Reform UK Takes Charge of Derbyshire County Council with Pothole-Focused Agenda

Strategic Insights -

Reform UK, a recently elected administration in Derbyshire County Council, has faced immediate questions about its plans to address the county's infamous pothole problem. Despite not having a specific manifesto pledge on how to deal with potholes, the new cabinet member for potholes, highways, and transport, Cllr Charlotte Hill, has vowed to accelerate the quantity and improve the quality of highway works. Cllr Hill's role includes a unique focus on potholes, setting her apart from previous administrations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cllr Charlotte Hill, the new cabinet member for potholes, highways, and transport, has pledged to improve the quality and quantity of highway works.
  • The administration will seek to accelerate the current works and set out detailed plans to fix the county's potholes once they have reviewed the current state of roads, plans, and available funding.
  • Cllr Hill estimates that there are 22 potholes per mile of Derbyshire roads, equating to approximately 66,000 potholes across the county.
  • The current administration had previously filled 1,500 potholes a week and repaired 90,000 potholes in 2023, but did not record repeat repairs on the same damaged areas.
  • Opposition groups have claimed that Derbyshire is the pothole capital of England, with RAC data showing 1.1% of minor roads and 4.9% of major A roads received maintenance in 2023.
  • Cllr Alan Graves, the new council leader, has pledged to improve roads within a year.

Statistics:

  • 22 potholes per mile of Derbyshire roads (Cllr Charlotte Hill estimate)
  • 66,000 potholes across Derbyshire (derived from 22 potholes per mile and 3,000 miles of roads)
  • 1,500 potholes filled per week (previous administration's record)
  • 90,000 potholes repaired in 2023 (previous administration's record)
  • 1.1% of minor roads and 4.9% of major A roads received maintenance in 2023 (RAC data)

Sources:

  • Eddie Bisknell, Reform UK's first meeting in charge of Derbyshire County Council