More than 200 complaints over Wolverhampton potholes

The reports of holes in highways across the city have been made by members of the public and also the council’s own road inspectors.

An annual report summarising the number of potholes reported and repaired is published by the council, providing a detailed breakdown of figures for each month.

Last year showed that the number of potholes reported to the council had been steadily rising, going up from 960 between 2016-17 to 1,434 the following year – an increase of nearly 50 per cent.

Particular blackspots in Wolverhampton include crumbling roads regularly causing problems for drivers on Bushbury Lane, near the KFC, and the roundabout connecting Stafford Road and Three Tuns Lane, figures revealed.

A spokesman for Wolverhampton City Council said: “We follow a nationally recognised code of practice for highways maintenance management and a thorough system of inspection.

“This is supplemented with a reactive maintenance programme which repairs defects which are reported to us in-between inspections and a strategic maintenance programme where roads are completely resurfaced to be kept in the best condition.

“A number of potholes have also led to compensation claims for vehicle damage.”

RAC spokesman Nicholas Lyes said: “It is shocking to see the number of reported potholes in Britain has risen by nearly 50 per cent in two years.

“Our own analysis of breakdown data shows the damage suffered by motorists is a constant source of frustration and expense, but the scale of the problem is obviously far greater than the numbers show.

“Perhaps motorists are more inclined to report pothole defects than they were a few years ago, but we believe the sheer size of the increase is further proof the condition of our roads is worsening. This is sadly just the tip of the iceberg as thousands go unreported every year.”

The council’s website contains a form where people can report details of any potholes.

By Joe Sweeney,

Local Democracy Reporter