POTHOLES are a serious problem for drivers and even more so for cyclists. The letter by Observer (Viewpoints, 15 April) points to a promise-delivery gap on this. In late March the annual survey by the Asphalt Industry Alliance revealed that only 23% of local authorities who replied had a quantified target to reduce the carbon footprint resulting from the procurement of road surfacing materials.

I wrote to Manchester City Council if it was among that 23 per cent. It isn’t. After nudging them for a reply I was told “At present, MCC Highways have not set a quantified target to reduce our carbon footprint from procuring road materials.” This was followed by some soothing comments about scenarios and learning, before the “This is only the beginning, and we are on a journey to make further improvements and contribute towards MCC’s corporate ambition of being carbon neutral by 2038.”

“Only the beginning”?  No, it’s 21 months after the declaration of a climate emergency where everything was going to change. If only the Executive Member for Environment would  communicate better with the Executive Member for Transport.  Oh, wait, they are the same person.

Marc Hudson

editor of Manchester Climate Monthly