CABBIES in Colchester are thinking twice before picking up fares from a pothole-ridden road.

Antony Charman, of Greenstead, said taxi drivers’ cars are being put at risk by driving down Papillon Road and St Alban’s Road, in St Mary’s.

The Five Sevens driver has criticised Essex County Council highways department, which is responsible for the road, for not taking action.

Mr Charman said: “I’ve been on the two roads very often and they really are like a war zone.

“It is people like us who are taking the biggest risk.

“It is getting to the point where you start thinking twice about taking a fare down there.

“The fact is we don’t feel we are getting the services we should be getting.

“If we all stopped paying our council tax, they would be quick enough to come after us, so surely if we aren’t being given a service then we should have the right to complain?

“I just feel sorry for the residents having to put up with it and nothing seems to be getting done.”

However, Essex County Council said the two roads were not considered to be causing an immediate hazard.

Tracey Chapman, councillor responsible for highways and transportation, said: “Essex County Council is aware of a number of defects that are situated in each location.

“These defects have been inspected and assessed in line with our maintenance strategy and are not considered to be causing an immediate hazard.

“These road defects have been included in the county council programme of ongoing works and will be prioritised accordingly.”