Leeds: Roads in decline as funding fails to keep up with repairs

By Don Mortlocal democracy reporter

The state of the city’s roads is in decline after maintenance funding failed to keep up with demand for repairs, a report has warned.

Rising costs and an increase in potholes around the city have caused a backlog of maintenance, Leeds City Council has said.

Latest figures show there were 14,646 reports of potholes needing repairs in 2023/34.

This was up from 8,855 the previous year and 7,658 in 2021/22.

A council report said there was a nationwide increase in sinkholes, caused by storms during the second wettest year since records began in 1836.

The council said it had invested £200 million in highways maintenance since 2010 to supplement the national funding it receives for road repairs.

The report said: “While the level of investment in highway maintenance has increased, it has not kept pace with both the rate of decline in the condition of the network and the rise in industry costs.”

The increase in potholes could be behind an increase in third party insurance claims for injury or damage to vehicles.

The council received 610 applications for motorways in 2023/24, the report said.

Changes to the way claims are processed have meant a steady decline since 2010/11, when there were 1,414 claims.

But the number has started to rise more recently, from 400 in 2020/21.

The report said: “Where the council has not been seen to fulfill its statutory duty, it may be liable for damages for personal injury or property.”

Plans to tackle the backlog will be discussed by the council’s infrastructure, investment and inclusive growth scrutiny committee on Wednesday (June 17).

The matter will then be taken to the council’s Executive Committee for discussion later this year.

The report said: “Roads suffer continuous deterioration through traffic actions, extreme weather conditions and material degradation.

“A clear strategy for regular maintenance is essential to keep these assets in a safe and serviceable condition.”