Praise for Wearside roads after survey

Satisfaction with Sunderland's roads and public transport services is better than the national average.

The findings come from the annual National Highways and Transport (NHT) public satisfaction survey.

It asks questions about the condition of roads and footpaths, public transport and congestion. Sunderland City Council is one of 111 councils signed up to the annual survey. Overall satisfaction rate on Sunderland's highways and transport was 58%, up from 2018's 56% and higher than the national average of 53%.

The views of more than 3,000 city households were sought as part of a random standardised survey asking people the same questions. Sunderland City Council's c abinet member for e nvironment and transport, Coun Amy Wilson said: "Thanks to everyone who took the time to complete and return the survey.

“It's all about understanding public views and this sample helps guide decisions on where resources are needed for our city's highways network." Satisfaction rates in Sunderland on congestion, road safety, highway maintenance, walking and cycling, and accessibility all improved year on year. When the council set its 2019/2020 budget, it approved a highways maintenance programme of £5m for nearly 250 road and footpaths.

The projects will take place over the projects over the next 12 months. Details on the next round of projects will be available in coming months as the council outlines and approves its budget for 2020/2021.