If ever there was an argument for driving a huge 4x4, then Kent’s roads provide it.

The appalling state of maintenance in this county is highlighted every winter after freezing conditions cause huge cracks to open up.

Potholes cost drivers a whole heap of cash at this time of year wrecking tyres, alloy wheels and suspension. Tyre dealers doubtless rub their hands with glee but for the rest of us, it’s an annual nuisance.

We should not put up with it. And if we have to, then time to consider a 4x4 instead of stylish, economic motors that our green chums would have us all drive.

Firstly do yourself, and all other drivers, a favour and report every pothole you see 08458 247 800. That way the council has to do something and it has been informed.

We all know you can claim for the damage to your car provided – as the council’s website makes clear - you can prove “clear evidence that Kent County Council (KCC) has been negligent in its role as highway authority”.

Well I suggest KCC is always negligent through lack of proper care and preparation in the run up to the winter.

For example the council has promised it will bliz our roads and carry out repairs… in March. That is just not good enough.

That means six weeks or so of swerving around the canyons that have opened up in our streets.

Surely KCC should be addressing the problem right now, not putting the work out to tender.

Freezing weather is not a surprise. The fact our poorly maintained roads crack up at the first sign of frost is not a surprise. So KCC should be prepared and if it isn’t, then that’s negligent.

I watched out leader Paul Carter squirming on Meridian TV interviewed about the pothole problem as the snow melted and he was quizzed about compensation for wrecked wheels and tyres.

He mumbled something about ‘looking after public money’ suggesting not every wrecked car was going to be paid for out of the public purse.

Shame they weren’t so careful with our cash when £50 million of public money was handed over to doomed Icelandic banks really.

The council’s annual budget to fix potholes is £3 million apparently and a spokesman told us:

“Kent Highway Services had already set aside an extra £576,000 to take account of an expected increased workload due to bad weather – and the additional £1 million comes on top of this.”

It is not enough.
 
Then Cllr Carter dressed it up by making it look as though it was supporting local business by inviting them to help with the repairs.
 
He said: “We are keen to use small and medium sized engineering companies from across Kent. They will be encouraged to bid for tenders to repair our roads as part of our Backing Kent Business campaign. We hope this will provide a welcome boost for local business in these difficult times.”

Hmm, I’m not so sure other small businesses running cars and vans will feel quite so supported after shelling out for repairs to their vehicles.

If your car has been damaged visit Kent County Council's web site and you can find details of how to claim HERE

Happy motoring.

I couldn't agree more, Gary. Try negotiatng Kent's roads on two wheels if you really want to scare yourself. There's been a huge dip in The Street at Willesborough for about six months; when it opens up and swallows a Nissan Micra whole, remember you read it here first.

Interesting point on the green vehicles.
 
There is no doubt that in the drive to lower CO2 and all the other ‘ecologically sound’ reasons drivers are being ‘sold’ to go green, cars really will get lighter and more economical.

Unfortunately if Kent’s roads remain so badly maintained, these new vehicles will be wrecked easily, especially those which use narrower, lighter tyres for lower rolling resistance and improved economy. Any driver in Kent with sporty, low-profile tyres on their car already knows how easily the tyre and wheel is ruined by a pothole.

So, arguably failing to maintain the roads really isn’t very good for a council’s green credentials. And the vehicle of choice  for Kent really will be a Land-Rover Discovery, after all could you really imagine driving through some of the canyons that have opened up on our highways in a Smart car?

Come on Kent County Council, get a grip on the problem and make a commitment to making our roads better. You can start by charging every foreign HGV that uses our roads. If Wales can have its own assembley, then Kent with a similar population should surely be able to make its own laws too.

I have just driven back with my family in the car from Hamstreet at 18.05 pm  to West Hythe, and after the turning for Aldington, where there are some temporary traffic lights, there is a massive pothole  in the tarmac.

The car went in the pot hole and burst the tyre , and the steering began pulling to the left.

I stopped immediately to change the wheel for the spare. After then moving off the car steering was pulling to the left, now with my family in the car I decided to call the recovery to get us and the car home.

Looking at the car the lower wish bone is bent the wheel is damaged and the tire is split, I hope the council is prepared for this as now I need a hire car for work.

People of this area do not need added problems after in incompetent with the local councils not  being  able to cope with the snow