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More than half a million potholes reported last year - RAC | More than half a million potholes reported last year - RAC |
(about 4 hours later) | |
More than half a million potholes were reported by members of the public to local authorities for repair last year, according to new research. | More than half a million potholes were reported by members of the public to local authorities for repair last year, according to new research. |
The RAC claims the "shocking" figures prove road conditions are worsening. | The RAC claims the "shocking" figures prove road conditions are worsening. |
The data was obtained from Freedom of Information requests to the 212 councils responsible for roads in Great Britain, of which 161 authorities provided comparable figures. | The data was obtained from Freedom of Information requests to the 212 councils responsible for roads in Great Britain, of which 161 authorities provided comparable figures. |
The government said it was spending £6.5bn on road repairs from 2015-2021. | The government said it was spending £6.5bn on road repairs from 2015-2021. |
More than 512,000 potholes were reported to the 161 local authorities, up 44% on the 2015 figure of 356,000 potholes from 152 councils, the RAC said. | More than 512,000 potholes were reported to the 161 local authorities, up 44% on the 2015 figure of 356,000 potholes from 152 councils, the RAC said. |
Extrapolating the numbers to take account of councils unable to provide data, the RAC believes the increase in reports over two years is 33%. | Extrapolating the numbers to take account of councils unable to provide data, the RAC believes the increase in reports over two years is 33%. |
It said damaged shock absorbers, broken suspension springs and distorted wheels were among the most common vehicle problems caused by potholes. | It said damaged shock absorbers, broken suspension springs and distorted wheels were among the most common vehicle problems caused by potholes. |
Earlier this year, drivers breaking down after hitting potholes reached a three-year high, according to the RAC. | Earlier this year, drivers breaking down after hitting potholes reached a three-year high, according to the RAC. |
RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: "Perhaps motorists are more inclined to report pothole defects than they were a few years ago, but we believe the sheer size of the increase is further proof the condition of our roads is worsening." | RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: "Perhaps motorists are more inclined to report pothole defects than they were a few years ago, but we believe the sheer size of the increase is further proof the condition of our roads is worsening." |
He added the figures were "just the tip of the iceberg" as thousands of potholes go unreported every year. | He added the figures were "just the tip of the iceberg" as thousands of potholes go unreported every year. |
One in five local roads in England and Wales is in a poor condition and the frequency of road resurfacing has declined, according to the Asphalt Industry Alliance. | One in five local roads in England and Wales is in a poor condition and the frequency of road resurfacing has declined, according to the Asphalt Industry Alliance. |
Martin Tett, the Local Government Association's (LGA) transport spokesman said councils were fixing a pothole every 21 seconds but needed more funding to "embark on the widespread improvement of our roads that is desperately needed". | Martin Tett, the Local Government Association's (LGA) transport spokesman said councils were fixing a pothole every 21 seconds but needed more funding to "embark on the widespread improvement of our roads that is desperately needed". |
He said the LGA was calling on the government to reinvest a portion of existing fuel duty into local road maintenance to fund a "£9.3bn road repair backlog". | He said the LGA was calling on the government to reinvest a portion of existing fuel duty into local road maintenance to fund a "£9.3bn road repair backlog". |
In October's budget, Chancellor Philip Hammond announced an extra £420m of funding for councils to tackle potholes, on top of an existing fund of almost £300m. | In October's budget, Chancellor Philip Hammond announced an extra £420m of funding for councils to tackle potholes, on top of an existing fund of almost £300m. |
How have you been affected by potholes in your area? Tell us your story by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk. | |
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