Oxfordshire: Pothole campaigner to create a ‘Pothole Army’

Mark Morrell, better known as Mr Pothole, has spent more than 13 years raising awareness about the state of Britain’s roads.

The newly launched website aims to “publish the truth” about what many road users now describe as a “Pothole Armageddon.”

Mr Morrell said: “The potholes in Oxfordshire are some of the worst in the country due to decades of disappointment from the council.”

His observations follow a formal complaint he made about the condition of Hook Norton Road in Oxfordshire, which he has labelled particularly dangerous.

READ MORE: Hundreds rally in Oxford city centre for trans rights

George Balkwill, who was seriously injured following a crash on an e-scooter after he collided with a pothole (Image: George Balkwill)

The website seeks to challenge political messaging and official statements that suggest the condition of roads is improving, despite daily evidence to the contrary experienced by motorists, cyclists, and bus passengers across the country.

One of the central aims of the site is to expose the true scale of the crisis using evidence gathered over more than a decade of research and campaigning.

It will also highlight the growing maintenance backlog facing local authorities.

READ MORE: Daughter launches mission to reunite JDE workers with their plaques

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander had to have her car towed after it hit a pothole in Oxfordshire earlier this year (Image: Ian West/PA Wire)

The platform will hold decision-makers to account over transport spending priorities and continue to push for long-term investment in Britain’s highway infrastructure.

In addition, it aims to amplify the voices of road users in discussions about road maintenance.

The website isn’t just a source of information, it’s also designed to empower the public with practical tools and support.

Users will find guidance on the legal responsibilities of highway authorities, road users’ rights, and detailed instructions on invoking Section 56 of the Highways Act.

Section 56 allows members of the public to legally challenge a highway authority when a road is deemed “out of repair.”

Councillor Liam Walker next to a pothole (Image: Liam Walker)

If successful, it can result in a court order requiring the authority to carry out repairs.

The website offers template notices and documents, advice on gathering evidence, and details on how to formally challenge authorities over neglected road conditions.

Mr Morrell believes the site will help inform and mobilise what he describes as a well informed Public Pothole Army.

He points to Oxfordshire as an example of long-term neglect.

Mr Morrell said: “The fact of the matter is they simply just aren’t doing their job properly anymore; there isn’t any money or resources for the council to do better.”

He hopes the new platform will bridge the gap between public experience and political action, making it harder for officials to downplay or ignore the issue.

By giving road users the tools to hold authorities to account, Mr Morrell believes the tide can finally begin to turn on Britain’s pothole problem.