Repairing potholes in Wirral area could cost over £120 million

Repairing all the potholes in the Wirral area of Merseyside is estimated to cost over £120 million. This assessment comes from Wirral Council, which has highlighted the urgent need for road repairs. Drivers in England and Wales encounter an average of six potholes per mile. Today, the UK government issued a warning that councils could lose funding if they do not repair enough roads. Starting on June 30, 2025, councils must report their spending on road maintenance and how many potholes they have filled. If they fail to meet expectations, they risk losing part of a £1.6 billion fund. In the Liverpool City Region, which includes Wirral, the government has promised an additional £8.7 million for road repairs. However, if councils do not deliver results, they could lose £2.175 million of that funding. Currently, there are around 737 miles of roads in Wirral needing repair. This summer, Wirral Council plans to spend £7 million on roadworks, selecting this time because warmer weather helps with repairs. Cllr Steve Foulkes, chair of the Combined Authority’s Transport Committee, welcomed the new funding, emphasizing the importance of effectively using it. Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized local councils for not addressing pothole issues efficiently and urged them to utilize the funds provided. However, some experts warn that the backlog of road repairs nationwide stands at nearly £17 billion, which could take a decade to resolve. In response to these urgent repair needs, Wirral's council has a team that inspects every road once a year. They maintain that the funds available will be used strategically to address the most pressing repairs first. The council has identified specific roads in various local areas that will receive treatment this year. Numerous roads across multiple regions, such as Bebington, Birkenhead, and Wallasey, are on the list for upcoming repairs.