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Potholes - let's do our bit

Forum Admin [Martin]Forum Admin [Martin]
edited March 2010 in General
Seen a pothole - but haven't reported it?

Apparently, using the relevant council's website to report them to be fixed works very well! So, if you can find a few spare minutes, why not think of one you've seen recently and get it sorted. Then, on the next ride you can point it out and let us all know you've done you bit.

Hertfordshire
http://tiny.cc/saferoads

Cambridgeshire
http://tiny.cc/betterroads

Bedfordshire
http://tiny.cc/smoothroads

Essex
http://tiny.cc/niceroads

CTC's hub
http://www.fillthathole.org.uk/hazards/report

Thanks to John Meadows for all the information.

Comments

  • Adam HAdam H
    edited March 2010
    File this press release by the Institute of Civil Engineers under "no sh*t, Sherlock":


    POT HOLES SEND ROAD SATISFACTION DOWNHILL

    Q1 2010 – the public’s attitude to public services

    19 March 2010: The rise in the number of pot holes caused by severe icy conditions is likely to have caused a sharp drop in the public’s overall satisfaction with the state of

    our roads and highways, according to the latest public service satisfaction survey, released today by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

    The survey, which monitors change in attitudes to key public services in the UK, shows that only 46% of respondents are now satisfied with the current state of the UK’s

    roads and highways, compared to 60% per cent in the last quarter of 2009. This follows a sharp rise in the number of pot holes caused by the severe snow and ice. 49% also voted roads and highways as their first or second priority for more investment, up from 40% in the last quarter.

    Snow and ice are the worst weather conditions for exacerbating existing road defects. The ingress of water into existing cracks, followed by freezing, expands the cracks.

    The freeze/thaw cycle means this process gets repeated and the cracks steadily widen. Vehicles constantly passing over the cracks lead to further deterioration and these cracks widen into pot holes. Continual weight from traffic means the pot holes will keep widening unless they are properly addressed.

    According to the Asphalt Industry Alliance, there is road damage every 120 yards, with the average cost of repairing a pot hole at £65.

    Keith Jones, Director ICE Wales Cymru, said: “Highway issues affect all sectors of the community, we cannot continue to patch and repair the roads, they are a vital part of

    the Country’s infrastructure. It is now likely that residents will not see their local roads being resurfaced in their lifetime.

    “The pot holes are not just an indicator of the condition of the roads but cause injuries, delays and damage to vehicles. The increase in visible road defects in Wales is

    testament to the extent of the problem. There is a very clear link to the economic growth of the country and more investment must be found if we are to address these real issues.”

    The ICE survey also showed:

    * 65% are satisfied with public transport services (no change from Q4 ‘09)
    * 77% are satisfied with electricity and gas supply to homes (up from 76% in Q4 ‘09)
    * 71% are satisfied with rubbish and waste disposal services (down from 73% in Q4 ‘09)
    * 65% are satisfied with the provision of flood defences (down from 67% in Q4 ‘09)
    * 89% are satisfied with drinking water and sewage services (no change from Q4 ‘09)

    Whilst roads and highways topped the priority list for more investment, public transport came a close second with 37% putting this as their first or second investment priority.

    31% said the disposal of rubbish and waste should be the top priority for investment, electricity and gas supply to homes was next in line at 30%. 24% believed flood defences should be the investment priority and 22% believe investment in drinking water and sewage should be a priority.

    ENDS

    More facts about potholes (Source: The Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) Survey 2009, conducted by the Asphalt Industry Alliance):

    * 968,195 pot holes were filled last year.
    * £63.2million spent on filling pot holes last year
    * £47million was paid out in compensation claims in 2009

    · Over the past 10 years there has been a significant increase in the number of visual road defects (inc. cracking, potholes and patching) (ALARM).

    - England: 52% increase

    - London: 30% increase

    - Wales: 116% increase

    * According to ALARM the estimated time to clear the maintenance backlog, based on current budgets, is:

    - England: 13 years

    - London: 10.7 year

    - Wales: 15.6 years

    Notes to editors:

    The ICE survey, conducted quarterly by ComRes, investigates public attitudes towards key public works and services and asks them to indicate their overall levels of satisfaction as well as their

    top investment priorities. ComRes conducted a telephone survey of 1009 members of the public between the 28 and 28 of February 2010. Data were weighted to be demographically

    representative of all GB adults. ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abide by its rules. Full tables available at www.comres.co.uk.
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