The local potholes spotted as repair backlog soars nationally

A survey of councils by the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) suggested it would cost £12.64 billion to return roads in England and Wales to a condition from which cost-effective maintenance would be possible.

This is up from £10.24 billion one year ago.

According to FixMyStreet, an online tool to alert councils of local problems, there have been at least seven separate pothole issues in areas near to Watford that were brought to Hertfordshire County Council’s attention recently.

This includes one at London Road, Bushey, just near to The Grange Academy. The complainant says it is next to the manhole cover at the road.

London Road

Another problem listed states that a section at High Street, Bushey, is worn out and needs resurfacing, adding that they have reported a “large pothole” multiple times by the turn at Risingholme Close.

Bushey High Street

Elsewhere at the High Street, opposite Clarets, a “very deep one” was reported.

High Street, Bushey

At Berry Grove Lane in Watford, the county council was told about debris on the road due to a “large pothole” that has been there for a “considerable time”.

“It is close to the width restriction, which means it will be increasingly difficult to avoid,” said the complainant.

Berry Grove Lane

A report at Loom Lane, Radlett, was deemed dangerous when published on FixMyStreet.

Loom Lane

At Lancing Way, Croxley Green, it was said “you can’t avoid hitting it”.

Lancing Way

Two tyres were reportedly damaged on March 9 at the junction of Lower High Street and Dalton Way.

Lower High Street

According to the report, engineers are being faced with the choice between keeping local roads open and safe or improving overall conditions.

The AIA says overall highway maintenance budgets are up four per cent on 2020/21, but the proportion being invested in the road surface itself has gone down, and there was an increased backlog of 23 per cent.