HAMPSHIRE residents are happy with highway maintenance in the county, according to a national survey.

The National Highways and Transport (NHT) Public Satisfaction Survey 2014 ranked Hampshire County Council (HCC) top of all county councils for residents’ satisfaction with highway maintenance services, along with street lighting and highway enforcement.

HCC came second in winter maintenance and third in satisfaction with the overall condition of the highways.

Councillor Sean Woodward, executive member for economy, transport and environment at HCC, said: “Highways maintenance is a priority for us as good and safe infrastructure is vital for the continuing prosperity and the future economic success of Hampshire.

“Hampshire’s roads suffered badly from last winter’s floods, and I’m pleased to see that the extra effort we have put into repairing the roads has been reflected in this survey.

“Since the winter, we have successfully secured extra Government funding – in fact, the highest amount in the South East, increased resources and developed innovative ways to ensure Hampshire’s roads are repaired and improved as efficiently as possible. There are, however, areas where we need to improve, and these include keeping drains clear and working and dealing with flooding on the roads and pavements. We have done a great deal of work jetting gullies and clearing soakaways since last winter’s intense and excessive rainfall.

“I hope this preparation will stand us in good stead for the winter, and reflect in resident’s satisfaction in the future.

“The survey results are a very useful indication of what matters to people which, in turn, helps us to prioritise where to direct the funding and resources for the future.”

A total of 78 authorities in England, Scotland and Wales took part in the questionnaire, which asked residents their views on a number of key issues.

To see the survey results in full visit nhtsurvey.econtrack.co.uk.