Potholes are the subject of tonight’s episode of Panorama at 8pm tonight on BBC1 and iPlayer.
“The UK is plagued by potholes,” says the programme’s description. “They can cost drivers dear, injure and even kill. So why are there so many, and why are many councils struggling to stay on top of the problem? Reporter Richard Bilton sets out to meet the frustrated residents who are campaigning to get their roads fixed and insiders who tell Panorama what they think is going wrong. He speaks to people who have been hurt by potholes, those who have lost loved ones and those who run and maintain the road network. Can the pothole problem ever get fixed.”
Kiely Bros Managing Director Mike Kiely commented:
“Through rigorous inspections, proactive maintenance and high-quality surface treatment interventions, we work to ensure that communities can travel safely and reliably and that the councils who we work for get exceptional value for money and a solution designed to last.”
“Potholes aren’t just an inconvenience – they can be dangerous, costly and even life-threatening. It’s a conversation that needs to be had and we hope it encourages more investment and awareness around keeping our roads safe. Kiely Group remains committed to helping our clients tackle potholes effectively with the budgets allocated to them, to delivering solutions that prevent road deterioration, protect drivers and save money in the long term.”
Meanwhile, a cyclist has left with life-changing injuries after hitting a pothole as he lost control of his bike and landing on a busy city road.
Nicki Craig, 42, who took up cycling to help him lose weight, was left with two broken arms, broken shoulders, and a broken wrist in the terrifying ordeal, says the Plymouth Herald.
He hit a pothole on Stuart Road on December 20, 2023, near the Premiere store just off Pennycomequick Roundabout and his injuries were so severe that for months afterwards, he was completely dependent on his girlfriend for support.
After the crash, Mr Craig had major surgery to insert metal plates in his shoulders, which has restricted the movement of his arms and left him in pain every day.
He said: “I am so angry with what happened, that pothole shouldn’t have been there. Councils have a duty of care to people who use the roads. It just shouldn’t have happened. It was dark and the pothole was covered in water, I had no chance of seeing it.
“It has been absolutely awful, but I know it could have been so much worse. If my story makes even one council realise the need to repair potholes, which could very easily cause life-changing injuries like they have with me, then it’s worth telling.”
(Picture: Yay Images)
