The frustration among UK private and motor trade drivers regarding the deplorable state of local roads and motorways has peaked at its highest level in almost a decade.
According to the RAC’s annual Report on Motoring, an alarming 49% of surveyed drivers marked the poor condition of local roads as their top motoring concern.
This staggering statistic not only signifies a record high since 2015 but also highlights a pressing issue that affects motorists across the nation.
Escalating Concerns and Record Discontent
This recent survey illustrates a grim reality – 67% of drivers feel that the condition of the roads they frequently use has deteriorated in the past year.
This concerning trend, up from 60% in the previous year, is exacerbated by various factors.
While road surfaces are the primary culprit, contributing to 97% of driver dissatisfaction, faded road markings, litter, and poor signage visibility also play roles in this decline.
Potholes: Growing Menace
Potholes have become synonymous with UK roads, causing significant distress among drivers.
One breakdown recovery service responded to over 8,000 pothole-related breakdowns of new and used vehicles in just a three-month period during 2023, their highest number in five years.
These types of road defects, often caused by freezing temperatures and heavy traffic, have become a substantial threat to road safety and, worryingly for motor manufacturers, vehicle integrity.
UK Government’s Response and Funding Challenges
All of us, including those working in the motor trade industry, may be pleased to learn that the UK government acknowledges the severity of the problem. They’ve pledged £5 billion from 2020 to 2025 to address road and highway maintenance.
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However, the need far outweighs the available funds. Recent data from the Asphalt Industry Alliance indicates a staggering £14 billion backlog in road maintenance works, which has surged by 11% within a year.
The situation is dire, and immediate action is imperative. As drivers battle against a million potholes on Britain’s roads, the alarming rise in road-related breakdowns and discontent among motorists cannot be ignored.
Urgent and strategic investments, coupled with meticulous road maintenance, are essential to alleviate this crisis.
It’s not just about smoothening the ride; it’s about ensuring the safety and well-being of every driver navigating the roads. Only through concerted efforts and substantial funding can the nation’s roads be restored to a condition that befits the modern age.
