Now pothole plague could spread to our pavements

UTILITY firms will be told to dig up pavements instead of roads amid plans to combat the pothole plague.

Laying new pipes and cables under pavements will become the default position for water, energy and broadband companies, the Government has said.

Calling for an end to the ‘patch and mend’ approach to dealing with potholes, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: ‘You get far fewer holes appearing in intact roads than roads that have been recently dug up.

Utility firms, however, stress they always try to avoid digging up roads to minimise disruption, but it is often not possible to put big pipes and cables under footways.

Campaigners believe the shift to pavements could cause more disruption for pedestrians, particularly the disabled, and could lead to injuries.

The Government has said it hopes to introduce charges of up to £2,500 a day for utility companies digging up roads.