A motoring expert at TrackDays.co.uk has urged drivers to take extra care behind the wheel after a new report revealed the nation’s local roads are now being resurfaced just once every 97 years.
The figure, from the latest ALARM survey, reflects how often roads are fully renewed rather than simply patched, with the resurfacing cycle even worsening from around 93 years last year.
In England the average resurfacing cycle now stands at around 106 years, rising to 132 years in Wales. In London, by contrast, roads are resurfaced roughly once every 39 years.
The survey also discovered that one in every 10 miles of local roads in England and Wales – around 20,400 miles – is likely to require maintenance within the next 12 months. Despite councils filling 1.9 million potholes over the past year, the staggering repair backlog has climbed to a record £18.62 billion.
Highway engineers behind the report warn the local road network is becoming “increasingly fragile” and say recent funding increases have “yet to result in tangible improvements in conditions.”
Imran Malek, motoring expert at TrackDays.co.uk, said the findings highlight the deteriorating state of Britain’s roads and warned motorists to stay alert to avoid pothole damage.
“This latest report confirms the scale of the problem for drivers, who can feel the condition of the roads for themselves every day. Potholes, rough surfaces and sudden jolts have become an all-too-familiar part of everyday journeys.”
“One of the biggest mistakes drivers make is following too closely. If you leave a bigger gap to the vehicle in front, you give yourself more time to spot damaged road surfaces and react calmly rather than at the last second.
“Drivers should also treat standing water with caution, because puddles can easily hide a pothole underneath. On wet roads especially, it is worth easing off slightly and staying alert to uneven surfaces.
“If you cannot avoid a pothole safely, the key is to reduce speed in a controlled way before you reach it, keep the steering wheel steady and avoid a panicked swerve.
“It is also sensible to keep tyre pressures properly checked. Underinflated tyres are more vulnerable to pothole impacts, so that is one simple step drivers can take to help protect their car.”
According to the report, councils filled the equivalent of more than 5,200 potholes a day last year at a cost of £149.3 million. Yet over the past decade the cost of bringing roads up to a reasonable standard has risen by more than 50%, underlining the scale of the challenge facing local authorities.
For motorists, the result is a familiar one: more patched-up roads, more potholes and rougher journeys – with drivers often left footing the bill for the damage.
To find out more about TrackDays.co.uk, which runs driving experiences and driver training events across the UK including track days and educational driving courses, visit www.trackdays.co.uk.
