Chancellor George Osborne pledged an extra £200m for pothole repairs during his budget announcement, but there is concern it does not go far enough.

Essex County Highways will be able to bid for the cash to deal with the growing problem.

The Asphalt Industry Alliance has estimated the money will fix 3.8million potholes, at a cost of £53 each.

But Cllr Tony Ball, vice chairman of the Local Government Association's Economy and Transport Board, has called for more to be done.

He said: We are pleased that the government has responded to calls for extra funding to tackle
“However we are facing a 42 per cent increase in traffic on local roads by 2040 and there is a £10.5 billion backlog of road repairs.

“The situation is getting worse every year because of a £500m annual funding shortfall.

“We urge government to provide a full and comprehensive package, including the resurfacing of roads, rather than funding in dribs and drabs."

“This announcement does not go anywhere near far enough.

Essex County yesterday announced it will also recieve an additional £2.7million from central government for pothole repairs.

The money is in addition to the £4.8million the authority has already pledged for highways repairs next year.

At the end of last year, Essex had a reported 15,939 outstanding potholes with new figures to be published next month.