Video: Potholes highlighted on A27

That’s the damning verdict of an advanced driver who joined The News on a car journey along the A27 between Havant and Chichester.

Julie Woollacott, a driving instructor and a Member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, was shocked by the number of potholes as we took a journey from Havant to the Fishbourne roundabout and back again.

Julie noticed at least four blown-out tyres on the side of the road and said the uneven road surface had to be to blame.

Julie, from Hayling Island, is backing a campaign by The News and sister title the Chichester Observer to get the potholes repaired as a matter of urgency.

During the car ride, Julie was shocked when she had to drive her Ford Fiesta over a series of potholes in quick succession.

She said: ‘That’s a disgrace. It’s such a dangerous strip of road.

‘The authorities really should address that as a matter of priority.’

After the half-hour car journey she said: ‘I think it’s treacherous.

‘I really think it’s a disgrace the authorities can’t prioritise their budget sufficiently well to make it a safer road for cars, lorries and motorbikes.

‘It needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.

‘The potholes are even more dangerous for motorbikes.

‘For a motorbike you are likely to come off.

‘Going at a speed of 70mph, it’s an accident waiting to happen.’

She added: ‘Why are these tyres blown out?

‘One reason is the quality of the road surface and the damage it is doing to the tyres.

‘The A27 is a primary route. The Highways Agency needs to prioritise its budget.’

Highways Agency officials say they have allocated £4.5m over the next three years to fully repair the damaged section.

A spokesman added: ‘In the meantime, we will continue to keep the A27 in a safe and serviceable condition, and any defects that pose a threat to safety will continue to be fixed within 24 hours.’