Half of drivers crash or have a near miss swerving to avoid potholes, survey finds

By Chris Irvine Published: 11:01AM GMT twenty-eight February 2010

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Certain estimates put the sum cost of pothole repairs at �100 million Photo: PAUL GROVER

Despite the volume of drivers influenced by potholes however, the consult found roughly 7 in 10 had never reported a pothole to their internal council.

And even though they do not inform them, 9 in 10 motorists hold their legislature is not you do sufficient to correct the repairs to the roads, the consult by GEM (Guild of Experienced Motorists) Motoring Assist found.

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The consult additionally found that there were a large climb in the series of potholes due to the oppressive winter weather. Certain estimates put the sum cost of repairs at �100 million

While it found that half of drivers suffered repairs to their vehicles from potholes, usually five per cent done a explain opposite the legislature for the damage, with roughly 9 in 10 motorists revelation they were unknowingly of the procession to follow when creation a claim.

David Wililams, GEM arch executive, said: Potholes affect each highway user, from drivers and motorcyclists to cyclists and those on foot. Often motorists will not mark a pothole until it is as well late and as the consult worryingly reveals, possibly snake out of the way, that could outcome in a pile-up or equates to repairs to their car.

"Local councils need to take quick movement in alleviating this national complaint but it is additionally critical for motorists to fool around their piece in stating potholes to internal councils. Potholes are not simply only a bother they are a large highway reserve issue.

Councillor David Sparks, Chair of the Local Government Association Transport Board, said: "Councils outlay millions to safeguard that roads are protected and potholes are filled. The ultimate cold continue equates to that they are operative prosaic out to fill in the ones total during the last month of frozen weather.

"Potholes are the gaping sores in the highway network and councils know how most motorists wish to see the self-evident gauze being applied. Getting people safely from A to B is at the tip of each councils agenda.

"The soppy total with the frozen conditions destroys tarmac really quickly. As the ice seeps in to the highway it expands and rips chunks of the aspect out withdrawal potholes blighting the highways.

"After the sleet comes the repairs and councils are operative prosaic out to keep drivers protected by regulating the holes as fast as possible. However, a little belligerent is right away waterlogged definition the bituminous element will not stick. Temporary solutions will be used where required until the continue improves."