February 6, 2018 12.37 pm This story is over 80 months old

‘We’re doing the best we can’: Council rejects ranking as worst pothole filler in East Midlands

Potty over potholes

Lincolnshire County Council has refuted claims by residents and a pothole website that it is ignoring a large percentage of pothole reports.

A recent league table created by cyclists website FillThatHole.org.uk claims to rank hundreds of local authorities by comparing the number of current potholes reported by the website with how many were filled.

In the table, Lincolnshire ranked 190th out of 214 authorities, with the website claiming 1,744 potholes had been reported, but only 191 (11%) of these fixed.

The group admitted some flaws with the study, which only includes data by cyclists who use the site and relies on councils for updates.

‘We’re doing the best we can’

Lincolnshire County Council has rejected the figures, stating it ‘fixes every pothole it is aware of’.

In the last six months (July 2017 – December 2017), the council had received 3,042 pothole reports and has repaired 40,812 in that same timescale.

Figures for the last six months regarding potholes in Lincolnshire. Data: Lincolnshire County Council

If a pothole is considered a safety issue, which usually means it is 40mm or deeper, it should be dealt by the council within the following timescales:

  • A roads and the busiest B roads – Made safe within 24 hours and a repair arranged
  • B roads and the busiest C roads – Seven days
  • C roads and unclassified roads – 28 days

Councillor Richard Davies, Executive Member for Highways and Transport, said: “We fix every pothole that we are aware of, so I’d certainly question these [FixThatHole.org.uk] figures.

“We’re repairing thousands of potholes every month, with over 4,000 dealt with in December alone.

“Dangerous defects are fixed as a matter of urgency, with other issues being prioritised and dealt with as resources allow. That way we can keep on top of things as best we can.

“The council spends a total around £50 million on highways maintenance each year. While this sounds like a lot of money, we have 5,500 miles of road to maintain and that funding will only go so far.”

‘The roads are crumbling’

Many residents have also contacted Lincolnshire Reporter with claims that they reported potholes in October which have still not been fixed.

Sara Kahn said: “I drive on the A15 twice a day every day and am absolutely sick and tired of the large potholes near the Scampton Airbase entrance both north-bound and south-bound on the A15.

“The potholes are causing severe damage to my car.

“I try to avoid them, but they are so prevalent, makes it so hard to manoeuvre around them in that area.”

Robert Tighe commented: “I have to say working in a lot of different villages [in Lincolnshire], I’ve not known it this bad for potholes, some stretch of roads are crumbling, it’s shocking.”

To report a highways fault, click or tap here or call 01522 782070.

Potholes on roads maintained by Highways England, for example the A1 at Grantham, can be reported by calling Highways England on 0300 123 5000.