“Patch up” approach to filling North Yorkshire’s potholes criticised

A “patch up” approach to filling potholes could be costing North Yorkshire Council money in the long run, councillors claim.

Green Party councillor Kevin Foster, who represents Hipswell and Colburn, said the authority was filling potholes without sealing them with bitumen, which left repairs more vulnerable to failure, particularly during extreme weather.

He said the authority should examine whether more durable repairs could save money in the long term by reducing repeat work and limiting damage caused to motorists.

Green Party colleagues, David Noland and Arnold Warneken, have also questioned council officers about the authority’s pothole repair strategy.

According to the councillors, officers have indicated they would prefer a more comprehensive “fill and resurface” approach, but that such repairs are more expensive than patching potholes individually.

Cllr Foster said: “We need proper scrutiny, along with clear facts and figures, on how improved sealing of potholes could benefit the council. This must be treated as a matter of priority.

“Officers have pressure on them to spend as little money as possible, but this leads to a patch-up approach that is likely costing us more money, as holes need to be re-fixed.

“And then there’s the cost to residents if they hit one. Do it once, do it right and we’ll all be better off.”

Cllr Warneken, member for the Ouseburn division, said: “Officers are receptive but there’s political pressure from the leading group. Yes, we’re strapped for cash, but it makes no sense to skimp on proper repairs – it will just cost us more money.

“Potholes are really dangerous for cyclists in particular – they could be forking out for a funeral, not just a new wheel.”

The issue has also been highlighted by local cyclists and repair businesses.

In response to the criticism, North Yorkshire Council’s corporate director for environment, Karl Battersby, said the authority had a rolling programme of resurfacing, full reconstruction and surface treatments designed to extend the life of the network and improve overall road condition.

He added: “In addition to planned works, we carry out regular safety inspections across our 5,800-mile roads network. These are undertaken by trained highway inspectors and focus on identifying defects that could pose a risk to road users and need prompt attention.

“Wherever possible, we deliver permanent repairs using industry-standard techniques to provide lasting results.

“However, sometimes defects need immediate action to keep people safe, or bad weather means a permanent repair cannot be completed properly.

Mr Battersby said that in these cases, the authority carried out temporary repairs “as a safe and practical short-term solution until a full repair can be completed”.