While the turn of the decade may have bought bountiful pleasantries for some, for all it left some nasty scars. Around two millions potholes afflict the roads of Great Britain today and with dwindling resources, the local authorities are finding it difficult to tackle the issue; reportedly costing over £8.5 million.

On the back of a particularly cold and bitter winter the amount of potholes in the local area has almost doubled. Potholes form when water seeps into tiny cracks in the tarmac. The water then freezes, expanding the separation, before crumbling under the pressure of traffic. While they may not interfere with large vehicles, they provide an impractical obstacle-course for road-users, often forced evasively into oncoming traffic. So how are councils attempting to resolve this problem?

Across Britain the standards for assessing potholes fluctuate greatly- from the width of dinner plates to the depth of tennis balls. This leaves the local authorities in a state of limbo where they are struggling to prioritise action. Meanwhile the local drivers are still weaving in and out of the abrasive craters which can damage tires, steering and the exterior of their vehicles. The extreme weather and public dissatisfaction has lead to the questioning of the local authorities; one local resident describing the subject as a “prolonged nuisance” and urging those involved to stop using “rulers” and “sort the concern, regardless of size.”

As the potholes remain largely untreated- perhaps it is now the local authorities who face a rocky road ahead.