The Department of Transport Has Pledged £30,000 In Funding For A Smartphone App
The government has pledged to pump £30,000 into the development of a smartphone app to help road-users inform local authorities of the presence of potholes.Roads minister Robert Goodwill announced the funding in order to make the National Cycling Charity's (CTC) Fill That Hole application become available on different platforms.
At present, only Apple phones are compatible with the popular software, but the government wants to spread this to Google's Android system, which runs on a larger number of devices.
Both the Department of Transport and Department for Communities and Local Government have been highly critical of the efforts of some authorities in battling potholes.
Indeed, some political commentators believe it may even become an election issue in 2015, as the coalition looks to implement popular policies surrounding road maintenance, which is usually a hot topic in local polls.
Executives from the CTC explained they are grateful for the central government's funding and reiterated that the foundation wants to help protect cyclists from harm - as potholes remain one of the biggest causal factors in injuries sustained in this commuter group.
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 Department for Transport 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."
Figures released by the Asphalt Industry Alliance showed that in the last 12 months, more than £23.8 million was paid in compensation to road-users because of poorly maintained roads.
To help manage this problem, the coalition has pledged a funding increase of £163 million per year to local highways management facilities, although it has not been said whether this will be enshrined via parliamentary legislation.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a road traffic accident, our personal injury solicitors team could help to get the compensation, rehabilitation and support you deserve. Visit our Road Traffic Accident Compensation page for more information.
Expert Opinion
We see far too often the horrendous consequences that potholes can have for cyclists and other road users. <br/> <br/>“Cyclists are vulnerable on the roads but this is made worse when they have to dodge potholes as well as traffic. During busy periods, often cyclists have nowhere else to go other than over a pothole for fear of being struck by a moving vehicle. <br/> <br/>“We are regularly contacted by cyclists who have suffered injuries after being thrown from their bike because of a pothole and need further treatment and rehabilitation. <br/> <br/>“We support any initiative that aims to keep road users safe and encourages councils to do more to repair Britain’s damaged roads.”