The latest figures on road maintenance in England paint a worrying picture of neglect and deteriorating infrastructure. According to a recent analysis by the RAC, road maintenance has plummeted to its lowest point in five years, with significant reductions in the miles of road being resurfaced or preserved across the country.
In 2022/23, only 764 miles of A roads were improved, marking a 37% decrease from 2017/18. The situation is even more dire for minor roads, with maintenance falling by 46%, resulting in 3,380 miles of B, C, and unclassified roads receiving no improvement work.
This decline in maintenance is not just a statistical anomaly; it has real-world consequences for motorists and local communities. The RAC reported the highest number of pothole-related breakdowns in the last quarter of 2023 since 2019, underscoring the immediate impact on vehicle safety and repair costs. For drivers, hitting a pothole can lead to repairs costing up to £460, a significant financial burden highlighting the broader economic implications of poor road upkeep.
Regionally, the picture varies, but the overall trend is negative. For instance, only a fraction of roads in regions like Kent and Staffordshire received any maintenance, with just 5% and 9% of their A roads treated, respectively. Even more concerning is that over a third of local authorities reported no road surfacing, while 61% did no preservation work.
The decline in road maintenance can be attributed to several factors, including budget constraints and shifting priorities within local councils. However, the RAC advocates for a “traffic light” approach to road maintenance. This strategy involves categorizing roads based on their condition and prioritizing preventative maintenance for those in “green” and “amber” conditions to prevent them from deteriorating into “red” conditions, where full resurfacing is the only option.
The long-term neglect of road maintenance is not just a temporary inconvenience; it has lasting repercussions. As roads continue to degrade, the costs of repairs will only escalate, placing further strain on already stretched council budgets. The government’s recent £8.3 billion funding pledge, spread over 11 years, falls short of what is needed for a sustainable solution.
Innovative solutions, like the RAC’s partnership with Metricell to use the Stan app for reporting road defects, show promise. This app allows drivers to report issues in real time, providing local authorities with the data needed to address problems more efficiently. However, without adequate funding and a strategic approach to maintenance, these efforts may only offer temporary relief.
In conclusion, road maintenance in England is a growing concern that demands immediate and sustained attention. Both motorists and local communities are feeling the impact of underfunded and insufficient road repairs. Regional and national authorities must re-evaluate their priorities and invest adequately in maintaining and improving the country’s road infrastructure. The problem will worsen without such measures, leading to higher costs and more significant risks for all road users.
Article link – https://media.rac.co.uk/pressreleases/council-road-maintenance-in-england-drops-to-lowest-point-in-five-years-3306063
