en.Wedoany.com Reported - Senior representatives from the UK Department for Transport visited West Berkshire to learn about the council's achievements in maintaining the road network and promoting active travel improvements.
Antonia Williams, Head of the Road Transport Group, and Becky Morrison, Director of Road Strategy, met with local councillors, officials, and road contractor VolkerHighways to inspect the council's ongoing investments in road maintenance and improvements.
During the visit, council representatives introduced innovative methods used to keep roads in good condition and achieve value for money, aimed at ensuring safe and efficient travel for residents. Discussions also focused on the council's active travel plan, which strives to create safer and more accessible routes for walking, wheelchair users, and cycling.
The visit followed West Berkshire's outstanding performance in road maintenance, with its road maintenance activities receiving a "green" rating. This rating reflects the council's high standards in road asset management, planning, and investment.
Cllr Stuart Gourley, Executive Member for Environment and Highways at West Berkshire Council, welcomed the Head and the Department for Transport team to showcase the excellent work in highway and transport services. The visit included site inspections at multiple locations, highlighting new electric vehicle charging points, resurfacing works, and an alternative method for pothole repair using Thermal Road Repair technology. Gourley stated that the "green" rating is a significant achievement, reflecting the team's commitment to maintaining a safe, resilient, and well-managed road network, and that the council will continue to invest in infrastructure that benefits communities, businesses, and visitors.
Kunle Kolaru, Operations Director at VolkerHighways, expressed pride in the team's continued delivery of efficient and innovative services that achieve value for money. The two visited sites were the resurfacing works at Watery Lane in Hampstead Marshall and the Thermal Road Repair treatment at Grove Road in Speen. Kolaru believed that witnessing these processes firsthand provides a better understanding of the work involved in maintaining road safety and resilience, and welcomed the Department for Transport's visit.
