The trial builds on the council's wider highways transformation programme and commitment to investing in the road network. Working in partnership with John Wainwright & Co Ltd, the new crew will carry out reactive patching repairs, targeting defects before they deteriorate further.
This initiative is designed to increase the number of repairs completed, improve response times, and test the benefits of a dedicated team focused solely on maintaining North Somerset's roads. The gang will be deployed weekly, focusing on areas identified through inspections, resident reports, and routine maintenance.
This financial year alone, over £10.1 million is planned for highway maintenance, including funding for both planned and reactive repairs. Cllr Hugh Malyan, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, stated, “We're determined to keep North Somerset moving and that means finding smarter ways to repair and maintain our roads. This dedicated patching gang will allow us to carry out more reactive repairs, address defects sooner and help improve journeys for residents, businesses and commuters right across North Somerset.”
Lee Seviour, Contracting Director at John Wainwright & Co Ltd, added, “This trial builds on our established working relationship with North Somerset Council and brings an approach we’ve successfully used elsewhere to the district. Our focus is on delivering quality repairs that last, with a dedicated team able to tackle road defects before they develop into bigger problems.”
The council is focusing on delivering the right work in the right place at the right time, using data and evidence-led decision making. Residents can report potholes or defects online via the North Somerset Council's reporting service.
