Government Criticized as Road Repairs Hit Five-Year Low

The UK is facing a road repair crisis, with the length of road being resurfaced or improved falling to its lowest point in five years, according to a report by the RAC. The analysis revealed a 29% reduction in the number of miles of road completely resurfaced from 2017/2018 to 2021/2022. This decline in road improvement work has led to an increase in potholes and deteriorating road conditions.

The report also highlighted that 31% of the 153 road authorities sampled by the Department for Transport (DfT) did not carry out any resurfacing works, while 51% did not perform surface-dressing work. Surface dressing, which extends the lifespan of a road without full resurfacing, was also down by 34% compared to 2017/2018 levels.

The RAC’s head of policy, Simon Williams, expressed concern over the decline in road improvement work, stating that it is causing potholes to appear in the first place. While the government has allocated more funds for filling potholes, the overall reduction in road maintenance is exacerbating the problem.

According to a survey from the 2023 Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (Alarm), local authorities in England would have needed an average of an extra £7.7 million each last year to reach their target road conditions. It is now estimated that it would cost £14.02 billion and take 11 years to bring the network up to a standard that can be efficiently maintained.

The RAC report also identified potential solutions to address the road repair crisis. One recommendation is asphalt preservation, which seals and maintains roads to prevent water ingress and deterioration caused by the freeze-thaw cycle. This technique is already used by private companies on certain roads and has proven to be cost-effective.

Rick Green, chairman of the Asphalt Industry Alliance, emphasized the need for longer-term funding from the government and more budget ringfencing for highways. This would enable local authorities to plan effectively and implement efficient works to enhance the resilience of the local road network.

The report highlighted the areas that have made progress in road resurfacing. Kent topped the list, with 29 miles of its 502-mile A-road network being resurfaced. Southend-on-Sea in Essex followed with 21 miles, while Lincolnshire surface dressed most of its A-roads, covering 50 miles out of 661.

In addition to asphalt preservation, the report suggested that surface treatments could be used to maintain roads in green and amber conditions, preventing further deterioration and reducing the need for pothole repairs. These treatments would also minimize traffic delays by shortening repair times from days to hours, eliminating the need for road closures.

Earlier this year, the Department for Transport announced a £5.5 billion clampdown on road-surface defects, including performance-based inspections post-work. The cost of these inspections is billed to the responsible firm at £50 per inspection, with an additional £120 for follow-ups. An extra £200 million was also allocated to pothole repairs in the 2023 Spring Budget.

The RAC report highlights the urgent need for increased investment in road maintenance to address the deteriorating conditions across the UK. Without adequate funding and long-term planning, the road repair crisis will continue to worsen, leading to more potholes and unsafe driving conditions. It is crucial for the government to prioritize infrastructure investment and ensure the efficient maintenance of the road network for the safety and convenience of all road users.