Councils have warned delays to pothole repairs on county roads after spiralling cost of materials amid global upheaval.

Alongside the immeasurable human costs of the tragic conflict, the war in Ukraine has hit supply of materials used to fix potholes on England’s roads, pushing up the price of bitumen, a pothole repair material, warned the Local Government Association(LGA), a local authority organisation. 

Before the Russian attack in Ukraine, estimated 60 percent of bitumen came from Russia, but now Councils are forced to ration it – meaning higher costs and delayed repairs.

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David King, Buckinghamshire Council's Deputy Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “Shortages of materials and rising costs are impacting all kinds of repairs and infrastructure projects across all sectors, including for local councils.

“However, it’s not stopping us keeping Bucks' roads safe. We have a roads maintenance and repairs programme in place moving into autumn and winter 2022, and we’re pleased to have recently used new machines and methods on some local roads including using techniques to recycle materials locally."

Currently across High Wycombe and Marlow, 27 reported potholes needed fixing, while 13 potholes were repaired since July according to FixMyStreet reporting tool.

For comparison, in Chesham and Amersham, four reported potholes were due for repair, and 15 had been fixed since July.

Councillor David Renard, Transport spokesperson for the LGA said: “As this stark new analysis shows, councils across the country are facing unprecedented increased costs to repair our local roads, keep our street lights switched on and invest in improved local infrastructure.

“Global pressures, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as increasing inflation and a shortage of materials have all provided the perfect storm for councils and piled pressure on already stretched local budgets.

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“To tackle this issue, the new Government must cover these increased costs for councils or risk roads condition getting worse or reductions in other services.

“Only with adequate long term funding – to cover increased cost pressures and invest in local services - and the right powers, can councils deliver for our communities, tackle the climate emergency, and level up all parts of the country.”