THE time it takes for potholes to be repaired in Bracknell is slower than its neighbouring authorities, after it was announced last week that the Royal Borough will have a new

24 hour repair scheme.

Cabinet has approved a new policy to fix all reported potholes over 40 millimetres within 24 hours, regardless of the size of the road.

The pothole scheme is set to launch on September 1 as part of a commitment to improve highways in the Royal Borough, which covers Ascot.

However, Bracknell work on its potholes by assessing its risk factor, rather than assessing the size and depth of the pothole.

Repair works then may take one hour, 24 hours or up to 28 days depending on the severity of the risk it presents.

Councillor Chris Turrell, executive member for planning and transport, said: "Bracknell Forest Council inspects all of its adopted streets and footpaths based on a safety inspection schedule varying between monthly, quarterly, bi-annual and annual inspections, depending on the classification of the street.

"All highway defects identified during these inspections are assessed on ‘risk’, and ‘make-safe’ and/or permanent remedial works are carried out by the council’s highway contractor either within 1 hour, 24 hours or 28 days, depending on the severity of the risk it presents.

"In the case of 1 hour or 24 hour works instructions, defects are ‘made safe’ as a minimum, and follow-up permanent remedial works, if required, are carried out within 28 days."

The new scheme which will be rolled out in the Royal Borough will see potholes over 40mm deep on roads and over 25mm deep on footways fixed within 24 hours, regardless of which type of road or path it is located on.

Councillor Andrew Johnson, lead member for infrastructure, transport policy and housing, said: “This change to our pothole policy will mean we have some of the quickest response times to potholes in the county and beyond, and demonstrates that we take the safety of all highways users very seriously.

"We know potholes are an important issue for residents, which is why we have moved to deliver this pledge early and ensure that reports about potholes are fixed as quickly as possible."