Pothole damage worst in Scotland

Scotland and northern England have the bumpiest roads in Britain, according to an insurer.
A study of claims for axle or suspension damage found 14% of cars in Ayrshire fell victim to potholes in any given year. Five of the 10 worst-rated areas were in Scotland while four were in northern England.
Warranty Direct said pothole damage was costing UK drivers £413m a year, or £1.1m each day.
Managing director Duncan McLure Fisher said there was a clear "north-south divide" in claim rates. "Either continuous driving over cracked or uneven road surfaces, or the sudden jolting of a deep pothole, can cause damage to shock absorbers, springs, upper and lower arms and stabiliser bars," he said.
"This appears to be happening more in Scotland than anywhere else. "Whether this is due to colder weather causing more northern roads to crack or just poor maintenance, it seems to underline a clear difference in the condition of highways across the country."
The lowest claim rate was in Oxforshire where only 4% of cars suffered similar failures. The average claim for repairs was £240, but some damage cost £2,710 to put right.