The Asphalt Industry Alliance has today released the 18th Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) Survey. The report has gathered information from 75% of the local authority highways departments across England and Wales.

The survey reveals that a high number of potholes have been filled on their roads by local authorities over the last year: a total of 2.2 million across England and Wales. Based on average costs quoted by survey respondents, the cost of filling that number of potholes equated to £113 million.

The report states that while repair costs have fallen, it will still take more than 12 years to clear the backlog and £10.5bn is still needed to bring roads up to standard. The report highlights an £829 million annual funding shortfall in England (including London) and a £6.2 million annual budget shortfall (per authority in England).

Sue Percy, CIHT Chief Executive said, “Road maintenance and preventative measures should be a main priority for all highway authorities, as they provide long-term value and efficiency gains. Planned preventative work programmes must be introduced by authorities to limit the ongoing expensive cycle of inefficient reactive maintenance.”

“CIHT believe that the adequate maintenance and funding for our highway network is fundamental to the social and economic well-being of the UK. Design of new works must have future maintenance requirements built in as a key consideration and this should be standard for all schemes “

“Everyone relies on or uses the highway daily and it is fundamental to the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the community. The whole network is important to different users in different ways and must be effectively maintained to an appropriate standard, providing a safe and efficient level of service.”

CIHT has developed a highway maintenance position statement that will be circulated to relevant stakeholders highlighting the vital role that it plays in developing the nation’s economy. A copy of this statement is available by emailing communications@ciht.org.uk

ENDS

Notes for editors

Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation

CIHT is a membership organisation representing over 12,000 people who work in the highways and transportation sector.

CIHT members plan, design, build, operate and maintain best-in-class transport systems and infrastructure, whilst respecting the imperatives of improving safety, ensuring economic competitiveness and minimising environmental impact.

CIHT supports its member’s professional endeavours by:
•           offering training, information, professional development and support
•           promoting the value added to society by the profession
•           being the focused voice to Governments and other decision makers on transportation expertise and knowledge.

For more information please contact:
Daniel Isichei, Director of Communications, CIHT on t: +44 (0) 20 7336 1567 m: 07912122573 e: Daniel.Isichei@ciht.org.uk