If you’re tired of dodging potholes while out and about, you’re not alone – and help is on the way.
Ealing Council has been given its biggest ever funding boost by the government – £945,000 – to tackle the borough’s pothole problem, from now until March 2026.
Smoother roads ahead
Potholes make it difficult for everyone to get around, but they are unavoidable because of the range of weather our roads cope with. In this borough alone, more than 3,500 potholes are identified or reported each year.
Ealing Council leader Peter Mason said: “Potholes are a real problem, and I understand how frustrating they are for residents. This is the biggest investment we’ve ever had for pothole repairs, and it’s going to make a huge difference to our roads. We’ll be looking at a new approach to increase our rate of repairs, plus some much-needed resurfacing works.”
Tackling the ‘scourge of potholes’
The funding is part of the government’s £1.6billion investment for councils in England to tackle the ‘scourge of potholes.’
In return for the funding, councils must prove progress via annual reports, so residents will be able to see exactly what’s being done in their local areas to fix potholes.
You will be able to visit the council’s website to find updates on how the funding is being used, along with the annual report.
Funding could double repairs
Half the funding in our borough will be spent on a new ‘drive and repair’ programme, which will include daily patrols that will fix potholes immediately. Currently, main roads are inspected every month, and minor roads every 6 months, and if a pothole is spotted repairs are commissioned.
The new programme will run alongside the current inspections, and it’s thought that it will not only prevent potholes from getting worse but could more than double the repair rate.
The other half of the funding will be used for resurfacing works on key roads at locations including the Lido Junction in West Ealing and the A40 / Argyle Road junction, in Perivale. Further details will be available on the council website in June.
Councillor Paul Driscoll, the council’s cabinet member for climate action, said: “This funding is exactly what we need to improve our roads, ensuring our residents are safe whether driving, cycling or walking. This is the first time we’re using an approach like ‘drive and repair’ and I’m confident we will see the desired results.”
How you can help
If you see a pothole, you can help by reporting it via the council’s website.
