Residents have slammed dangerous cracks and subsidence on Cambridgeshire’s Fenland roads as ‘absolutely lethal’, sparking a debate over who should pay for urgent repairs
Cambridgeshire Live readers have been voicing strong opinions about deteriorating and subsiding roads across the Fens. Many described the surfaces as hazardous and poorly maintained.
Others argued that cautious driving is all that is needed to be safe, and that motorists should not expect non-drivers to foot the bill. There were also calls to reassess council spending priorities and to reconsider who should bear the cost of repairs.
One particularly uneven Cambridgeshire road, riddled with deep cracks, has been branded “absolutely lethal” by frustrated drivers. Rural roads across the county are frequently in poor condition, particularly those running through the Fenland district.
Forty Foot Bank in Ramsey is one such route, regularly used by drivers who say it is in ‘desperate’ need of attention. Local resident Ryan Wilson, from Ramsey, suffered two burst tyres due to the road’s severe cracking.
He believes the “whole road” requires urgent repair, stating: “Having a double tyre blow out could have put me in the water. We have to make our cars roadworthy, so they should make the roads carworthy. I use this route every day for work. I would cycle, but it’s too dangerous for cars, so biking would be more dangerous.”
Freddly says: “Forty Foot Bank is safe if driven at 35mph. If local drivers want to go faster, they need to set up a crowdfunding page. Why should people without a car pay for the endless wants of car drivers?”
Nocyclinganywhere replies: “Tyres can split and blow out at 10 mph if the road surface is damaged or not fit for purpose, so your speeding and anti-car comments are not true, nothing unusual there.”
MickJones2 believes: “All roads going out of March are not fit for purpose and dangerous to all who use them, many a time me and my partner drive in the middle of the road as long as there are no cars behind or oncoming and safe to do so, it’s far too long since the roads have been maintained properly instead of just throwing a bit of tarmac in. The cracks and subsidence need to be done with proper money invested in it so that it lasts.”
Garyblowpants says: “The roads are sinking because the cars, or their occupants have become too heavy. We need an additional tax based on the weight of the vehicle to fund damage repairs. I think you will find the amount you pay towards cycle lanes is insignificant compared to what people who don’t have cars pay towards roads.”
Creda1 adds: “You forget that HGVs have been pounding this road for decades and are far heavier, so blaming cars is a bit poor.”
John037 feels: “Just cut the councillors’ expenses until all the roads are in good condition, yes, I know. But I remember the days when councillors acted in good faith and accepted it as a public duty not paid, perhaps we should demand the money back until the old standards are back with us!”
Are the roads in Cambridgeshire really that bad? Comment HERE or below to have your say.
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