Motorists in Sheffield have said that the roads are becoming difficult to navigate due to the high volume of potholes around the city, following months of wet winter weather.
Drivers in areas such as Ecclesall and Hangingwater have reported significant road issues which threaten safety and tyre damage.
Linda Barnes, of Crookes Road, described her recent experience after driving through Hangingwater.
She said: ‘’Two days ago I caught the wheel of my car on the curb trying to avoid potholes on Hangingwater which is known for its terrible road surface that they keep patching up.
‘’It’s absolutely full of holes at the moment, you can’t avoid them.’’
People across the city have taken to social media to complain about the size of certain potholes and the damage they are causing to their vehicles.
Many have blamed the freezing weather conditions but have urged the council to take action and fix the roads.
Zach Huckfield, 19, of Ecclesall Road, said: ‘’The potholes around here are dangerous.
‘’I find I concentrate more on avoiding potholes rather than looking at the cars around me.’’
Sheffield City Council said potholes that are considered dangerous are a priority for urgent repair.
Under a long term Private Finance Initiative deal that is roughly worth £2.2 billion over 25 years, the council works alongside the contractor Amey, which oversees the city’s roadway maintenance.
However, some people are arguing that temporary repairs do not last, claiming that potholes are reappearing after just a couple of weeks.
According to the council, some repairs may take up to 28 days depending on the severity, but emergency problems are fixed rapidly.
Road experts say that potholes are formed when rain enters small cracks in the tarmac, and expands during freezing temperatures, which therefore weakens the material. Heavy traffic then causes the surface to break apart.
For now, drivers around Sheffield said they feel they have to drive more cautiously, hoping more long-term solutions will be provided soon.
Sheffield City Council has been approached for a comment.
A petition has been started on the councils website which is due to run until the 9th of March. The link to sign is below.
ePetition – FIX SHEFFIELD’S ROADS | Sheffield City Council
