Road conditions are to be assessed by a "people's audit", with AA members going pothole peeping.

Last year a similar audit showed that each neighbourhood assessed had an average of 15 potholes.

Scotland was the worst area, with 20 potholes per neighbourhood on average, while Wales was the best with just 13.

Although Scotland and north east England had the worst roads for potholes these two areas were actually where the most repairs had taken place.

This year, the AA volunteers are being asked to spot not only poor road conditions but also problems which could be hazardous to cyclists.

AA president Edmund King said: "We know that local authorities have been working hard to bring highways up to standard after three successive bad winters, with a respite last year.

"Let's hope our streetwatchers find that, despite budget cuts, roads and paths aren't too bad in their neighbourhoods."

He went on: "We know that potholes, uneven road surfaces and exposed manhole covers are an even bigger threat to those on two wheels, and so we have asked our streetwatchers to flag up particular dangers for cyclists and motorbike riders."