To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) whether traffic cones, that are often found placed in potholes on roads across Northern Ireland, are being placed there by DFI staff; and (ii) for her assessment of the road safety implications of such objects being placed on roads, for the purpose of highlighting potholes.

When my Department becomes aware of a severe pothole needing urgent attention, arrangements are made to deliver a permanent repair within the timescales set out in DEM 160 – Road Maintenance Standards for Safety.

Where a permanent repair cannot be achieved within an acceptable timescale, a temporary repair may be delivered and followed up with a permanent repair.

In exceptional cases, the usage of signage and cones to ensure the safety of road users may be deployed, however this would be in line with our signage policy and would not take the form of a single cone within the pothole.

While I understand that there is a desire by members of the public to highlight potholes to other road users, the placing of cones in potholes other than in line with our signage policy may cause a hazard in itself and pose a greater risk to safety than the original defect, especially in unlit areas.