Exposed: 'Deep' flaws in Tories' cost-cutting potholes policy

10.54.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 28th Jul 2008

These potholes in Wood Street are one example of a road hazard which the Tories' potholes policy does not cover

It has been confirmed that Conservative-run Essex County Council's new policy for fixing potholes is leaving dangerous holes unrepaired in Chelmsford's roads. The new policy stipulates that potholes must be over 50mm deep before they are repaired. This means that, for example, the two in Wood Street (pictured) and already six months old, will not be repaired under the new guidelines despite the hazard they are causing to road users.

Lib Dem County Cllr. Keith Francis commented 'Despite the high profile assurances, including the suggestion that hit squads will fix potholes as soon as members of the public report them, the County Council is really only concerned with fixing the deepest potholes, regardless of the danger posed. These new guidelines clearly do not take into account the safety of road users, particularly cyclists and riders of powered two-wheelers.This group is now at much greater risk, directly as a result of Essex County Council's own neglect of duty as highway authority'

Lib Dem leader on Essex County Council Tom Smith-Hughes adds: 'This is yet another example of cost-cutting by the Conservative administration running Essex County Council, presumably so that they can store up more money for a pre-election bribe before the elections next year. Chelmsford residents have a right to expect that their council tax is spent where it is needed, on making our roads safe.'