WIREDGOV

Guidance to help repair flood damaged roads

DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT News Release (106) issued by The Government News Network on 13 August 2007

Guidance to help local authorities apply for funds to repair flood damaged roads has today been launched by the Department for Transport (DfT).

Emergency funding for local roads damaged by flooding this summer has already been announced, and today's guidance will advise councils how to put in a claim.

To ensure local communities are able to return to normality as quickly as possible, DfT has also appointed a specialist to assist local authorities as they assess the damage caused and help them to prepare a claim for funding.

The Government recognise that it will take a little time for local authorities to be able to assess the extent of the damage to their roads and so has not set a deadline for claims. The appointment of a specialist will help speed up the processing of claims.

Notes to editors

1. On 14 July 2007 £3m was announced as DfT's initial estimate to help local authorities' repair flood damaged roads. However, the DfT has told councils it will consider all reasonable claims.

2. Authorities have been advised not to delay urgent remedial work, which they will later be able to include in their claim

3. The guidance provides details of the claims process and the help available to local authorities to prepare their claims.

4. The guidance can be accessed on DfT's website at: http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/ltp/guidance/fltp/

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Department for Transport Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk