THE Isle of Wight has one of the lowest numbers of potholes in the UK — with one appearing on the road every 0.31km.

Statistics from the Insurance Emporium show that, from 2016, the number of potholes on the Island has steadily dropped from 6,236 to 5,104 (2017) to 2,888 (2018 to date).

The Island is ranked 51 out of 208 local authorities for the lowest number of potholes .

Data also shows that council spending spend on potholes has decreased by 93 per cent, from £761,000 in 2015-16 to £55,000 in 2018-19.

In 2013, a partnership was established between the Isle of Wight Council and Island Roads to improve the highway network.

Since then, Island Roads said more than 82 per cent of main roads had been improved.

Island Roads service director, Steve Ashman, said: “Island Roads – and I am sure road users – welcome this latest clear evidence the Highways Improvement Programme is delivering a major upgrade to the highways network.

“We are now seeing the benefits of what is far and away the largest road improvement project ever undertaken on the Island.

“The task of transforming the network from one of the worst in the country to one of the best is a major undertaking and there is still much work to be done.”

Mr Ashman said the company would be announcing another major programme of resurfacing in 2019, with a particular focus on residential streets.

Cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, Cllr Ian Ward, said: “It is great news that, as intended, the Government grant of £477 million, is bringing significant and tangible improvements to the Island’s road network.

“The key is that by having a comprehensive road resurfacing programme we are not just fixing potholes in a short-term manner — we are bringing about a long-term improvement that will see the network not only upgraded but maintained at that enhanced level for years to come.”