Pothole app gets goverment backing

A NEW SMARTPHONE APP to report potholes has been given backing by the government. The Department for Transport has given £30,000 to help develop the app, which has been launched by the Cyclists’ Touring Club (CTC).

The app is part of the CTC’s ‘Fill That Hole’ pothole reporting website. At the moment, the app can only be used on iPhones, but it will be available on all smartphones in February.

Roads Minister Robert Goodwill said: ‘The government is serious about tackling potholes. They can damage vehicles and pose a serious danger to cyclists. This is why we want people to tell councils where to find them so they can fill them in. This app means more people are going to be able to report more potholes.’

The minister also said a longterm approach to fixing roads rather than patching them can save councils and taxpayers money and potentially save lives due to better road conditions.

Chief Executive of the CTC, Gordon Seabright, commented: ‘We are delighted to have the government’s support for our Fill That Hole website and app. This partnership will enable us to provide this service for free to far more cyclists and road users.

By Press Association reporters