Potholes to blame for record number’ of car repairs

THE aftermath of the worst winter for more than 25 years has left the areas roads in tatters with the number of potholes increasing by the day, according to one of the UK s biggest car repair companies. Autoglass has reported record numbers of calls this

THE aftermath of the worst winter for more than 25 years has left the areas roads in tatters with the number of potholes increasing by the day, according to one of the UK's biggest car repair companies.

Autoglass has reported record numbers of calls this week, as a direct result of windscreens cracking because of the pressure they are being put under by "poor road surfaces", and loose tarmac chipping screens.

Managing director of Autoglass, Nigel Doggett, said: "Britain's roads are in the worst state they have been for years because of freezing snow and ice taking its toll.

"At the last count, following the big freeze in February 2009, there were 1.5million pot holes on Britain's roads."

According to Met Office figures, this winter has been the worst for more than 25 years, which means potentially thousands more pot holes will be appearing, creating ever- deteriorating road conditions.

Mr Doggett added: "During the past week, we have taken thousands of calls reporting damaged windscreens as a result of the poor road surfaces.

"Potholes are exacerbated by cold weather as water expands and freezes to form ice, putting additional pressure on the cracks in the surface. Once a pothole has formed, it continues to grow through further chunks and chippings being worked free by traffic.

"Ultimately, this has culminated in increased damage to windscreens - firstly as a result of those loose chippings leaving the road surface and hitting windscreens forming a chip, and secondly, when existing chips in windscreens are put under excessive pressure due to sustained and repeated travel over uneven surfaces.

"That, over time, will cause a chip to crack.

"To try and prevent damage to vehicles, we are advising motorists to be extra vigilant and slow down if they spot potholes on the roads."

Essex County Council's assistant highways area manager, Peter Massie said that roads in county would be seen to but that the work had to be done within the constraints of a tight budget.

He added: "We will be continuing with extensive inspections and repairing roads wherever and whenever we can. We are aware of all the problems for drivers and we will be looking into all areas of the county."

For more information visit www.autoglass.co.uk or www.essexcc.gov.uk.

WE are launching our own POTHOLE WATCH on this website tomorrow morning.

- Come back and tell us where they are. We will send the information onto the authorities.