Roads
In South Lanarkshire there is a points system for prioritising road repairs and, as we are mostly neither A or B class roads in this area, we score quite low. However, points are also awarded for the number of complaints received, so Tarbrax Community Council would like to urge everyone in the area to report pot holes to South Lanarkshire Council (tel. 08457 406080 or email enterprise.lanark@southlanarkshire.gov.uk). Please remember to ask for a reference number for your defect report!
You can also contact Mr. Robert Forrest, who is responsible for our roads, on telephone number 01555 673308 or email robert.forrest@southlanarkshire.gov.uk
Full details of West Lothian Councils service for reporting road and lighting faults is available by clicking here.
What causes a pothole
1. Potholes begin after moisture seeps into the native soil below the road surface and subbase gravel. This moisture comes in the form of rain, snow or water seeping into the road bed due to poor road side drainage.
2. As the temperatures drop the ice lenses of frozen water form,causing the ground to expand and push the pavement up as this is the direction of least resistance.
3. As the temperatures rise, the ground returns to normal level but the pavement often remains elevated above the once frozen area. This creates a cavity between the pavement and the material below it.
4. When motor vehicles travel over this cavity, the pressure exerted on the unsupported pavement surface cracks after numerous impacts of vehicles traveling over this cavity, finally the pavement crumbles and falls into the cavity leading to a pothole.
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