- The cost of repairing local roads in England and Wales has soared to a record £18.6 billion, with only 51 per cent of the network currently in good condition.
- The Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) labelled the situation a “national disgrace”, noting that roads are resurfaced, on average, only once every 97 years despite 1.9 million potholes being filled last year.
- Government funding for local road maintenance in England is set to increase to nearly £1.6 billion in the 2025/26 financial year, as part of a £7.3 billion allocation over four years.
- AIA chair David Giles expressed cautious optimism but warned that the increased funding is not a “silver bullet” and significant improvements will take a long time to be noticeable to the public.
- Motoring groups and campaigners, including the AA and Motorcycle Action Group, have called for further action, highlighting the safety risks posed by poor road conditions, particularly for motorcyclists.
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