Madam, – As one travels on secondary or minor roads the surface is an irritant in more ways than one. Apart from the many potholes visible, there is the “stripping” that occurs when the road surface, often shiny, is sprayed with bitumen dressing and then covered with stone chippings.
When the work is carried out the result usually looks quite good. But the chips soon begin to become dislodged. This is referred to as stripping. It will not happen if a good quality surfactant or emulsifier is used in the manufacture of the road dressing. Such coatings are designed for use on damp or wet surfaces and are ideal for use in our climate.
In times past an inferior road binding product would not have been be accepted. That was when we had competitive tendering and independent suppliers in Ireland. Now, most are under the same aegis, so there is little if any competition.
The taxpayer is paying for this and has every right to complain if those responsible for our road maintenance and surfacing accept inferior materials. – Yours, etc,