2 weeks Ago
Choose your course along one of the many roads in Somerset. It’s no laughing matter really, but maybe there should be ‘FORE!’-warning signs advising tee-d off motorists to expect a rough ride. Quite simply, the county’s crumbling highways and byways are in a sub-standard state, pockmarked with thousands of potholes that would challenge any amateur golfer.
It’s a real hazard and the RAC claims its patrols attended around 30,000 pothole-related breakdowns in England and Wales last year. That equates to hundreds of assistance missions across Somerset. The motoring organisation reckons there are on average six potholes per mile on Britain’s roads - but you sometimes encounter more than that in just 100 metres.
Some drivers take no action, carrying on their bumpy way, risking a pitch and puncture or worse. Others slow down or swerve to avoid damaging their vehicles. If your car suffers pothole-inflicted damage, putting it right could cost you up to £460, says the RAC.
If you’re one of the unlucky ones, the question on your lips will be: “Can I claim compensation?” Well, maybe. Somerset Council could be liable if it received a report of defective roads or potholes and failed to repair it within a reasonable timeframe. County Hall pledges to inspect a pothole within three working days of any report and repair it according to its ‘Highway Safety Inspection Manual’ policy.
The main reason for potholes is our cold, wet winters. Water can seep into cracks in the road and when it freezes cause the cracks to expand. Other reasons include wear and tear from heavy traffic and heavy vehicles; poor road maintenance; and poor construction.
While our roads have been seemingly neglected recently, there is hope we could soon be motoring along more smoothly. Last October, the then Government allocated Somerset £5 million for additional highways maintenance and pothole repairs, plus £3.5 million to resurface carriageways, cycleways and footways to prevent potholes and other defects occurring in the first place.
It’s been good to see not-before-time surfacing works on Taunton’s Obridge Viaduct and Priorswood Road over the past fortnight. Much-needed repairs have been carried out or planned in other areas. That’s welcome - let’s just hope our roads aren’t allowed to deteriorate so dangerously again.
As the saying goes, “A stitch in time saves nine.”.
