Does MOT debate circle back to pothole problem?
One local resident believes that MOTs could be plainer sailing if the roads were smoother...
We just can’t seem to shake the MOT backlog conversation - and it’s not the only one.
A topic we have discussed time and time again has reared its cavernous head once more… potholes.
Except this time one local resident believes that the two may be linked.
Speaking to Armagh I the disgruntled resident said: “The state of the roads is shocking.
“You don’t have to go too far to see it. Go to Tullysaran, the Moy, Blackwatertown, and it’s not just here, go anywhere.
“That’s half the problem. If your car breaks a spring or a rim… sure rims can be £300 and the suspension in your car is getting damaged with the roads and that is causing problems in the MOT centre and not helping with the backlog there.
Related: MOTs: Are standards slipping in bid to tackle the backlog?
“This has been going on since before Brexit. This problem has been creeping on since Stormont broke up.
“In 20 years, the road I live on has never been looked at. It’s ridiculous. But I think if they fixed the roads the cars would pass through MOT a lot easier.”
Undeniably, there are a number of roads across the borough that are in dire need of attention.
A hole at the junction outside Palace Stables was no sooner patched than it opened up again and the now infamous Newtownhamilton Road’s potholes are forming potholes.
Residents in on Milford’s main street have been navigating a minefield of craters for the best part of a year and that’s not to mention the lesser-travelled B roads.
It was in February that SDLP councillor, Thomas O’Hanlon publicly scoffed at the announcement of £1million to be spent fixing Northern Ireland’s roads, saying: “DFI Roads Service need £143million each year for maintenance, that’s just to keep our roads at acceptable standard.
Related: Won't touch the sides! £1m for potholes when Department sets aside £6m to tackle claims
“Last year they were allocated just £85million – that’s a shortfall of £58million. Stormont announced £1 million to fix potholes, yet the same department has set aside £6 million for claims for damages to vehicles caused by potholes. Excuse me if you don’t see me jumping for joy!”
Councillor O’Hanlon’s apathy certainly aligns with the views of our resident. But what do you have to say? Drop us a comment… Believe it or not - we listen!
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🤔 Conundrum
Well done to those of you who guessed last Tuesday’s conundrum… Robert Frost dreams of swinging on these
The answer: The Birches
Today’s conundrum is this…
Hardy’s looking for him between two hills
Where in Co Armagh are we talking about?