A Cumbrian council has agreed to spend £8.5 million to repair potholes on the roads it is responsible for.
Westmorland and Furness councillors agreed to spend the cash at a meeting this week.
The figure includes £3 million additional funding awarded by the Department for Transport for pothole repairs in March.
The plan also includes more than £11 million for other road repairs and maintenance – including road and footway surface work and drainage improvements – and £2.5 million for bridge maintenance.
The spending plan also includes allocations for improvements to public rights of way, traffic signals and road safety studies.
Westmorland and Furness Council is responsible for maintaining 2,700 miles of principle and minor roads.
Peter Thornton, cabinet member for highways and assets, said: “We know the frustration that potholes cause and that is why we have allocated a significant sum to make a real difference to the number of repairs we can make right across Westmorland and Furness.
“This year we have already rolled out the use of innovative ‘jet-patching’ machines to fix potholes, carry out emergency road repairs and seal worn sections of carriageway.
“We are using three of these machines on the Westmorland and Furness Council road network, each capable of making up to 150 permanent pothole repairs each day in a fraction of the time it usually takes conventional repair methods.
“The repairs are instantly ready to take vehicles, reducing disruption to road users and providing a long-lasting repair.
“This winter’s severe weather and freezing temperatures took its toll on the condition of our roads and we have made repairing damaged road surfaces one of our top priorities.
“We have looked at this programme strategically, so we are prioritising works that will most effectively maintain the network and where we will get the most benefit for every pound that we spend.’’
