Menu
02/04/2008
'Three Million Holes' in England and Wales' Roads
Road conditions in England and Wales are in a dire state, with more than 3 million holes in roads, according to a report by the Asphalt Industry Alliance.
The report states that there are about 3.5 million holes in roads including potholes and holes dug by utility companies.
The AIA revealed there were an average of 4,268 potholes per local authority in north west England from 2006 - 2007.
The AIA believes that improvement of the road will depend on £1 billion in funding from highway maintenance budgets.
Currently, there is an 11-year backlog of maintenance work while many roads face a much longer wait for resurfacing.
AIA chairman Jim Crick said: "Roads are a vital asset and our most valuable one. We all depend on them everyday and it's time the under-funding of their maintenance was addressed. There are so many demands on highways maintenance budgets now that is almost impossible to keep pace with them."
A Department for Transport spokesman said: "We want local authorities to implement a system of regular, well-managed maintenance not to leave things until they deteriorate to the point that repairs become urgent and more costly."
Mr Crick added: "Despite some increase in central Government funding over recent years, it seems highways maintenance is still suffering from historically being treated as the Cinderella service."
At least £53 million was paid out in compensation claims in 2006/07 for damage to vehicles or road traffic accidents due to poor conditions on roads across England and Wales.
(DS/KMcA)
The report states that there are about 3.5 million holes in roads including potholes and holes dug by utility companies.
The AIA revealed there were an average of 4,268 potholes per local authority in north west England from 2006 - 2007.
The AIA believes that improvement of the road will depend on £1 billion in funding from highway maintenance budgets.
Currently, there is an 11-year backlog of maintenance work while many roads face a much longer wait for resurfacing.
AIA chairman Jim Crick said: "Roads are a vital asset and our most valuable one. We all depend on them everyday and it's time the under-funding of their maintenance was addressed. There are so many demands on highways maintenance budgets now that is almost impossible to keep pace with them."
A Department for Transport spokesman said: "We want local authorities to implement a system of regular, well-managed maintenance not to leave things until they deteriorate to the point that repairs become urgent and more costly."
Mr Crick added: "Despite some increase in central Government funding over recent years, it seems highways maintenance is still suffering from historically being treated as the Cinderella service."
At least £53 million was paid out in compensation claims in 2006/07 for damage to vehicles or road traffic accidents due to poor conditions on roads across England and Wales.
(DS/KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 May 2013
£165m Funding Announced For Congested Roads Across England
Congested roads across England are to be tackled with £165 million of funding, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin announced today. The announcement is the second tranche of funding from the £190 million Local Pinch Point Fund, first announced in December 2012.
£165m Funding Announced For Congested Roads Across England
Congested roads across England are to be tackled with £165 million of funding, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin announced today. The announcement is the second tranche of funding from the £190 million Local Pinch Point Fund, first announced in December 2012.
10 March 2014
Govt Announces Extra Money To Repair Roads
Government announces extra money for councils to repair local roads following recent prolonged period of severe weather. An extra £140 million is being made available to help repair roads hit by weather damage, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin announced.
Govt Announces Extra Money To Repair Roads
Government announces extra money for councils to repair local roads following recent prolonged period of severe weather. An extra £140 million is being made available to help repair roads hit by weather damage, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin announced.
10 October 2003
Jarvis pulls out of rail maintenance contracts
The rail maintenance company Jarvis – which is currently being investigated following the Potter's Bar rail crash – has announced today that it is to "exit rail maintenance contracts" for "commercial" reasons.
Jarvis pulls out of rail maintenance contracts
The rail maintenance company Jarvis – which is currently being investigated following the Potter's Bar rail crash – has announced today that it is to "exit rail maintenance contracts" for "commercial" reasons.
24 August 2005
Rural campaigners call for clampdown on roadside billboards
Countryside campaigners have called for a clampdown on advertising in roadside fields in a new report. The Campaign to Protect Rural England said that the use of advertising hoardings was spreading beside major cross-country roads like a “rash”, defacing the countryside and reducing safety.
Rural campaigners call for clampdown on roadside billboards
Countryside campaigners have called for a clampdown on advertising in roadside fields in a new report. The Campaign to Protect Rural England said that the use of advertising hoardings was spreading beside major cross-country roads like a “rash”, defacing the countryside and reducing safety.
11 March 2004
Gritters readied as northern England prepares for snow
With snow forecast to affect western, central and northern England over the next few days, the Highways Agency's gritting fleet is being mobilised to treat ice and snow on motorways and other strategic roads. The Agency receives regular weather forecasts and mobilises its fleet gritting operation whenever ice or snow is predicted, it said.
Gritters readied as northern England prepares for snow
With snow forecast to affect western, central and northern England over the next few days, the Highways Agency's gritting fleet is being mobilised to treat ice and snow on motorways and other strategic roads. The Agency receives regular weather forecasts and mobilises its fleet gritting operation whenever ice or snow is predicted, it said.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
