It is the anniversary of the last time I wrote about potholes. Time passes. Potholes do not.
Once again we reach that point in the year when everyone is steering more carefully, scanning the road ahead. February seems to be peak pothole season, if the press coverage is anything to go by. Some people have begun putting plants in potholes. Ruth told me today potholes are a ‘National Scandal’.
Through autumn and early winter, water seeps into small cracks in the surface. When temperatures drop, that water freezes and expands. Traffic weakens the area. A small crack becomes a larger one. Over time — maybe several years — the surface gives way and opens up.
The High Street is currently one of the most broken-looking stretches of road. It drains poorly and carries heavy traffic, which is not a good combination.
But it is not alone. Caldecott Road is well potted. Two cones mark two of the holes. Others are outlined in white rectangles. A few remain unmarked, waiting to surprise the unwary.
You should see Barrow Road going through Shippon. They addressed the Faringdon Rd junction, but the potholes are many and very deep further up all the way to the barracks. So many coaches go through each school day which can’t help.
What has happened to the British bent for invention and innovation? The present method of filling potholes is not permanent with the tarmac wearing away due to our weather conditions of freezing and wet. Surely another material could be produced that is longer lasting.