Could this be the beginning of the end of the UK’s pothole nightmare?

According to today’s announcement (17 November 2023), millions of drivers could be able to enjoy smoother, safer, and faster road journeys thanks to the ‘biggest ever road resurfacing programme to improve local roads’.

As a part of the funding announcement, Transport Secretary Mark Harper revealed that the plans will lead to over 5,000 miles of road across the country over the next 11 years being resurfaced.

Local highway authorities in England will receive £150 million this financial year, followed by a further £150 million for 2024/2025, with the rest of the funding allocated through to 2034.

Furthermore, the announcement stated that each local authority can use their share of the £8.3 billion to identify what local roads are in most need of repair and deliver immediate improvements.

• Report a pothole and find out how to claim for damage
• RAC Pothole Index
• RAC patrols dealt with record number of pothole breakdowns this summer

In total, £3.3 billion will be provided to the North West, North East and Yorkshire & Humber; £2.2 billion to the West Midlands and East Midlands; and £2.8 billion will be allocated to the East of England, South East, South West, and London. 

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “For too long politicians have shied away from taking the right long-term decisions to make life easier for hardworking families - tackling the scourge of potholes being a prime example.

“Well-maintained road surfaces could save drivers up to £440 each in expensive vehicle repairs, helping motorists keep more of the cash in their pocket.

“This unprecedented £8.3 billion investment will pave the road for better and safer journeys for millions of people across the country and put an end to the blight of nuisance potholes.

• What is a car wheel bearing and how do you replace them?
• 12 essential car maintenance checks you should definitely be doing
• What is a space saver wheel and how to use it?

According to RAC research, well-maintained road surfaces could save drivers up to £440 each in expensive vehicle repairs from pothole damage.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Drivers’ biggest bugbear of all is the poor condition of local roads, so the fact the Government has found a significant additional pot of revenue should give councils the certainty of funding they need to plan proper long-term road maintenance, something we have been calling for many years.

“We hope local authorities will use the money in the most effective way possible by resurfacing the very worst roads, keeping those in reasonable condition in better states for longer through surface dressing, and filling potholes as permanently as possible wherever necessary.

“This should in time go a considerable way to bringing our roads back to a fit-for-purpose state and saving drivers hundreds of pounds in the process from not having to fork out for frustrating repairs to their vehicles.”

What do you make of the announcement? Leave your comments below.