Motorists and residents are therefore being urged to report any potholes they find to Herefordshire Council, as roads typically see a seasonal spike in potholes during the winter months.

Winter’s wet weather and freezing temperatures take their toll on the county’s roads, and this time of year often brings an increase in pothole reports. Rainfall can force water into small surface cracks and, when temperatures drop, the water freezes and expands, causing the road surface to weaken and break up. Repeated cycles of freezing and thawing can quickly turn minor defects into potholes, particularly on rural roads.

Whilst Herefordshire Council operates a nationally recognised inspection regime to identify defects and prioritise repairs, conditions can quickly change between inspections, which is why it is important that motorists and residents report any potholes they spot so they can be tackled as soon as possible.

Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Roads and Regulatory Services, Cllr Barry Durkin, said:

“We know how frustrating potholes can be for drivers, especially at this time of year when bad weather can cause more damage. Our highways teams are working hard to inspect roads, prioritise repairs and keep the network safe.

“With such a large rural road network, we value the public, who play an important role in helping us identify and attend to issues quickly. Reporting potholes as soon as you see them helps us assess the problem and take action as quickly as possible.”

Residents and motorists are encouraged to report potholes and other highway defects through the Council’s online reporting service.

Each report helps give the Council a clear picture of where potholes are emerging, so that repairs can be planned and carried out efficiently.

Residents can also keep up to date with Herefordshire Council’s road resurfacing and repair schemes online.