DfT Data Reveals Real State of UK Roads
The UK’s road network is continuing to deteriorate, as roads previously deemed to be adequate fall into disrepair
UK roads continue to deteriorate, as the latest Department for Transport (DfT) data points to the number of roads needing repair staying the same, while those previously deemed adequate fall into a worse state.
The news follows data from the RAC, which claims that drivers in the UK encounter a shocking six potholes per mile on average. The DfT data has added a little more detail to the state of the UK road network, and while the fact that the total number of roads that need repair has stayed the same as the previous year, the finite detail of the report suggests a big slide in road quality.
The number of local A-roads needing repair is four per cent which went up from three per cent at the end of 2020. Likewise, the number of roads listed as ‘Red’ (needing the most urgent repair) has also remained stable at four per cent.
The issue begins when looking at roads needing repair that were previously classed as ‘amber’, which has increased from 24 to 27 per cent. The number of B and C-roads in need of repair has also gone up, rising seven per cent from the previous year. The DfT also states that of all road types in the UK, 17 per cent are in need of repair to bring them up to scratch.
Shortly after the DfT’s data was published, the Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, promised an extra £1.6 billion in funding to help plug an estimated six million potholes. The finding is on top of the Labour government’s manifesto pledge, and is being allocated to individual authorities directly, allowing the local government to decide where it should be spent.
The north west, north east and Yorkshire and Humber are set to get £327 million, while the East and West Midlands will share £372 million. The East of England is being promised £244 million, while the south east and London has £322 million earmarked for repairs. Finally is the south west of England, which will receive £300 million for needed road repairs.
Speaking about the extra funding, Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said:
“Potholes have plagued motorists for far too long, but today’s record investment will start to reverse a decade of decline on our country’s roads.
“Millions will drive home for Christmas today, but too many will have to endure an obstacle course to reach their loved ones. Potholes damage cars and make pedestrians and cyclists less safe. We are investing £1.6 billion to fix up to 7 million more potholes next year.
“This government is firmly on the side of drivers. Every area of England will get extra cash to tackle this problem once and for all. We have gone beyond our manifesto commitment to back motorists and help raise living standards in every part of the country.”
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Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
