Concerns have been raised over the condition of a section of road in Oxfordshire that was recently resurfaced, with local residents and a county councillor calling for action to be taken.
The A420 between Buckland and Southmoor underwent surface dressing work in May 2026.
The 1.5-mile stretch of road has been described in recent years as the most dangerous route in the south east and the deadliest road in the Thames Valley area, including by a police and crime commissioner.
Michael Sheil, aged 79, has resided in the vicinity for more than four decades and was involved in an action group during the early 1990s that campaigned for safety improvements on the route due to high accident rates.
He has drawn attention to what he describes as deteriorating conditions on the newly treated road, noting that running lines have become worn smooth with no top-dressing applied, the tarmac has developed ruts and distortion, and holes have already appeared in the surface less than four months after work was completed.
He characterised the repairs as inadequate.
According to Mr Sheil, the debris on the road originated from repeated applications of stone dust on melting tar, an operation he understands was carried out three times.
He expressed concerns about potential environmental implications of the dust and suggested the drainage system may have been compromised.
He had corresponded with the county highway repair manager but remained worried that no steps had been taken following their exchange.
Conservative county councillor Lee Evans has also highlighted the situation.
He acknowledged that the road had been in poor condition previously and welcomed improvements to the surface, but noted that issues emerged almost immediately after work was finished.
He indicated that he and local residents had raised the matter at county hall, yet reported that minimal or no action had followed.
Mr Evans stated that Oxfordshire residents should have roads that are safe and functional, and that when repairs are undertaken, council tax expenditure should result in durable, quality work.
He criticized the current Lib Dem administration at County Hall for failing to deliver this.
A council spokesperson confirmed that Oxfordshire County Council had received the concerns raised regarding the A420 between Buckland and Southmoor following surface dressing work completed earlier in the year.
They stated that the section received treatment in May 2026 in accordance with specifications and approved codes of practice.
The spokesperson acknowledged that extended periods of exceptionally hot weather affected several recently treated locations across the road network.
Both the council and its contractor have inspected and monitored the A420 site.
Additional dusting treatments have already been applied, and further inspections are scheduled with continued observation in place.
Any remedial work needed will be determined once temperatures drop and the surface condition can be fully evaluated.
The spokesperson added that any defects found to result from the installation process will be addressed by the contractor at no additional cost to taxpayers.
They recognised the significance of the route and the concerns expressed by residents about road condition and safety, committing to continued site inspections and appropriate action based on findings.