The pre-Christmas cold snap may have resulted in potholes appearing around Havering, according to the council. 

Several people have taken to Facebook to raise issues and post images of deep potholes around the borough. 

One resident, who wishes not to be named, posted images of damaged roads and said they may have suffered damage to their vehicle as a result. 

They later told the Recorder how they knew of others who were suffering from similar issues on the roads. 

“There’s a lot of disgruntled people giving examples of how bad it is.” 

Romford Recorder: One resident said a pothole caused damage to their vehicleOne resident said a pothole caused damage to their vehicle (Image: Supplied)

A council spokesperson said that while asphalt can deteriorate when temperatures fall below zero and ice forms, it is difficult to know how many more potholes are created as a result. 

While it does record data on how many potholes are repaired over a number of months, it is currently too early to say how many were due to the recent cold spell. 

Other factors which can affect the roads include the age and condition of the highway, and the number of vehicles using it. 

The council spokesperson added: “The council have a team of dedicated highway inspectors who carry out inspections on all of the council’s roads each year. Each road is inspected with a different frequency – for example, busier roads are inspected more frequently.  

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“When raising an order to repair a pothole a risk-assessed approach is undertaken which examines the depth, area and likelihood of the pothole (or any other defect on the highway) to cause injury or damage to road users.  

“Along with regular inspections, officers also respond to ad hoc requests made regarding potholes. Orders are all carried out in a timely manner depending on the severity of the pothole."

For more on damaged roads and potholes in the borough, and how to report them, visit the council’s webpage here: https://www.havering.gov.uk/info/20026/roads/98/damaged_roads_and_pavements