The DfT has given £30,000 to the CTC, the national cycling charity, for the development of a new smartphone App to report potholes, and to revamp the CTC’s fill that hole website.
The new App will be compatible with all smartphones running Andriod software and will replace the current version which is only available for iPhone users. It is expected to be ready in February, at the start of ‘pothole season’ when the winter damage to roads is at its greatest.
The App sends local authorities information about potholes which they may not otherwise know about. It was originally developed for cyclists, who can receive life-changing injuries from accidents caused by potholes, but it is now used by all types of road users.
Robert Goodwill, roads minister, said: “The government is serious about tackling potholes. At best they are an irritation but at worst they can damage vehicles and pose a serious danger to cyclists. That is why we want people to tell councils where to find them so they can fill them in. This App means more people are going to be able to report potholes more easily.”
Gordon Seabright, CTC chief executive, said: “We are delighted to have the Government’s support for our ‘Fill that hole’ website and App, which are already highly effective ways for road users to get potholes filled.
“This partnership with the DfT will enable us to provide this free service to far more cyclists and other road users. It’s also a great example of CTC and the Government working together to get Britain cycling.”
Click here to read the full DfT news release.
In defence of my position, I have to concede that what I said was out of order. I cannot blame other local authorities for the poor and abysmal attitude of just one.
That said, what I stated in the last paragraph is true; it doesn’t matter what this or any other government wants, if it’s not adopted or supported by a local authority it’s the persons that authority serves that lose out.
I am aware of many positive things that some other authorities undertake on behalf of motorcyclists and other road users and I applaud them. However, some do lack or lag behind and they must be taken to account, for the benefit of all. Thank you for your comments.
bob craven Lancs
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As to ‘powered two wheelers’ Worcs CC have 4 motorcycle inspectors dealing with the reports (of many highways issues) from the public. Been in post for over 6 years.
Nige Murray
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Bob, your knowledge clearly doesn’t extend to the many local authorities who do an awful lot for motorcyclists. As an example take a look at http://www.think.norfolk.gov.uk/motorcyclists. Any defect reported to our Road Safety Officer (Motorcycles) is inspected on two wheels and dealt with appropriately. Don’t judge us all by the actions of one…
Iain Temperton – Norfolk
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I understand that there is a statutory requirement to address a pothole problem once reported and this is in no way related to the either mode of transport of the informant or indeed the nature of the organisation that is used.
In addition to “tar macadamed roads” we can now add “pothole reporting” to the question “What have cyclists ever done for us?”
Rod King 20’s Plenty for Us
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Bob
I have to say that you are incorrect to suggest that motorcyclists are of ‘little or no consideration’ to local authorities, based simply on your personal experience of your local authority.
That’s a bit like me saying that I had a bad experience at a restaurant once, and therefore all restaurants are bad.
Nick Rawlings, editor, Road Safety News
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First of all I think that this is a good idea. However it’s not just cyclists that are in greater danger it’s everyone on two wheels, motorcycles and scooter riders also so don’t just do it for cyclists.
That said, under no circumstances admit to a local authority that you are on two wheels as to my knowledge they do little for you as you are in the minority and therefore of little or no consideration. I have reported many such dangers to my local authority and they seem not to care.
I am about to take them to account under provisions of the Highways Act for non action and negligence endangering of lives, over a number of dangerous road surfaces I have reported to them, none of which have been even circled for intervention, and that over a two year period.
It’s OK this government saying something but it’s down to the local authority to do something about it.
bob craven Lancs
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