'Buy machine to tackle pothole crisis' say Wolverhampton Tories

It is one of the proposals in the party's alternative budget which will go before this evening's (Wednesday) meeting of the council, where members are expected to back a 4.99 per cent rise in council tax and a £17.2 million package of cuts.

Councillor Simon Bennett, leader of the Conservative opposition on the Labour-controlled council, will call for the council to hire a JCB Pothole Pro machine for 12 months to speed up road repairs. 

Councillor Bennett said potholes are one of the most common complaints from residents, with drivers facing damage to their vehicles and dangerous driving conditions.

He said the machine would allow the council’s existing maintenanceteams to fix potholes up to four times faster than current methods, significantly reducing disruption for motorists and improving road safety.

The proposed one-year pilot scheme, costing £249,000, would allow the council to assess the effectiveness of this approach in delivering longer-lasting repairs while reducing the need for costly repeat work.

He said: "Our roads are in a shocking state, and residents have had enough of waiting weeks or even months for potholes to be repaired. 

"We need a smarter, more efficient way to fix our roads, and hiring a JCB Pothole Pro is a proven solution that will get the job done faster.

"Labour’s failure to properly maintain our roads is costing motorists inrepairs and compensation claims, and it’s time for a fresh approach."

Last year, Wolverhampton Council paid £2,000 to motorist Nick Birch after he sued the council for damage to his car, caused by a pothole in Clifford Street, Whitmore Reans.

Councillor Bennett said the cost of the machine could be funded by a one per cent reduction in spending across council departments, excluding adult care, children's services, education and public health.