Pothole problems for 50 per cent of drivers

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A total of 50% of drivers had an accident or lucky escape after swerving to avoid a pothole on our weather-battered roads, a survey has shown.

However, 70% of motorists have never reported a pothole to their local authority - despite the high accident figures, the GEM (Guild of Experienced Motorists) Motoring Assist found.

Meanwhile, nine in 10 people said their council wasn't doing enough to repair damaged roads - despite the recent cold snap seeing conditions deteriorate further.

Figures showed that just 5% of people had made a claim against their council over pothole-related damage. Almost 90% of those surveyed said they didn't know how to go about making such a claim - while others were unaware that they could claim at all.

GEM chief executive David Williams said: "Often motorists will not spot a pothole until it is too late and as the survey worryingly reveals either swerve out of the way, which could result in a crash, or cause damage to their car. Local councils need to take swift action in alleviating this nationwide problem but it is also important for motorists to play their part in reporting potholes to local councils."

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