UK Government announces funding to improve potholes
The Government announced in late 2014 that local councils in England are set to receive close to a £6 billion fund for pothole repair over the next six years. As part of the £15 million investment to upgrade and improve the UK’s infrastructure announced in the Autumn Statement.
Too little too late?
UK local councils are facing huge bills for pothole repair, as there is a massive backlog of road repairs. It has been revealed just how big the problem is via a recent study into the issue, with campaigners and the UK government suggesting that the funds dedicated to repairs by local councils falls short of what will realistically be needed.
Pothole vigilantes
Potholes have become such a nuisance the public are taking action into their own hands.
Such as the Pothole Gardener, a guerilla gardener from Shoreditch, London, who raises awareness of the lack of pothole repairs by planting mini gardens in roads or pavements in need of repair.
Also we previously wrote about the Pothole Robin Hood from Mississippi who decided to fix potholes himself with stolen asphalt.
The pothole low-down
What causes potholes?
Water enters cracks in the asphalt, which expands when it freezes causing the crack to widen and the hole gets bigger. Vehicles constantly driving over these cracks and holes further increases the damage to the roads.
Why are they so prevalent?
Severe winters in the UK over the last few years have made an impact. In addition limited council budgets during the time of the recession have meant that full repairs were not possible. Councils have patched up potholes individually rather than resurface the whole road area.
Why are they a problem?
Potholes present a danger to road users and can cause damage to vehicles.
Damage to vehicles generally caused by potholes are wheel and tyre problems, wheel alignment and in severe cases crashing after losing control.
Pothole Advice
You should drive at a safe distance to the vehicle in front so you can see a pothole in advance. Also be aware that if it has been raining puddles could cover them and then you don’t know the depth of the hole. If you see a pothole you should slow down and drive over at a low speed. You should avoid swerving a hole in the road as this could cause a more serious accident.
If a pothole damages your vehicle you should record the location and size of the pothole, if possible take a photograph. You should then report it to your local council.