Axminster MP calls for more action to repair potholes

Axminster's MP Richard Foord has written to the chief executive of Devon County Council to raise the poor state of roads across Devon, and calling for swifter action to tackle the scourge of potholes on our roads. 

In his letter to Donna Manson, Liberal Democrat Richard Foord highlighted specific concerns about the road between Honiton and Dunkeswell and Black Cat junction on the A396, saying both were riddled with potholes, putting both drivers and pedestrians at risk. 

Despite the overall number of potholes reported falling last year, Devon County Council recorded more potholes in the first 20 days of January this year than in the whole of January 2022. 

These have resulted in disruptive roadworks and diversions for motorists.

The council is also forced to settle hundreds of compensation claims every year for vehicle damage caused by potholes, with more than £430,000 of taxpayers' money being paid out over the past three years. 

Highlighting the recent announcement of extra funding to tackle potholes, Mr Foord has asked the chief executive of Devon County Council to assess the adequacy of that funding to bring the road network up to a safe standard, and for more information on what steps the council is taking to speed up pothole repairs. 

Commenting on the situation, Mr Foord said: "Everyone who uses our roads knows just how dangerous they are because of potholes and even sinkholes. Many people have contacted me complaining about the scale of the problem and the damage it has caused to their vehicles. 

"Wear and tear is to be expected but it's clear that, for some roads, work to fix this damage is not happening quickly enough. With over £400,000 being paid out in compensation over recent years, this is a serious issue. 

"The poor state of our roads not only affect drivers, but also pedestrians and cyclists who are put at risk by swerving vehicles. We need to see clear leadership and a plan to properly repair our roads. 

"With the announcement of extra funding targeted at tackling potholes, the Devon County Council must now clearly communicate how they plan to use this funding to keep roads across Devon safe and how they can speed up essential maintenance work. 

"I urge everyone to report any potholes they encounter, so the council can see the true scale of the issue and get repair work underway quickly." 

A spokesman for Devon County Council said: "We thank Richard Foord for his letter and will respond to him directly.

"We have just experienced a winter of prolonged freezing weather followed by very wet spells – the worst combination for our roads – which has had a significantly detrimental effect on the condition of our 8,000 mile road network.

"To tackle this over the past few months we have doubled the number of pothole gangs, introduced weekend working and extended working hours across the network. This resulted in up to 2,200 potholes being repaired each week."

A report in March said the number of recorded potholes in Devon is on track to be lower than the previous financial year.

However, the council also said its road network faces an "inevitable decline" because of a lack of funding. A new highways management plan details how current investment means the worsening condition of some roads is "unavoidable".

It hopes that A and B roads can be maintained in their current condition, but minor roads will be allowed to "gradually deteriorate," while unclassified roads will get "minimal maintenance".