‘In a rut’: cost of fixing pothole-plagued roads in England and Wales soars to £17bn

Motoring organisations say lack of investment is a false economy as it just leads to bigger repair costs down the road. Photograph: Yui Mok/PA

The cost of fully fixing the pothole-plagued local roads of England and Wales has reached a new high of almost £17bn, according to the latest industry report.

The record sums required come despite increased government funds to target road repairs – and one pothole being filled every 18 seconds.