Hi Folks…

Recent rains in Gauteng and the
subsequent appearance of potholes, avoiding which, has challenged even the most
accomplished of drivers. 

No doubt some would describe those that
appear on our roads as evidence of a meteor strike, capable, not only of
ripping to shreds our tyres, but damaging suspensions, causing drivers to be
stranded on the side of the road.

A Scottish council has redefined what a
pothole is – all in an effort to save money according to some in the UK.

Council officials in Perth and Kinross
Council said it would not repair potholes unless they were at least 60mm deep
compared with the threshold of 40mm used previously, meaning motorists in that
area are less likely to see the holes repaired. 

The council is hoping to save it
£120,000 in the 2016/2017 financial year, which at best described this as a
“false economy”.

Very much reminiscent of what takes
place in certain provinces in SA - the larger a pothole becomes, the greater
risk it represents to road users and the more costly it becomes to repair. In SA,
the municipalities it seems don’t have the money or will to effect the repairs,
but why the Scottish Council would take such a short term view is inexplicable
– it might save money by repairing only larger potholes now but will only be,
in effect saving up for an expensive problem for further down the line.

Will potholes ever be a thing of the
past – not likely, so drive “heads up” and allow sufficient time and space in
which to take evasive manoeuvres.

Till next time – Drive Safe and watch
out for those hazards which are now becoming more prevalent.

Eugene Herbert