The rising cost of oil has forced Norfolk County Council to cut back on road maintenance works, as officers meet this week to discuss the financial impact on next year’s budget.

A report presented to the planning, transportation, environment and waste review panel found underlying deterioration in the condition of the county’s road network.

There was also a rise in structural maintenance costs which had led to a backlog that would cost an estimated £70.4M to just get back to 2006-07 conditions.

This includes £3.9M for the A-road network, £10.9M for B and C-roads, £6.3M for footways, £5M for traffic signals, £36.8M for highway drainage, and £4.8M for bridges.

Inflation in the construction industry has reduced the council’s structural maintenance budget by about 25% in the past four years.

According to the report, there is particular concern with the rising cost of oil having significant impact on bitumen products. ‘The effect of these increases has been to reduce the volumes of works undertaken, which is reflected in the deterioration of the asset,’ it said.

The report suggests the required overall budget for next year would be £54.7M, well above the £28.5M for this year. Councillors are now being asked whether they should reduce the workload rather than spend extra money, in a bid to maintain the current levels.

Adrian Gunson, cabinet member for planning and transportation, said: ‘The proportion of the network with no defects has been falling steadily. This is a worrying sign, and if we do not take action, it can only lead to more serious problems and higher cost in the future.’