Could Walton on Thames motorists finally enjoy a smooth ride?

This week marks the start of a new roads repair contract for Walton on Thames and the rest of Surrey.

After almost a decade of disasters with Ringway and, in Walton on Thames Carillion, carrying our road repairs, alleged rescue comes in the form of May Gurney.

Politicians at County Hall have promised the May Gurney will provide a bright future for our roads – rest bite from the horrors of potholes and, going back a few years, an end to road repair jobs quoted at £400 being charged to the public purse at £4,000.

Have lessons been learnt from the past? Well Walton on Thames’ motorists will hope so but it seems it’s time to go cap in hand to the Government to pay for the cock-ups and mismanagement that have left our roads some of the most rutted in the country.

Writing in his latest blog, Surrey County Council leader Cllr Andrew Povey, said: “Once the celebrations are over and the bunting is packed away after the long weekend the county council will be back to work during May Gurney's first full week as the new contractor responsible for maintaining Surrey's roads. This news may not provoke the same excitement as Prince William and Kate Middleton's nuptials but its importance shouldn't be overlooked.

“I've said on many occasions Surrey's roads aren't as good as I want them to be but this deal will go some way to improving the situation. Thirty thousand potholes a year will be repaired within 24 hours of being reported in a deal that saves £4.1 million annually on the previous contract.

“I'm not suggesting May Gurney can wave a magic wand and transform all our roads overnight, only a hefty amount of Government funding could do that, but we will certainly see improvements in the coming months.

“Good quality roads are the lifeblood of Surrey businesses and they are key to the county's economic success. As chairman of South East Strategic Leaders I have been lobbying for greater investment in Surrey and the rest of the South East's roads to ensure the region leads the UK's economic recovery.”

If you see a road repair in the coming days and weeks, do post on Walton on Thames People about what you think of the quality of the work done.