Europe UK (Commonwealth Union) – Potholes are a common sight on roads all around the world, and they can be a significant source of frustration for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. These large, gaping holes in the road can cause serious damage to vehicles, create hazards for cyclists and pedestrians, and even result in accidents.
The recent revelation of the Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) survey made some staggering information on the deteriorating carriageway conditions and the rising costs likely to become problematic for road users.
The ALARM survey, recently published by the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA), revealed that local authority highway teams in England and Wales were able to secure just two-thirds of what was required to end local roads from further degradation and that over £14 billion is presently required in resolving the backlog of carriageway issues.
A pothole is typically formed when water seeps into the cracks and crevices of the pavement. Over time, the water freezes and expands, causing the pavement to crack and break apart. As vehicles drive over the weakened pavement, the asphalt begins to crumble and eventually forms a pothole.
Rick Green, AIA Chair, says “Highway engineers can only do so much with the resources they are given and should be applauded for the steps they take to keep roads safe.
“Potholes and the condition of our local roads remain key issues for the public and the Chancellor went someway to recognising this in his Spring Budget. But the additional £200m one-off payment for local roads in England, while welcome, is just not enough. It represents around 20% of the average shortfall in English local authorities’ annual budgets and will do little to improve overall structural conditions and stem further decline.”
The damage caused by potholes can be significant. For motorists, hitting a pothole can cause a flat tire, bent rims, or even damage to the suspension or steering components. In extreme cases, hitting a large pothole at high speeds can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle, resulting in an accident.
