Potholes are 'traffic claming measures'

A parish council wants to slow speedy drivers by refusing to fill in potholes.

The Navestock local authority regards the potholes as both a traffic calming measure and a way to cut costs.

Essex County Council, which has responsibility for repairs to the roads concerned, says it has no plans to support the idea.

A spokesperson for the Enviironmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “This crude idea to calm traffic paves the way for insurance claims and is potentailly dangerous for two-wheeled vehicles.”

What is ‘guerilla traffic calming’?

Motor traffic can have a devastating effect on quality of life. ‘Guerilla traffic calming’ is when people take matters into their own hands to slow traffic in their community. Groups around the world have used imaginative methods to slow local traffic.

What is the ETA?

The ETA is a not-for-profit ethical organisation providing motorists and cyclists with carbon-neutral breakdown cover and insurance products. As well as encouraging responsible driving to reduce carbon footpint, the ETA campaigns for sustainable transport.