Liverpool recruits three workers as pothole repairs miss one-in-five safety target

Liverpool City Council is recruiting three road-maintenance workers after its data showed one in five reported potholes was not made safe within the council’s three-day target over the previous 12 months.

The council has replaced both of its previous Flocon pothole-patching trucks with newer vehicles and has taken delivery of a commissioned Jetpatcher. The three vacant positions were estimated to take four weeks to fill.

A cold planer attachment and broom attachment have also been ordered to support permanent pothole repairs and improve their quality and durability. They were scheduled to arrive within eight weeks.

The additional equipment and staff are intended to help crews respond to potholes and other pavement defects more promptly and efficiently across the Liverpool local government area.

Staff vacancies have affected routine inspections and the council’s ability to complete permanent repairs within the preferred timeframe. As staffing levels are restored, inspections are expected to occur more consistently, with defects identified and repairs programmed according to road hierarchy, traffic volumes, pavement condition and safety risk.

The council said missed three-day response targets were linked to an increase in potholes and pavement defects associated with ageing road infrastructure and increased traffic volumes. Traffic conditions can restrict repairs on major roads during peak periods, while congestion can lengthen travel times for maintenance crews.

Weather conditions needed for some asphalt and pavement repairs, along with more extensive failures requiring assessment and substantial repairs, were also listed as factors.

Development activity in Austral and Edmondson Park was identified as another source of road deterioration. Construction traffic, utility trenching, partial road closures and heavy vehicles can increase pavement loading, particularly on roads not designed for current traffic levels.

The Civil Maintenance team will continue using its road-maintenance budget for routine inspections, pothole patching and localised pavement repairs. Funding requests for additional resources can be considered through quarterly budget reviews.

The council said 80 per cent of reported potholes were made safe within three days during the previous 12 months. Its stated approach is to continue proactive inspections while responding to defects reported by residents.