Less cash for surface dressing, despite funding boost

The road surface treatements sector has released a video showing the benefits of surface dressing following a recent fall in councils' use of the technique, despite higher maintenance spending.

The video was launched at the Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA) conference this month by Kevin Maw, consultant and secretary at the Road Emulsion Association. It is a collaboration between the two bodies.

Mr Maw told the conference: ‘The reason for this was, following discussions between those industries, concerns we had about two consecutive years of decline that we have seen in surface dressing of roads.

‘This is despite the [Asphalt Industry Alliance] ALARM survey highlighting that we have had 20% [annual] increases in funding for highways maintenance for local authorities and councils over the same period. It is of concern over where that funding is going, if it’s not going into surface dressing, if we are seeing reductions in surface dressing.’

He added: ‘So the aim of the video – it’s not technical – it’s clearly to show the benefits. It is concerned as you will see with the continued problem of potholes and the millions of pounds being spent so far to tackle the issue.

‘It’s aimed at highlighting the benefits to our target audience – those who are responsible for allocating funds at a local level within authorities and councils and where surface dressing fits into that decision.’

Mr Maw concluded: ‘After we have launched the video, the next part of our strategy will be to ensure that as many people as possible within that target audience have an opportunity to see this video and understand, hopefully, more about the benefits of this treatment.’