A STUDY into the time taken for potholes to be repaired shows Worcestershire is among the fastest.

It takes on average one hour for the potholes to be filled once they are reported, making us luckier than places like Coventry, where the repairs takes around five days.

The analysis was conducted by motoring research charity the RAC Foundation.

Response times are influenced by how many miles of road a council has to manage and the size of the council area.

RAC Foundation director Steve Gooding said: "It is understandable that large rural authorities set themselves longer response times, simply as a result of having to travel further to effect repairs, but motorists might still be surprised to see such a wide variation across the country.

"Those particularly vulnerable to potholes - cyclists and motorcyclists - might ask whether the speed of pothole investigation should be based solely on the risk to users."

One in five local roads in England and Wales is in a poor condition, and the frequency of road resurfacing has declined, a report by the Asphalt Industry Alliance warned.

Damaged shock absorbers, broken suspension springs and distorted wheels are among the most common vehicle problems caused by potholes.

The AA has called for learner drivers to have to prove they can spot potholes to pass the driving test.

Martin Tett, the Local Government Association's transport spokesman,said: "Keeping roads safe for all users is one of the most important jobs councils do and is reflected in the fact that local authorities are fixing a pothole every 21 seconds, with priority given to repairing potholes that pose the greatest risk based on their size and location, as recognised in this report."

He added that councils need "consistent and fairer government investment in local road maintenance".