£500,000. That's how much has been set aside to deal with the growing number of potholes in Kent's roads.

The most severe weather conditions in 27 years have led to serious deterioration to the tarmac, leaving crater-like holes that can cause serious damage to cars and put drivers' safety at risk.

The problem is being caused by a 'freeze-thaw phenomenon', where water in cracks in the road expand into ice causing the surface of the road to break up and deeper than usual potholes to form.

Kent Highways Agency are spending the extra £500,000 on moving 15 road repair crews from other areas into the surface damage department. There will now be 55 teams working on fixing the pothole problem across the county.

• We want to find the county's biggest pothole - so email your pictures to KentOnline here and send us your pothole gripes via the 'Make a comment' button at the bottom of this story.

Terry Hudson, of the Kent branch of the Association of British Drivers, said: "The weather has played havoc with roads and I think KCC is now simply overwhelmed with repairs.

"The Government should be funding this kind of work and creating real jobs for people."

KCC cabinet member for highways Keith Ferrin said: "Following the severe frosts in early January, I made extra resources available for repair work. The recent snowfall has added to our workload and I am keeping a watching brief on that.

"I would encourage people to report damage to roads or potholes. We will carry out the work as soon as we can - but I would ask for patience during this very busy period."

Around £48million was spent last year by councils in England, fixing up more than 750,000 and according to the Local Government Association this year's cost could be much higher.

• Anyone wishing to report a pothole can call Kent Highways road repairs hotline on 08458 247800 or go to www.kent.gov.uk/highways >>>