much to do. However, the county council has doubled the number of pothole repairs in the past two months when compared with the same period last year and is working around the clock to maintain the highway to a safe standard, ensuring we keep Suffolk moving."

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