A MOTORIST claims drivers are being forced to take evasive action to avoid potholes - despite highways bosses being aware of the problem for months.

Drivers have to swerve to miss potholes on the bridge in Church Lane, Bocking, or risk damaging their vehicles.

A resident, who asked not to be named, says highways marked the holes with orange paint five months ago, but no repairs ever took place.

“People are swerving to avoid them the whole time,” he said.

“I nearly had an accident last week.

“Someone swerved as I was coming across.

“You can’t avoid the potholes unless you do swerve.

“If you are coming from Bocking, there is an enormous patch from the beginning of the bridge and then there is another patch.

“The only option is to straddle them or go through them.

“It’s becoming almost impossible to avoid.”

The resident said the potholes have been marked up with paint twice after the issue was reported to County Hall.

“They are allowing weeks or months for the markings to wear away and then do it again,” he said.

“I phoned them and they said they’ve got it down for repair.

“But they are marking it up and then totally ignoring it.

“I don’t know if it’s down to the inspectors or constructors, but it’s impossible to get any sort of answers.”

Essex County Council says repairs are due to take place along the road later this month.

A spokesman for Essex Highways said: “Works are currently due to start on September 18 to carry out carriageway patching on various areas along Church Lane, Bocking.

“This will require an overnight road closure.

“Residents are encouraged to look on one.network, where they can sign up for alerts about roadworks taking place in their area.”