The state of local roads is a hot topic of conversation again.

After one of the wettest winters we can remember, many people are complaining about potholes.

Shine Radio’s Stephen Martin has been finding out why they’re such a concern for road users.

What does the council say?

In a report, Hampshire county councillor Russell Oppenheimer recognises the concerns of local people but points out that bad weather and insufficient funding from central government play their part. He says:

I am acutely aware that the state of our roads is bad at the moment, and that residents are upset by it. I drive to various places in my car every day and so I share the frustration.

I wish to assure you that the problems we are seeing are not the result of a lack of focus by Hampshire County Council. The main culprits are: increasingly extreme weather, heavier vehicles and rampant materials inflation over the last five years.

Of course, the funding crisis in local government caused by escalating care costs and escalating special educational needs costs has played a key part. We are 100% reliant on the Highways funding we get from central Government, which is totally inadequate.

The experts tell us that it would cost £600m a year properly to restore and maintain Hampshire’s roads. Yet we are actually in receipt of just £60m per year in Hampshire.

Whilst permanent first-time repairs are always preferred, the level of demand is currently so high across Hampshire that infill repairs will need to be considered as a quick-fix for safety reasons while longer term permanent repairs are scheduled.

Nobody likes infill repairs because they sometimes fail within days. But I trust the Highways engineers when they say that this is the best way to maintain safety for road users. They are the experts.

Crater Petersfield in pictures

How to report a pothole

It’s such an issue that Hampshire County Council has set-up a reporting portal.

https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report-a-problem/potholes

While apps like “Fix my street” might seem natural places to report defects, you’re more likely to get the attention of the Highways team by using the official council website.

Your holes

J C Crissey suggests this (which looks like Tor Way) is the worst in Petersfield.

Froxfield’s in deep trouble too – four and a half inches deep. Steve Sargent sent us this picture from Barnetside Lane.

Haiko Schwarz says this is a 1 litre bottle Yeti bottle in this pothole along Ramsdean Lane, a popular route for elite cyclists.

We’d love to know the worst pothole you’ve seen in the local area. Leave a comment below.