Roads across the UK are facing closure due to their poor condition and lack of maintenance. Potholes being a problem isn’t breaking news, however, a new study conducted by the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) has found that approximately one in six roads may need to be replaced in the next 5 years. These kinds of issues have risen due to age, wetter winters and lack of funding. Potholes are caused when moisture seeps into the cracks on a road, which then expands and increases over time. A car driving over them worsens this and causes the pothole to expand. Although, the damage works both ways with more and more people finding that driving over them has damaged their cars.

During 2016, it cost the council £102 million to deal with potholes on UK roads, with the average cost to fill one pothole being around £49. The council are looking at a collective bill to repair potholes that falls at a staggering £12 billion. The council are looking at a £12 billion collective bill to repair potholes. Potholes currently represent one of the biggest issues that the council will have to face. However, despite a 10% increase in local council budgets, there was a 19% decrease in the action taken to prevent and fill potholes.

What action is being taken?

Preserving a good road condition through regular repairs is significantly cheaper than allowing it to degrade to the point where it has to be replaced. The department of transport has unveiled plans that highlight that maintenance is an area that should receive more focus. High definition cameras are to be fitted onto council bin lorries and by doing this they hope to identify problems with roads before they become too problematic.

We are hoping that these findings push councils to take more action against potholes, as we know that despite our driving abilities, potholes can still put a spanner in the works!

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