Tauranga residents living near the spot where a man died after a car and mobile library collided are speaking out over the condition of the road.

Police have confirmed a pothole near the crash scene is likely to be part of their investigation into the crash that killed a 19-year-old on Welcome Bay Road.

Nearby residents say the corner is notorious, trucks have caused ripples on the road's surface and if you have the slightest bald tyre you "are gone".