Crumbling roads tackled

Somerset came bottom in a maintenance survey

The UK's lowest-spending highways authority is attempting to reverse years of deterioration on its roads and pavements.

Somerset County Council has had a spate of damages claims for injuries, and half of its non-principal roads have "actionable defects".

A survey this year showed Somerset diverted more than 50% of its road maintenance budget to other areas last year - the worst record in the UK.

Now the county's executive board is debating whether to increase the highways budget - covering roads and pavements - by £3.92m.

Even if it approves the increase on Monday, the council will still be one of the lowest-spending highways authorities.

Council accused

The spending survey issued by the Asphalt Industry Alliance said Somerset's maintenance backlog stood at £98m.

The Road Haulage Association accused it of mismanagement.

The council has received an extra £7.5m of Government funding through the local transport plan process.

Deterioration is adding to traffic congestion

But a report to the executive board says a further £3.92m is needed next year.

The report by highways manager Andy Ackerman says funds for winter and emergency maintenance fall far short of the minimum needed.

He warned of "a greatly increased level of complaints and claims against the authority."

Worst spender

Without the injection of the £1.6m of emergency funds this year, the budget would have run out in October.

Allocating the extra £3.92m would move Somerset four places up the league table of highest spending highway authorities - from bottom to 30th position.

Board member Tim Carroll said: "We are spending in the region of £40m this year in comparison to £25m last year."