Potholes on roads and damaged pavements with trip hazards are becoming an increasingly major problem as Councils cut back on road maintenance.
Whether your main method of travel is as a pedestrian, cyclist, motor-cyclist or driver, this lack of maintenance and repair work affects us all.
WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER
They not only cause damage but can result in serious injury and even death, and while we all continue to pay increasing taxes, our Councils are seemingly becoming less responsive in dealing with the problems.
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| On a major school route. |
In Whitchurch there is barely a road that is unaffected, or a pavement that does not have loose paving slabs or cracks. And when a journey is made further afield the situation is the same.
- For the pedestrian and especially anyone with mobility impairments the lack of maintenance can result in trips or falls often requiring medical attention.
- For the cyclist potholes as well as causing severe damage can result in loss of control, falls, and serious injury or worse, and can place increased strain on the health service.
- For drivers and motor-cyclists serious damage can occur to vehicles ranging from burst tyres and wheel misalignment to steering and suspension damage.
Loss of control can result in life-threatening situations.
Department for Transport figures show that EACH WEEK one cyclist dies or suffers life-threatening injuries as a result of the condition of our roads. And the trend is increasing.
ACTION IS NEEDED – NOW
The legal responsibilities rest with Hampshire County Council and pressure needs to be put on them and the Councillors who are elected to represent us, to make our travel safe.
However, both Basingstoke & Deane and Whitchurch Town Council also have duties to support their residents.
As Hampshire are failing and putting our safety at risk they too should be taking action and increase pressure on HCC.
No longer should they say "Its not us, it's Hampshire".
Passing the buck is no longer an option.
Let's all work TOGETHER
Call on the Councils to ACT NOW and allocate adequate resources – before someone you know is injured or killed.
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REPORTING LINKS
Hampshire County Council
Main HCC website
For reporting highway/road/pavement/cycle path/verge problems
Reporting Problems
Main BDBC website