Motorists and cyclists using the roads in Bucks are having to avoid more potholes than ever due to the recent cold weather and freezing temperatures.

Buckinghamshire Council said they are experiencing "increased numbers of potholes and other related defects on the network" and can expect this upward trend to continue over the next few weeks at least.

The recent wet weather and extensive use of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) due to construction works for HS2 and East West Rail has also caused potholes to shoot up.

Cabinet Member for Transport Councillor Steven Broadbent said: “The prolonged period of very cold conditions experienced before Christmas was the coldest in the region since 2010.

"Continuous freezing conditions like these can cause serious problems with road surfaces, both in the surface layers, where freeze-thaw action causes potholes and cracks to widen but affects the integrity of the underlying structure of the road if the frost penetrates deep enough. This can cause sudden, fairly catastrophic failure in roads.

"This has then been followed by an extremely wet period, which also causes more rapid deterioration. As such, we are experiencing increased numbers of potholes and other related defects on the network and can expect this upward trend to continue over the next few weeks at least."

Drivers have been told to expect road closures in extreme cases where repairs may take longer.

The council said the best time to fix roads defects properly is when the weather is warm and dry.

Cllr Broadbent added: "The council continues to invest heavily in our highway network and the ongoing programme of local schemes and strategic road repairs/improvements continues.

"Prudent financial planning has meant that severe weather reserves exist to help fund the required priority repairs to deal with the issues we are currently seeing. Where the damage can be attributed either in whole, or in part, to schemes such as HS2 or East West Rail, the council will negotiate appropriate third-party payments to ensure Buckinghamshire residents’ are not footing the bill.

"Regular inspections and repairs to our highways continue in line with our highways inspection policy, so that the travelling public can travel safely. With over 2,100 miles of carriageway across our county, the Transport for Buckinghamshire team welcome reports of potholes and other issues on our highways from residents. We urge residents not to repair potholes themselves - the best way to report a problem on the highway, so the council can repair the roads, is via Fix My Street."

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