The cost of fixing Somerset’s many potholes – and the cost of repairing the damage they do to many local cars – is growing. It can feel like there’s no end in sight with new problem spots appearing every week, and Somerset Live readers are demanding action.
Potholes are notorious for causing issues such as damaged shock absorbers, broken suspension springs and distorted wheels. They can form when water below the road surface freezes, melts and dries up, making holes below the surface that break and collapse when a car passes over them.
The estimated cost to repair all pothole-ridden local roads in England and Wales stands at a colossal £16.3 billion. Government funding for local road maintenance in England for the 2025/26 financial year will be nearly £1.6 billion, a £500 million increase from the previous 12 months – but for now, councils are going to have to prove they can repair the roads in a cost-effective way in order to access the full sum.
Somerset Live readers have some ideas on where to begin over on our Facebook page. Sarah Garfitt writes: “Start on the doorstep of the council. The roads around County Hall are pretty grim. Not just a hazard for motorists but pedestrians as well.”
De Barnes says: “Beckington roundabout by the farm shop coming from Warminster, it was reported to SCC, they said they had repaired it. Funny, the massive hole is still there!”
Dorothy Weir writes: “In Taunton, main shopping street outside Marks and Spencers/Waterstones. The road tarmac is like sponge to walk on. Potholes are inevitable in poor quality surface.”
Sylvia Black says: “Come to Yeovil. It’s like an assault course.” Martin Gill agrees: “Basically all of Yeovil. It’s one big pot hole.”
Kim Parkin writes: “Parkway Bridgwater!” Christopher Lilley says: “The bends between Croscombe and Shepton Mallet!” Tony Miles adds: “Bristol Road, Wraxall. Car drivers blowing out tyres daily.”
For some people, there’s too many to pick out just one problem area. Sarah Howard says: “Everywhere. It’s disgusting. Need to pull their fingers out and sort them. Instead of resurfacing roads that are fine, sort out the bad ones. Seems they go out of their way to work around the bad bits. They will resurface Priorswood road either side of the roundabout outside Brewers, but ignore the worst which knackers the car every time you go over it. Backwards thinking.”
Ruth Irvine writes: “Might be easier to ask people to name roads that don’t have pot holes.” Lizzie Power agrees: “Hard to tell where one starts and finishes in Somerset! Our roads are a disaster, I’ve been through 5 tyres in as many months.”
Have your say! If you were in charge, which roads would you repair first? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.