Understand
Wetter winters and extreme weather are increasing pothole risks in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, road crews warn
Overview
Road maintenance teams in Herefordshire and Worcestershire have warned that increasingly extreme weather, particularly prolonged rainfall combined with freezing temperatures, is worsening road conditions and increasing the formation of potholes. Councils across the region are preparing their gritting fleets, salt stocks, and personnel for the winter season as climate change makes severe wet winters more frequent.
Key points
- Herefordshire Council and Worcestershire County Council report that extreme weather and prolonged rainfall are putting growing pressure on road networks.
- Ed Bradford of Herefordshire Council noted that continuous rainfall combined with cold weather significantly increases the appearance of potholes.
- The Met Office estimates that record-breaking wet winters have become much more frequent due to global warming.
- Herefordshire Council has budgeted over £1m for winter maintenance, stocked 6,200 tonnes of salt, and readied about 50 workers.
- Worcestershire County Council has serviced its gritting fleet and replenished salt supplies to prepare for sub-zero temperatures.