Sustained road investment critical, warns Motoreasy
Motoreasy has highlighted the vehicle damaged caused by potholes and called for ‘sustained road investment.’
More than 20% of all vehicles damaged by potholes have to be written off, with analysis undertaken by the Centre for Economics and Business Research estimating the annual cost of potholes to the UK economy at £14.4bn.
The government has recently pledged another £27bn to resurface 5,590 miles of motorways and A roads as part of its Road Infrastructure Strategy.
However, the AIA ALARM survey has estimated that it will now take 12 years to clear the backlog of road repairs in the UK, with only 51% of the local road network having 15 years or more of life remaining.
Vehicle damage
Duncan McClure Fisher, CEO of Motoreasy, said: “While we might all wish for a miracle fix to the UK’s pothole problem, the reality for drivers is far less entertaining. Potholes remain one of the biggest causes of vehicle damage in the UK, contributing to costly repairs, breakdowns and ongoing frustration for motorists.
“At Motoreasy, we see first-hand the impact poor road conditions have on drivers, from damaged suspension and tyres to more serious mechanical issues. While a one-shot solution would be welcome, what’s really needed is sustained investment in road maintenance and better long-term planning.
“Until then, drivers should stay vigilant, report potholes where possible, and consider protecting themselves against unexpected repair bills. Because unfortunately, this is one problem that won’t be disappearing overnight, no matter how convincing the invention sounds.”
“Recent data underlines the scale of the issue, with pothole-related claims rising sharply in recent years as road conditions continue to deteriorate.”
