The Government must inform taxpayers when roadworks to fix uneven surfaces from trenching will take place, the Shadow Minister of Transport said.

Susan Jackson said it was unacceptable that a number of roads have been left in a “deplorable state” after widespread trenching work, adding that the public also had a right to know how much repair work would cost the taxpayer.

“While there are varying reasons for roads to deteriorate, when roads are left uneven after trenching it is disheartening,” Ms Jackson said.

“Why cause unnecessary danger to road users, particularly bike riders? It’s enough to have to focus on the roads, so why compromise that by causing them to swerve to avoid potholes and uneven surfaces?

“Taxpayers deserve to know when resurfacing projects will be completed and the associated costs. Time and again trench work is carried out and left incomplete. Motorists are left with no expectation of completion.”

The Ministry of Public Works said in September that uneven road surfaces left by trenching works would be remedied during a final upgrade.

A ministry spokesman said at the time that much of the surfacing at roadworks around the island was temporary, to allow the road to settle before a final surfacing and advised drivers to use care. The spokesman added that roads needed time to “settle” before being resurfaced.

The trench works have been carried out in partnership with Belco but the Government is responsible for the resurfacing of the roads.

Ms Jackson added: “Inspections are a critical part of projects and Government must hold trench work to a high standard and consider completion a high priority.

“Resurfacing delays caused from 'settling' should be factored into any project left unsafe for road users.

“The One Bermuda Alliance calls on Government to implement and publish road maintenance schedules. It’s time for Government to take a more serious approach to resurfacing.”