Pothole Repair Backlog in England and Wales Reaches £17 Billion

A recent report by the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) reveals that the cost to repair pothole-riddled roads in England and Wales has surged to nearly £17 billion. The Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) survey indicates that one in every six miles of local roads lacks sufficient structural integrity, with more than half expected to deteriorate within 15 years. Despite filling a pothole every 18 seconds over the past decade, local authorities have been unable to keep pace with the mounting repair backlog, attributed to chronic underfunding and a reliance on short-term financial solutions. Most local authority highway teams report no improvement in road conditions, highlighting a need for a shift to long-term funding strategies. The survey suggests that local authorities would need to double their budgets to effectively address the repairs necessary to maintain road safety and usability. With ongoing neglect, experts warn that without decisive action, drivers will continue to face hazardous road conditions.