Brian Parker, of Crossparks, Dartmouth, writes:

From where does Barry Vaughan, Public highways are ours to fix, Letters, March 21, get his misinformation, or is it just misinterpretation on his part? 

He, you and I no more own public roads than we own public parks, public libraries, public transport and public toilets.

The description 'public' refers not to ownership but to right of access by the public, subject to observing rules and payment of any required fee.

Mr Vaughan's assertion that members of the public have a responsibility for filling in known potholes and those not doing so are 'likely to be guilty of an offence of neglect of duties' is a monumental nonsense.

Anyone following his advice and interfering with the fabric of public roads, through frustration or any other reason, is likely to be tapped on the shoulder by the law and worse.

Those interested in the history of progression of ownership of public roads – from private to parish to county to state – might like to see Hampshire County Council's web page on highway history.