Extra repair teams drafted in to tackle potholes on Sheffield's roads
Extra repair teams have been drafted in to tackle potholes on Sheffield’s roads.
Residents across the city and some councillors have criticised the condition of some of Sheffield’s roads over recent weeks.
MP Louise Haigh has also voiced her concerns.
Posting on Facebook this week, she said: “Residents are telling me about large, deep potholes damaging cars and putting drivers at risk.
“In several caseses, when I’ve pushed for inspections, the roads have been officially deemed hazardous.
“People are understandably upset and I agree. It shouldn’t take contacting your MP to get dangerous defects looked at.
“I’ve now raised wider concerns directly with Sheffield Council and Streets Ahead, asking why these harards aren’t being identifed sooner and what the plan is to properly improve our streets.”
A council meeting was called earlier this week to discuss the issue.
Afterwards, Amey, the contractor which runs the Streets Ahead programme to maintain the city’s road network, said more repair teams will be used to tackle the potholes.
Peter Anderson Managing Director of Amey's Transport Infrastructure Team, said: “Recent severe weather has had a significant impact across the UK, and we recognise the concerns and frustrations locally and are acting quickly to address them.
“[On Tuesday] Amey met with councillors to discuss the action we are taking and provide an update on the situation.
"Through the long‑term Streets Ahead programme, Amey has already been investing heavily in resurfacing and maintaining the city’s roads, and that commitment continues.
“Our focus remains on delivering lasting improvements while addressing immediate issues.
“We are using more resilient repair materials, adding more teams to deal with potholes and are scheduling permanent repairs as soon as conditions allow.
"All work is delivered to agreed quality standards, monitored jointly with the council.
“Our priority is supporting a reliable, safe road network for Sheffield - both now and in the years ahead.
“We would urge the residents to continue to report potholes so that repairs can be prioritised and carried out as quickly and effectively as possible.”
Amey is Sheffield City Council’s private sector roads partner, paid £2.2bn over 25-years to maintain streets and pick up litter.
Councillor Maroof Raouf, for Nether Edge and Sharrow, said there were about 50 councillors at the urgent ‘all members’ briefing’ on potholes, along with council officers and Amey representatives.
“Amey was asking for specific pothole locations as if they didn’t know where they are, despite people reporting them on Fix My Street,” he explained.
“An Amey person said the roads weren’t meant to last the length of the contract, which was for 25 years and signed in July 2012. And they said the perception was worse than the reality - but I disagree.
“As councillors we are getting it in the neck from constituents and rightly so. People are struggling to pay council tax, feed their families and heat their homes. They shouldn’t be paying out for car damage due to potholes as well.”
After the meeting, Councillor Joe Otten, chair of Sheffield City Council's Environmental Services and Regulation Policy committee said: "We understand how frustrating and disruptive potholes can be, and we want to reassure residents that tackling them is an absolute priority for us.
“The prolonged periods of heavy rain followed by freezing temperatures since January have created exceptionally difficult conditions on roads across the country, and Sheffield has been no exception.”
He said the know this “has generated a high level of concern from councillors and residents,” which is why the briefing session was held.
“This was not simply an update - it provided a space for councillors to directly question both Amey and council officers, to challenge the information presented, and to get first‑hand insight into the issues and the actions being taken,” he added.
“This level of scrutiny helps ensure members fully understand the situation and are equipped to offer informed reassurance to their residents.
“To help get on top of the increase in potholes, Amey are doubling their repair capability, bringing in additional repair teams and deploying more resilient materials designed to withstand these challenging weather conditions, particularly where temporary repairs are required, prioritising the most urgent within 24 hours."
“I would encourage residents to continue reporting potholes so that our teams can identify.