POTHOLES are causing damage to cars and proving a hazard to drivers, according to road users in Salisbury.

The A245 heading out of Salisbury towards the Beehive park and ride site, Brown Street in the city centre and Queen Alexandra Road are among those highlighted by Journal readers.

And driving instructor Colin Warden says the problem has become so bad, it’s affecting his business and costing him a fortune in repairs.

“There are just too many roads to mention to be quite honest and it’s getting steadily worse,” he said.

“I reported the potholes at the High Post traffic lights three months ago and it’s still the same. What do we pay our road tax for?

“Drivers are paying horrendous amounts for insurance, the price of fuel keeps going up and then we have to contend with this as well.”

Areas of Bemerton Heath, Churchfields Road and Devonshire Road have also been pointed to as particularly bad spots, and resident Colin Duller counted 50 potholes in a 150-yard stretch in Essex Square, Harnham.

A Wiltshire Council spokesman said about £12million is spent on surfacing and repairing roads each year, and about £900,000 goes on repairing potholes.

He said: “Wiltshire Council is directing extra resources to repair damaged roads following the recent severe weather. “The highways team has been responding where they are most needed and workers who have been re-filling grit bins are also repairing potholes as and when they see them.”

Drivers say part of the problem is that temporary repairs are being made, and the holes are reappearing again shortly afterwards.

Some angry motorists say they have put in claims to the council for damage caused to their cars, only to be told that because the road had been inspected within three months before the incident occurred then the council is not liable for any bills. Dick Tonge, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “The hard work will continue as we strive to repair any damage to the roads the weather has caused. We are doing temporary repairs now, but will do more permanent repairs once the weather improves.”

The council spokesman said more than 3,400 potholes have been repaired in the last six months and the A345 will be resurfaced as soon as possible but work will have to be done at night on a traffic lights system as the road is a diversion route while work at Broken Cross Bridge continues.

Potholes can be reported through Clarence on 0300 232323 or by visiting the website at Wiltshire.gov.uk/highwaysreportingform.