Pothole Backlog Hits £18.6 Billion as Local Roads Face Severe Damage

Experts warn worsening conditions and short-term repairs are putting drivers at risk, calling for sustained investment in local road maintenance.

Transcript

00:00Local roads across England and Wales are facing a record £18.6 billion backlog for pothole

00:07repairs according to the Asphalt Industry Alliance. Councils filled around 1.9 million

00:13holes last year but ongoing wet weather and an underfunded network have worsened conditions.

00:20Industry leaders warn the cost of one-off repairs is rising faster than funding, leaving many roads

00:26in poor condition. Drivers are experiencing patchwork surfaces and increased breakdowns,

00:33with one in six roads nearing the end of their structural life. Experts call for long-term

00:38investment in maintenance rather than short-term fixes to improve safety and reliability for all

00:43road users.