State of Salford's roads causes spike in accident claims

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

The state of Salford's roads is causing a spike in claims against the council about damaged cars and injuries. A report linked to a new funding package for road repairs stated that there has been a 'significant' increase in claims over the last two years due to the 'deterioration of the network.' The council blamed a lack of funding for the spike in accidents, after it was forced to find £5.9 million in savings in March when deciding its annual budget. READ MORE: The key pledges from parties standing in Salford's local elections in May More than 60 claims each were settled by the council for 'vehicle damage' and 'personal injury' in 2022/23 - a figure which was less than 20 each in 2020/21.

The report also found that the value of the council's payouts has 'increased slightly', but that 'not all claims are settled in year.' A new £3.8 million scheme for road and footway repairs was approved by Salford's deputy mayor Tracy Kelly on Monday this week.

The council's report about the road network stated that £2.5 million of that money is needed just to keep the carriageways in a 'steady condition' without further damage.

Salford Labour Group said the work will help provide "efficient, safe and sustainable highways" in the city, but they argued the job is becoming more difficult due to "brutal cuts" from the Conservatives.