Transport bosses in the UK have deemed potholes smaller than a soup bowl to be “not urgent.”

The news means that millions of UK motorists already dealing with bumpy roads won’t see relief anytime soon. The new ruling from the Highways Agency means that regulations will change so that smaller potholes won’t repaired immediately. Previously, even the smallest ones were fixed within 24 hours.

The new rules state that only potholes and areas of road damage 15cm wide or larger and those 4cm deep or larger will be repaired in an “urgent” manner. The changes will go into force in the West Country and will be introduced across the nation over the next three years.

Meanwhile, Nigel Humphries said on behalf of the Association of British Drivers that the new move was “irresponsible” and “dangerous.” He said that even a pothole just under 4cm deep is “awfully big” and worsen very quickly and if left unattended could cause motorists to lose control.

Similarly, Asphalt Industry Alliance spokesman Malcolm Simms said that the rules would also mean that more temporary speed restrictions would be put in place. However, the Highways Agency said that under the new scheme that contractors would retain their responsibility to keep roads safe.