98% of drivers say UK roads in a ‘state of disrepair’
A shocking new survey into the condition of UK roads carried out by Hagerty has revealed that 98% of drivers believe they are ‘in a state disrepair’.
The survey questioned more than 1,200 car enthusiasts for their verdicts on road surface conditions, with almost every respondent claiming they were in need or urgent maintenance.
Meanwhile, 90% said road surfaces are worse than a year ago, with 73% claiming their vehicles had been damaged as a result of hitting a pothole. More than half said they reported potholes to their local councils, but only seven per cent agreed their local authority dealt with the issue quickly – or even at all.
Further, 78% said they were ‘frustrated’ by the state of UK roads, with half saying they have been ‘distracted’ behind the wheel because of poor road surfaces.
Fed up
Mark Roper, managing director of Hagerty UK, said: “The Hagerty Pothole survey showed concerns were equally shared by owners of classic and modern cars alike, but those who drive specialist or older vehicles are especially wary of taking their cars out due to the state of the roads; 93% of classic car owners acknowledged that they felt ‘nervous’ about driving their cars on the roads in their current condition.
“Our survey shows that Britain’s drivers are now fed up with the condition of our roads with many expressing their frustrations in a very clear manner. Households are having to find money to fix damage to their cars, sometimes extensive and expensive.
“As a company who champions cars being used and cherished by enthusiasts it’s very concerning to hear that the state of disrepair is making owners nervous to even take their cars out.”
