Official figures reveal that two thirds of small roads across the country are in decline and filled with potholes.
The sheer number which have been allowed to fall into the worst ‘red’ condition was branded ‘hugely concerning’ by motoring groups.
They said local authorities, which look after roads smaller than motorways and A roads, missed a ‘golden opportunity’ to clear a backlog during the pandemic when traffic levels fell.
Yesterday’s data from the Department for Transport showed that 23 percent of the nation’s B and C roads and the smallest non-classified roads were in dire need of repairs, up from 22 percent a year ago.
In some areas the figure was far higher, with 68 per cent of minor and rural roads in Derbyshire in the ‘red’ category in 2020/21 (file photo taken in Long Eaton, Derbyshire, last year)
Hammersmith and Fulham in west London had a figure of 50%. The sheer number which have been allowed to fall into the worst ‘red’ condition was branded ‘hugely concerning’ by motoring groups
But in some areas the figure was far higher, with 68 per cent of minor and rural roads in Derbyshire in the ‘red’ category in 2020/21.
In the west London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, the figure was 50 per cent, while it was 42 per cent in Bath & North East Somerset.
Motoring groups criticised the rise in ‘dangerous’ roads. Jack Cousens of the AA said: ‘While the Government claims road conditions are “stable”, the harsh reality is they are stuck in a rut.
‘Road users don’t have to travel too far from home to see a plethora of potholes [and] fractured tarmac which make driving and cycling uncomfortable at best and dangerous at worst.’
The RAC’s Simon Williams said: ‘We’d hoped the fact so few people were using the roads last year because of the pandemic would have given councils a golden opportunity to catch up on much-needed road repairs.
‘Sadly, this data appears to show there’s still a huge amount to be done.’
The figure was 42 per cent in Bath & North East Somerset (file photo). Motoring groups said local authorities missed a ‘golden opportunity’ to clear a backlog during the pandemic
In Cambridgeshire, 40% of the roads were in dire need of repairs. Jack Cousens of the AA said: ‘While the Government claims road conditions are “stable”, the harsh reality is they are stuck in a rut’
Lincolnshire was ranked fifth for areas with minor roads that need repair at 34%. In the Budget, Rishi Sunak announced £8billion for repairs and upgrades to several key A roads
The figures show National Highways-managed A roads and motorways are in better condition, with just 7 per cent and 4 per cent respectively rated ‘red’.
There were large variations as well, with 17% of the A roads in Derbyshire, Southend and Essex in dire need of repairs.
In last month’s Budget, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced £8billion for repairs and upgrades to several key A roads.
But the Asphalt Industry Alliance estimates fixing all potholes and getting roads back to a ‘reasonable, steady state’ would cost about £11.1billion, with the backlog taking 11 years to clear.