Potholes leave taxi driver frustrated

The state of roads in the West Midlands has left one taxi driver feeling frustrated.

Mohammad Khan said the damage to his car caused by potholes can cost him nearly £500 per week for repairs. He said: "You try to avoid one pothole, you'll end up in another one and it's damaging the car. I'm having to go to the garage every week."

Last week, Mayor Richard Parker announced plans for £240m to repair roads and potholes across the West Midlands from 2027.

"It's a big commitment to improve transport investment in the region because transport connectivity is key to people's daily lives and it's key to growing our economy," he said.

Mr Khan said potholes not only damage the car financially, but also hurts the taxi driving profession as a whole.

"Passengers can give a bad rating because of the driving, hitting the potholes but also trying to avoid them. It's really frustrating and it isn't our fault.

"You're wasting your time as well, because you can't earn money while your car is off the road. Then it depends on how busy the garage is too," he added.

If given the green light, the grant would be divided between Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton's local authorities.

The West Midlands Combined Authority Board will be asked to approve the plan on 13 February.

"I'm really reassured that we're doing the right thing, having listened," The Mayor said.

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