Surrey Council have signed a contract with May Gurney for £60 million to maintain the county's 3,000 miles of roads. The contract will last for six years and its terms oblige May Gurney to repair 30,000 potholes ever year and within 24 hours of them being reported. The firm will also be responsible for winter work and the upkeep of bridges.
The deal, while looking quite large initially, will contribute to a £4.1 million annual saving on the current highways contract.
Ian Lake, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said "This is a good deal for Surrey taxpayers because it costs millions of pounds less than the current contract and will result in better quality roads. More potholes will be filled and they will be repaired right first time."
A resident from Surrey pointed out flaws in the contract though, stating "The figures are full of holes. 30,000 potholes a year works out at 82 potholes a day at a cost of £333.33 each – seems a bit unlikely. Factor in winter and bridge upkeep and it gets even more so. And what if 30,000 people ring to say they’ve got a pothole in their road? They can’t all be filled within 24 hours…"