RAC reacts to LGA warning that heavier vehicles are likely to cause surge in pothole levels

RAC roads policy spokesman Nicholas Lyes said: “This will sadly come as no surprise for motorists who are used to hearing this type of bad news on a regular basis. They are all too aware of the dire state of our local roads and the level of underfunding.

“We welcome the call from the LGA for increased Government funding to address the national disgrace of potholes and we support the proposal to ring-fence a proportion of existing fuel duty revenue to fund sustained improvement over a long-term period. However, the suggestion that bigger lorries are a major factor in the surge of potholes is something of a red herring. The reality is an increase in freight traffic is a sign of a stronger economy and greater traffic volumes are inevitable.

“It begs the question - what is the alternative? A greater number of smaller lorries making more frequent journeys would have a similar detrimental effect on our roads as well as lead to increased congestion and pollution. We need a roads infrastructure that is fit for purpose and capable of sustaining a buoyant economy as well as supporting improved journey times for all motorists.

“The RAC’s Pothole Index has highlighted that the number of pothole-related breakdown faults has doubled over the last 10 years with peaks associated with extreme weather conditions. We need a long-term strategy for local roads similar to the road investment strategy for strategic roads and a commitment to carry out effectively both pothole repairs and preventative maintenance to stop them occurring in the first place.”