Ian, in being true to the spirit of "New" England, roads here in Connecticut (my part of it at least) are probably in just as poor shape as in Scotland! I try to avoid manholes covers as much as possible, because they always seem to be about 1 inch (25mm) below the surrounding road surface, not to mention, always conveniently sited in the middle of the area where ones tire normally travels!(almost as if on purpose one would suspect!!) There are many roads in my area posted as "Scenic Roads" which basically means rutted and paritally gravel/partially asphalt, in which the state apparently has absolved itself of any requirement to perform maintenance, simply by posting the "Scenic Road" signs...
