The local council in North London has decided to allocate an additional £6m towards repairing the broken roads and footpaths in the borough. This new initiative will involve introducing a specialized team, known as the ‘pothole squad,’ equipped with machinery to quickly and effectively repair the numerous potholes that have been causing inconvenience to both drivers and pedestrians.
The decision to increase the budget for road repairs was made during a recent meeting of Harrow Council’s Cabinet. The focus will be on addressing the most urgent defects first, with an emphasis on ensuring that the repairs are long-lasting. Earlier this year, the council had already approved a £240,000 program to address some of the worst affected roads, but the additional funding will enable a more comprehensive resurfacing scheme.
Cllr David Ashton, the Cabinet member for finance and highways, highlighted the council’s commitment to improving the overall appearance of the borough by targeting the most problematic roads first. He also mentioned that the additional funds will allow for resurfacing works on roads that may not have initially qualified for pothole repairs.
One of the challenges faced by the council is determining what constitutes a pothole, as road surfaces can vary significantly. Cllr Ashton explained that what may appear to be a pothole to the average person may not meet the technical specifications required for repair. To address this issue, the council’s highways contractor, JB Riney, will deploy a dedicated team equipped with a state-of-the-art £165,000 Pothole Pro JCB machine, capable of repairing potholes in as little as eight minutes.
In addition to the Pothole Pro JCB machine, the council is considering the use of other advanced machinery, such as thermal road repair equipment, which is not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective and efficient. These technologies produce minimal waste, recycle materials, and result in longer-lasting repairs. Last year alone, over 1,500 potholes were successfully repaired across the borough, and the council aims to build on this progress with the new financial boost.
The condition of Harrow’s extensive road network and footpaths has been thoroughly assessed for damage and defects, which will guide the prioritization of repair works. Cllr Ashton acknowledged the feedback received from residents regarding the state of the roads and emphasized the council’s commitment to addressing these concerns. By investing in cutting-edge machinery and a dedicated pothole repair team, the council hopes to tackle more potholes and deliver lasting solutions to improve the overall quality of the borough’s roads.
