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Hackney’s terrible roads are driving locals round the bend, with over 10,000 defects reported to the council in the past two years.
A Freedom of Information (FOI) request to Hackney Council found that the number of defects being reported is rising – from 3,970 in 2013 to 6,273 in 2014
In August 2014 alone 838 defects – such as potholes and uneven paving – were flagged up by concerned citizens.
The borough’s dodgy roads have caused 218 injuries to drivers, cyclists and pedestrians in the past two years, and the council has had to fork out over £20,392.35 in compensation.
April 2013 was the highest month for casualties, with 17 people being injured as a result of run-down roads. In the same month, £11,289.50 was given to injured parties.
Matthew Hilton, owner of De Beauvoir-based cycling shop Micycle, said that he regularly sees bikes that have been damaged by Hackney’s roads.
“I estimate we see about one person a month whose bike has been badly damaged by a pothole.
“In a strange way, we like it – as it’s really good for business.
“In my time cycling on Hackney’s roads I’ve encountered numerous potholes myself.”
The council spent nearly £2 million on manpower and materials to patch-up roads and pavements in 2013 and 2014.
However, it is unclear whether those repairs were being made in response to recently reported defects, as the council does not record data on the average space of time between a complaint being made and a road or walkway being fixed.
Hackney Council were unavailable for comment when contacted by the Hackney Post.
