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Covid disruption contributes to worst treatment levels
in decades
Today’s government statistics* on the condition of roads in
England show that, in some parts of the country, at least 8% of
main roads and more than 10% of minor roads need fixing.
Overall, for the 2020/21 period, one in every 25 miles of A road
and nearly one in every 16 miles of minor road managed by
councils are in poor condition and need maintenance.
The report also highlights that the condition of 17% of
unclassified roads was in the ‘red’.
Disruption caused by the pandemic contributed to the lowest
levels of maintenance carried out since 2007/08 for A roads and
since records began for minor roads**.
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said; “While the
Government claims road conditions are ‘stable’, the harsh reality
is that they are stuck in a rut.
“Road users don’t have to travel too far from home to see a
plethora of potholes, fractured tarmac, worn away surfaces and
faded road markings which make driving and cycling uncomfortable
at best and dangerous at worst.
“More than nine out of 10 drivers (94%***) said that the recent
Budget needed to heavily invest in fixing local roads in order to
‘level up’ the crumbling road network. Not only would this make
roads safer, but would help eliminate unnecessary pothole-related
compensation claims which drain council budgets.”
ends
NOTES TO EDITORS
* https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/road-conditions-in-england-to-march-2020-and-march-2021
** Data taken from RDC0320
*** AA Yonder Driver Poll, October 2021. 15,115 respondents.
