Send us your worst pothole pictures as government 'declares war'

The Liverpool ECHO wants to find out which are the worst streets for potholes in Merseyside, as the new government 'declares war' on the problem. Labour has pledged to fix an additional million potholes across England over five years.

Today, Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said she and her government are taking the fight to potholes, which delay journeys, damage vehicles and put the lives of drivers at risk. So with this in mind, we want to hear which roads across our region should be first up when it comes to fixing potholes.

We know that holes in the road are a massive problem here in Merseyside, but do you think your road is the worst? If you could send us pictures and details to news@liverpool.com we will feature them in a follow up article.

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Last month, new research revealed that concern about the state of local roads had reached record levels. Some 27% of those questioned in a survey commissioned by the RAC said their vehicle had suffered damage as a result of potholes in the previous 12 months.

During a visit to Blackpool on Thursday, the Transport Secretary met road workers and councillors to learn about high-definition imagery technology. She said the state of the nation’s roads had become a “constant and visible reminder of the decline in our country’s infrastructure”.

Ms Haigh said: "“For too long, this country has suffered from a pothole plague." Last month, new research revealed that concern about the state of local roads had reached record levels.

Some 27% of those questioned in a survey commissioned by the RAC said their vehicle had suffered damage as a result of potholes in the previous 12 months.

During a visit to Blackpool on Thursday, the Transport Secretary met road workers and councillors to learn about high-definition imagery technology. The town’s Project Amber scheme uses an advanced imagery system that takes high-definition pictures of roads to detect potholes and compile data on areas most in need of repair. It is hoped similar systems can be replicated across the country.

Ms Haigh said: “For too long, this country has suffered from a pothole plague. Blackpool Council are already doing fantastic work to make the most of new technology to repair potholes faster. This should be a model for every community to learn from and help deliver the roads their drivers deserve.”

Blackpool has seen significant reductions in its compensation bill for pothole-related payouts since using the technology. In previous years it was paying up to £1.5 million a year to settle claims, but last year it paid out £719, the Government said.

Paula Burdess, of Blackpool Council, said: “Blackpool has always been synonymous with innovation – how we look after our roads is no different. I’m really proud that Blackpool are leading the way nationally with innovative road maintenance. By repairing the roads at an early stage, we can also avoid more costly repairs in the future.”

Please send in pictures and details of the worst potholes near where you live to news@liverpool.com