Patching up potholes

It seems we all like to moan about potholes. And especially since we’ve had a couple of harsh winters, which have left some Harpenden streets resembling the surface of the moon. But good news is on hand, for Hertfordshire highways, who are responsible for their repair, have announced that they’ve been filling around 120 potholes a day since the start of the year.

According to the Met Office, December 2010 was the coldest for 100 years so it’s no surprise that our roads have suffered. Potholes are caused by water freezing into cracks in the road, which expands them and can cause large overnight cracks in the road. The process is often referred to as the ‘freeze-thaw’ effect.

Of course, this isn’t good news for the Council, who have already had to tighten their belts to reduce public spending. In 2009/10 it is estimated that the County’s potholes cost in the region of £20 million in additional damage to what would usually be expected.

"Potholes are an issue for all authorities nationally, not just Hertfordshire County Council," explained Stuart Pile, Executive Member for Highways and Transport. "After three particularly harsh winters, which have caused billions of pounds worth of damage to the entire country’s roads, authorities across the UK are working hard to make repairs and improve road conditions."

So where have you spotted the worst potholes in Harpenden? Have you done lasting damage to your car in a Harpenden pothole? And have you seen repairs going on in the town this year? Let us know below!

If you have a pothole troubling you, you can report it here. The Council says it endeavours to respond to every reported pothole within 14 days - and within 24 hours if the pothole is on a high priority road, or is particularly dangerous.