Essex County Council’s new Leader has declared a ‘Pothole Emergency’, setting out urgent action to improve the county’s roads as a top priority for the new administration.

At the council’s Annual General Meeting Councillor Peter Harris used his first act following confirmation as Leader to outline the move. He set out the new administration’s immediate priorities, with road conditions placed firmly at the top of the agenda in response to resident feedback.

The Pothole Emergency declaration will be accompanied by a comprehensive action plan. This will be aimed at improving the condition of roads and pavements across Essex. The move reflects residents’ concerns. 

Councillor Harris, Leader of Essex County Council, said:

“There is no doubt from our conversations with residents that the condition of our roads and pavements is absolutely their top issue.

“This declaration acknowledges that the current state of our roads is not good enough. We need to change how we work – from our policies and procedures to how we deliver services – to provide the standard Essex residents expect and deserve.

“Crucially, this is about action, not words. Alongside this declaration, we are developing a pothole action plan that will drive real improvements across our highways network. Work is already underway, and we will share further details shortly.

“Essex voted for change, and we were given a clear mandate to deliver it. We are determined to deliver better roads and better services for residents across the county.

“This is a county with enormous potential – and it is time we started unlocking it.”

(Picture; Essex County Council)