Worst roads in Wiltshire for potholes revealed in pictures

Complaints from Wiltshire locals on the reporting site FixMyStreet show dozens of potholes scattered across the county - with many seemingly left untouched for a long time.

The number of potholes across the country has also been reflected in the state of our cars, as recent data from the RAC shows that breakdowns due to potholes have reached a record high this year.

The RAC said it received 5,978 call-outs to breakdowns due to poor road surfaces in the UK between July and September of 2023.

This is a 46 per cent increase from the same period in 2022.

An RAC survey conducted last month also found that nearly half of drivers said the condition of local roads was their biggest motoring worry.

In September 2023, Wiltshire Council announced it wuld invest an extra £10 million into road maintenance on top of the £14m the council already spends.

“£10m is a huge investment into improving the resilience and safety of Wiltshire’s roads, and one made possible because of our strong financial position,” said councillor Caroline Thomas, cabinet member for transport.

“The money will help to prevent potholes and defects forming over the winter months and make our roads safer for all users,” she added.

But the affects of this huge overhaul are yet to be seen, as huge numbers of potholes continue to be reported on FixMyStreet.

Here’s some of Wiltshire’s worst potholes in recent months, as reported by you, in pictures.

Some of the worst potholes in Wiltshire, as reported by you

Bath Road, Box, SN13 8AE

Outside The Northey Arms pub on Bath Road, Box. (Image: FixMyStreet)

This large pothole, located just outside The Northey Arms pub near Box is so deep you can fit a whole key in it.

This is bad news for motorists, as deep potholes can cause damaged tires, loss of hubcaps, wheels knocked out of alignment and damaged suspension, among other issues.

Maryport Street, Devizes, SN10 1AJ

Potholes on Maryport Street in Devizes. (Image: FixMyStreet)

These various potholes on Maryport Street in Devizes have been affecting pedestrians and motorists all summer.

"Stepped off the pavement into potholes on the road and hurt my back," said the anonymous person who reported the scene to FixMyStreet.

Lower Moor, Minety

These potholes have proved to be a huge danger for cyclists. (Image: FixMyStreet)

It's not just car drivers that are hampered by potholes, as has been proven in Minety, between Cricklade and Malmesbury.

These two potholes under a bridge at Lower Moor were reported by Fergal McGrath this summer as "incredibly dangerous".

"500 cyclists will ride under this bridge next month and these holes could cause expensive bike damage or injury," said Mr McGrath.

Abbey Row, Malmesbury, SN18 9AA

A pothole on Abbey Row in Malmesbury. (Image: FixMyStreet)

These potholes spotted in Malmesbury have been creating issues for motorists trying to get through the High Street.

"There are two potholes at a T junction at the end of Abbey Row," said Tony Marriott, who reported the issue to FixMyStreet.

"All cars coming away from Malmesbury High Street by this route must hit one or both of these potholes because the road is too narrow to avoid them."

Sunnyhill Lane, Pewsey, SN8 4JG

Sunnyhill Lane in Pewsey is crumbling away. (Image: FixMyStreet)

We're not sure if you can even call this one just a pothole, as the whole road appears to be crumbling away.

This rubble, reported on Sunnyhill Lane in Pewsey, causes issues for motorists every time it floods.

"The road surfacing was never completed, with dangerously large potholes, and now flooded," commented the anonymous reporter.

"This road has been neglected for years and needs urgent repair."