The Guardian looks at the escalating problem of potholes and suggests measures that consumers should take if they hit a hole or notice one. David Weeks, from the Asphalt Industry Alliance, comments that the current “patch and mend” system of dealing with potholes is inefficient. He comments: “What is needed is for the Government to invest money in preventative maintenance, which would create safer roads and be far more cost-effective in the long term.” The AIA estimates that there are 1.5m potholes on roads in England and Wales and public complaints to councils have climbed by 10%.