With the aftermath of a particularly wet winter leaving a legacy of pockmarked roads across Wokingham, we ask: should there be trained volunteers to step in to fix the burgeoning pothole problem?
2023 a record for pothole damage
Vehicle breakdowns caused by Britain’s pothole-ridden roads reached record levels last year according to the RAC. The motoring organisation said it received almost 6,000 calls for pothole-related incidents from July to September – its highest total since it started collecting data in 2006.
With the incidence usually increasing sharply after the wet and cold winter months, the RAC said that the lack of road maintenance was “causing a world of pain for drivers”, as well as a danger for cyclists.
Roads in England and Wales are at “breaking point” due to potholes, with repairs at an eight-year high, according to a new report. The Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) said councils were expected to fix two million potholes in the current financial year. That is up 43% on the previous year and the highest annual total since 2015-16.
Ministers highlighted their pledge to provide £8.3bn of extra funding over 11 years for road improvements in England.
Legal backdrop
UK legislation, specifically Section 58 of the Highways Act of 1980, mandates that road authorities ensure safety and maintenance, a responsibility typically falling to local councils. But with the music icon Sir Rod Stewart recently taking pothole matters into his own hands, the discussion has gone beyond legal texts into practical reality. The risk of vehicle damage is not hypothetical; claims can be filed against the council if potholes aren’t addressed—provided the claimant can prove negligence in the council’s maintenance duties.
Arguments for community involvement
Economic efficiency
The idea of community volunteers addresses the enormous backlog of road repairs. With government funding often falling short, as noted by Asphalt Industry Alliance chair Rick Green, local hands could offer a low-cost, high-impact solution.
Community empowerment
Devon County Council’s approach, empowering residents with training and materials, exemplifies community spirit and proactive citizenship. It’s a model that not only fills potholes but also civic pride and ownership.
Prompt responses
Community volunteers could offer rapid responses to emerging potholes, preventing the escalation of damage and reducing the incidence of vehicle damage and potential accidents.
Arguments against community involvement
Professional standards
Pothole repair is not just about filling a gap; it’s a skilled job. Improper repairs can lead to further damage, potentially increasing costs and liability, as noted by the RAC and local authorities.
Safety risks
The risks of untrained individuals working on roads are significant. There’s the potential for personal injury and the creation of further hazards if the job isn’t done correctly.
Liability issues
There’s a legal thicket to navigate. Should a volunteer’s repair job fail, who bears the responsibility for subsequent damage or injuries? The RAC emphasise the liability issue, stressing the need for professional-level repairs.
Government responsibility and funding
The AA’s president, Edmund King OBE, stresses the need for sustained government investment in road maintenance. Relying on volunteers could detract from advocating for the necessary funding and government accountability.
While the community spirit is commendable, the matter of repairing potholes straddles the line between civic duty and professional expertise. The solution might not lie solely in volunteer work or government action but perhaps in a coordinated effort that leverages community involvement while ensuring safety, accountability, and sustainability. After all, while the problem may be as common as potholes, the solution need not be a patchwork.
What are your thoughts on this? should Wokingham Borough Council form a band of volunteers to quickly solve pothole problems?
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