Laura Sharman 03 August 2016

Association calls for official definition of a pothole

A national statutory definition of what comprises a pothole would stop councils from ‘moving the goal posts’ to save money, according to an industry body.

The Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA) has issued the warning after a Scottish council redefined its classification of a pothole in a bid to save money by not repairing smaller holes.

Earlier this year, Perth and Kinross Council said potholes must be 60mm deep – an increase of 50 percent from its previous 40mm classification – before they are repaired and filled.

Howard Robinson, chief executive of the RSTA, said: ‘The lack of a national pothole definition means that we have a postcode lottery of road repair as different local authorities take different approaches. There is no consistency.

‘Under the Road Traffic Act 1980 all local highway authorities have a duty of care to maintain their road network but there is no national definition or agreement as to when a pothole is a pothole.’

The association also highlighted the fact a pothole is 4cm deep and 30cm wide in Gloucestershire, but 40mm deep and 20cm wide in neighbouring Worcestershire.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Data, Monitoring and Citizen Science Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 10 £37,035 to £40,476 p.a. (Pay Award Pending)
We are looking for an organised and reliable individual to join our team here at the North Pennines National Landscape in Stanhope for a period of 15 Stanhope
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Enhanced Teaching Assistant Grade 5, £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata 37 hours per week, Term Time only + 2 weeks Permanent     Required from 1st September Ferryhill
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Structures Commissioner

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 14 £53,166 - £59,080 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as the Structures Commissioner. Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council

Rough Sleeper Outreach Officer - WMF2139e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£31,067 - £31,586
We have an excellent opportunity for a motivated candidate to apply for the role of Rough Sleeper Outreach Officer. Penrith, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Customer Operations Assistant

Wyre Borough Council
£12.26 Per Hour
Marine Hall is a vibrant and dynamic venue dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences for our audiences and customers. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council
Linkedin Banner