36 HOURS: Bournemouth potholes have some of the worst repair times in Britain

Analysis by motoring research charity, the RAC Foundation, has named Bournemouth as one of the worst towns for pothole repair times.

On average a reported pothole took 36 hours to be repaired, compared to some speedier authorities like Flintshire who fix some potholes immediately.

Martin Tett, the Local Government Association’s transport spokesman, said: “Keeping roads safe for all users is one of the most important jobs councils do and is reflected in the fact that local authorities are fixing a pothole every 21 seconds.”

 

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A motoring research charity reveals Bournemouth Council as one of the slowest #pothole repair times in Britain. 36 hours, compared to Harrow’s 30 minute response⚠️Stats provided by @therac_uk Foundation!?

A post shared by Buzz Bournemouth (@buzzbournemouth) on Jan 18, 2019 at 2:46am PST

Chairman of Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers, Bob Richardson contested whether the timings actually contributed to more potholes saying “I don’t see any of those areas (Bournemouth) to be particularly worse than any other.”

However, he added “Potholes are a problem, if you spoke to a lot of cyclists what they would like local authorities to spend their money on, I think amending potholes would be top of the list.”

Local cycle courier Gabriel Bush rides with Deliveroo and 8Dol witnessed a cycle crash after the cyclist behind him hit a pothole.

“The pothole is still there on Old Christchurch Road 6 months on, the guy behind me cut open his arm and his face, Bournemouth is littered with them.”

Richard Parks, owner of RNJ Autos Garage on Cardigan Road in Bournemouth, thinks the situation is getting “a lot worse”.

He added “The amount of suspension components (being replaced) has risen a lot, especially the smaller components.”

“You’d expect them to last a few years and you’d be lucky to see them last six to eight months.”

Stuart Best, Street Services Manager for Bournemouth Borough Council responded:

“As the Highway Authority, Bournemouth Borough Council has statutory obligations to maintain highway safety standards.”

“Routine safety inspections are carried out to ensure that all defects which present an immediate and/or imminent hazard to users of the public highway are identified and repaired or made safe as soon as is reasonably practical.”

Any highway defect can be reported via the Council’s webpage or by phoning 01202 451199.