Half of British drivers believe road conditions in their area have deteriorated in the last year, according to a new report by the RAC. The motoring group also found that local highway maintenance is seen as the number one priority for transport spending among drivers.

“Motorists clearly want the Government to provide sufficient funding to ensure local roads are maintained properly,” said RAC chief engineer David Bizley.

“But while any central Government money given to local authorities for roads must be spent on roads, we also need councils to spend more of their own funds on repairing and replacing road surfaces.”

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “A well maintained local road network is essential for all road users. We are playing our part by providing nearly £6Bn to councils in England to maintain local roads over the next six years.

“This funding includes incentives so councils plan ahead and repair roads properly, so that potholes never form in the first place.”

But the RAC pointed out that Government has itself estimated the cost of bringing local roads in England back to a state that is fit for purpose is around £8.6Bn.

“Bold and imaginative action is now required to address the deficiencies in local roads,” added Mr Bizley. “Funding from central Government is insufficient even to address the current backlog of repairs and local authorities are currently unable to fill the gap from council tax revenues.”

Labour’s shadow transport secretary Michael Dugher said: “Over 2220 more miles of our local roads need maintenance work compared to 2010. This is costing motorists, but it also hits small businesses and endangers all road users, including cyclists and bikers.”

Photo courtesy of Asphalt Industry Alliance