The Government has launched an inquiry into the state of England’s roads amid mounting concerns about the growing number of potholes.
The Transport Select Committee, which oversees transport policy and expenditure, will investigate the funding and governance of the country’s road network, to see whether more effective options are available.
Labour MP Lilian Greenwood, chair of the committee, said that the “plague of potholes” was “undermining local economic performance” and costing motorists dearly “through damage to road vehicles”.
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The “safety of other road users, particularly cyclists”, is also being compromised, she added.
The launch of inquiry has been welcomed by the Automobile Association (AA). Edmund King, the group’s president, said: “Most journeys start and end on local roads and their condition has deteriorated at a shocking rate.
“Councils are crying out for more funding to maintain their most valuable infrastructure, and we hope this inquiry highlights the need for a significant and sustained investment strategy.”
An AA survey of more than 17,000 drivers in February found that only 31% of drivers believe that local roads are “maintained to a high standard”, with local routes in the North West of England and Scotland being among the “worst kept”.
In May, another study by the AA showed that repairs bills for vehicle damage caused by potholes was costing drivers and insurance firms at least £1m each month.
Experts suggest that roads are resurfaced every ten to 20 years, according to The Daily Telegraph. But some British highways are being expected to last for 132 years, based on current council plans.
