FOI release

Potholes/traffic light hoods/road painting

This request was refused in part, so we didn't provide some of the information the requester asked for. This may include information where we can neither confirm nor deny that we hold it.

Case reference FOI2024/00458

Published 5 April 2024

Request

1. What will it cost to repaint all the white lining recently done in Peterchurch, this having been so badly that the paint is disintegrating 2. Why are traffic lights at junction of Roman Road and the right turn to Cannon Pyon "masked " with shutters on some lights and not others? Similar question re the lights in Edgar Street at right turn to Waitrose. Similar question re lights at Widemarsh Street junction (with "ring road"/Old Market). When green or amber, especially, it is sometimes difficult to see if these lights are working. 3. What are the instructions to Balfour Beatty regarding manner of repairing potholes? Is there any requirement for all repairs to be sealed (I estimate this is only done in less than 5% of repairs, whereas it is absolutely necessary in order to prevent water ingress between old and new tarmac). Unsealed repairs quickly break up between new and old tarmac, forming new potholes.

Response

1. What will it cost to repaint all the white lining recently done in Peterchurch, this having been so badly that the paint is disintegrating

A: The lining deterioration at Peterchurch has been identified by BBLP as a defect and will be corrected by the lining contractor. The programme constraints for this scheme were such that the works had to be completed in this period but during the winter there is increased risk of issues with lining due to wet and damp road surfaces. Whilst we seek to dry the carriageway if it is wet, the risk of deterioration remains and is something that we correct if it occurs.

At this moment in time, we don't have the rectification cost which, as noted above, should be covered by the lining contractor at their cost.

2. Why are traffic lights at junction of Roman Road and the right turn to Cannon Pyon "masked " with shutters on some lights and not others? Similar question re the lights in Edgar Street at right turn to Waitrose. Similar question re lights at Widemarsh Street junction (with "ring road"/Old Market). When green or amber, especially, it is sometimes difficult to see if these lights are working.

A: The use of shutters on traffic signals is typically used on signals where there are two sets of signals in close proximity that may display separate green signals. The shutters are used on the far lights such that the green can only be seen when vehicles are closer to the far signal, and not interpret the far signal being green as applying to the near signal. This is the case on Edgar St near Waitrose where the far signals are a pedestrian crossing whereas the near signals control the junction with Blackfriars St. They can also be used where long visibility of the signals can encourage excessive speeds, if drivers can see the signals from a distance and can accelerate to get through them. This is the case at the Canon Pyon Junction.

3. What are the instructions to Balfour Beatty regarding manner of repairing potholes? Is there any requirement for all repairs to be sealed (I estimate this is only done in less than 5% of repairs, whereas it is absolutely necessary in order to prevent water ingress between old and new tarmac). Unsealed repairs quickly break up between new and old tarmac, forming new potholes.

A: Balfour Beatty maintain the highways in Herefordshire in line with the specification in Herefordshire Council's highways maintenance plan, which is publically available on Herefordshire Council's and can be viewed via the following link:

https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/downloads/file/5210/highway-maintenance-plan-covid-19

As such we consider this information to be exempt under Section 21 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 because it is reasonably accessible to you via other means. Please take this letter as a refusal notice under S17 of the Act.

Pages 39 and 40 specifically cover methodology for repairs of potholes. Where possible, our potholes are sealed with a bitumen emulsion. This forms part of our standard specification, however this can vary based on factors such as footfall, weather/environmental conditions, and existing carriageway condition.

Documents

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