GAPING cracks and potholes are opening up across Suffolk's road network in the freezing conditions forcing motorists to swerve to avoid damaging their vehicles.

SUFFOLK: Gaping cracks and potholes are opening up across Suffolk's road network in the freezing conditions forcing motorists to swerve to avoid damaging their vehicles.

Road surfaces are disintegrating at an alarming pace making the dangerous driving conditions more severe as people weave their way around the craters on icy surfaces.

One disgruntled motorist said he was “horrified” nothing had been done to improve the situation, a year after he first raised the issue with the authorities.

Dave Cass, of Irlam Road, said he is “disgusted” at the state of the roads and questioned if the council had acted at all after the last big freeze.

After complaining about potholes last February, in particular those near to the traffic lights in Robin Drive, he claims the problem is getting worse.

“The situation has reared its ugly head again,” he said. “It is getting worse and worse and worse. People are dodging and weaving round these potholes.

“Why have they (the council) not done something about it? When the issue first arose in Robin Drive I said the road needed to be resurfaced.

“They filled in the cracks with tarmac and gravel but they did not sort out the problem spot near to the traffic lights.”

He said the situation is dangerous, especially on icy roads, with drivers attempting to avoid bumping through the cavernous holes causing potential damage to their vehicles, shredding tyres or worse.

“It is a disgusting state for our roads to be in,” said Mr Cass. “The fact nobody has bothered to do anything about it is awful.

“They know the problem is there, they charge us enough in taxes but where does the money go?”

Suffolk County Council countered claims of failing to act to repair the roads, stating the highways team is gearing up to act following the latest bout of freezing cold weather.

A spokeswoman said: “Naturally, potholes are caused and worsened by freezing and thawing of the road surface and the current extreme weather conditions are likely to present additional issues to contend with once the temperatures begin to rise again.

“The council will respond promptly to reports of any dangerous potholes to improve the safety of our road users.”