From Mike Ackrill, East Cowes:

Reading the article on the “Island’s improving roads” (CP, 06-04-18), I was reminded of the old adage there are lies, damn lies and statistics.

According to the Department of Transport figures for 2016, only five per cent of the Island’s roads were identified as being in need of maintenance.

Given the total road system of the Island comprises some 780km, this equates to about 39km (or in old money, 20 miles) of roads that are sub-standard. I find it strange those 39km must be represented by some of the most heavily used stretches of the overall network; living in the northern part of the Island this would include the majority of Fairlee Road and the Racecourse.

To negotiate the numerous potholes and out-of-place metal covers — particularly in such sections as the Riverway in Newport and the stretch of the A3021 from Osborne House to Crossways Road — I have had to perfect slalom techniques and be ready to spot any new craters that may have appeared overnight.

There are, no doubt, many similar examples of roads across the Island that residents will be able to recognise that must form a part of the troublesome 39 km. 

My heartfelt desire for 2018 is that priority is given to resurfacing the roads across the Island that suffer the heaviest usage, including the ones mentioned above.

To residents and visitors, the benefits of resurfacing 1km of Fairlee Road, and other such A roads, heavily outweigh the resurfacing of 20km of minor roads that are relatively lightly used.