Skip to main content

A future UK government should focus more on potholes and road safety

With a national UK election looming next month, a future government must make road safety a top priority, said the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM). Half of motorists in a recent survey of 2,156 people, and conducted IAM in March, said the current administration has not given the issue as much attention as is needed. The number one issue that the government should be focussing on, according to 70% of respondents, is the reduction of the number of potholes. The backlog of repairs now tops more
April 10, 2015 Read time: 3 mins
Government should step up the fight against potholes
With a national UK election looming next month, a future government must make road safety a top priority, said the 5125 Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).

Half of motorists in a recent survey of 2,156 people, and conducted IAM in March, said the current administration has not given the issue as much attention as is needed.

The number one issue that the government should be focussing on, according to 70% of respondents, is the reduction of the number of potholes.

The backlog of repairs now tops more than €16.5 billion, according to the 1360 Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA). Money spent on filling 2.7 million potholes in the past year had been “wasted”, said a statement from the AIA.

The next biggest concern for road users was that of general road maintenance, with more than 64% of those surveyed stating this needed more attention.

Third in the list was reducing the number of road accidents and casualties for all age groups, with 52% of respondents saying it should be a greater government concern. Road crashes still cost the UK economy around €21.5 billion.

By September last year, the number of those killed or seriously injured on UK roads has increased by 4% as of September 2014, according to the UK Department of Transport.

IAM is a road safety charity dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving and motorcycling.

“Cuts in visible policing and road safety spending have had an impact. While these figures cannot be regarded as a trend, they are a major concern that the new Parliament must address,” said Neil Greig, IAM director of policy and research.

The fourth aspect of motoring life respondents wanted to see changed was the driving test. The survey revealed over 41% of motorists thought the UK driving test is not fit for purpose and they would like to see the government make it more relevant to today’s driving conditions.

IAM wants the introduction of theory and hazard perception tests,. a practical driving test that includes high-speed roads and a graduated licencing system that ensures new drivers undertake a  minimum learning period prior to taking the practical test.

Rounding out the top five issues was 39% respondents wanted to see an increase in sentences for those guilty of serious motoring offences.

The ALARM report by the Asphalt Industry Alliance I available by %$Linker: 2 External <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-16"?><dictionary /> 0 0 0 oLinkExternal clicking here Visit ALARM survey 2015 page false http://www.asphaltindustryalliance.com/news-press.asp?info=ALARM+survey+2015 false false%>.

Reported road casualties in Great Britain Annual report is available by %$Linker: 2 External <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-16"?><dictionary /> 0 0 0 oLinkExternal clicking here View Great Britain Annual report false https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/9275/rrcgb2011-02.pdf false false%>

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Hitachi aims for 20-30% growth in five years through mining offer
    April 18, 2013
    Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) president and chief executive Moriaki Kadoya believes HCME can achieve 20-30% sales revenue growth in the next five years through its wide range of mining-suited machines. The Hitachi Group subsidiary has a vast range of larger machines, including six crawler excavators – the 1200, 1900, 2600, 3600, 5600, and 800tonne 8000 model – which, Kadoya said, leaves HCME in an ideal position to pursue its ambitious growth target. The construction equipment industry giant also
  • UK creates Major Road Network designation for A-class highways
    July 10, 2017
    The UK government plans to create of a Major Road Network class of highway which would tap into the multi-million euro annual National Road Fund. Main roads that are now overseen by local authorities would share the National Roads Fund that is financed by the VED – vehicle excise duty - which was previously envisaged to be ring-fenced for national routes. The VED was around €6.6 billion for 2016-17. Roads covered by the strategy are the A-class highways. The deal is part of an investment strategy unveiled b
  • Sunderland’s sliding bridge slips across the Wear
    October 26, 2016
    Slowly but surely, a 2,500 tonne section of a new bridge deck was eased out from the banks of the River Wear near Sunderland in northern England. It now straddles the water, pointing towards the opposite bank which it will eventually reach after another sliding operation next year likely. The project to build the New Wear Crossing is now half way through with the first half of the steel deck bridge poised mid-river. Completion of the bridge is expected in the spring of 2018. This month, hydraulic jack
  • Matest high production materials testing
    January 6, 2017
    Material testing equipment manufacturer Matest says its reputation for high production capacity, quality products, fast delivery times, and qualified technical support is acknowledged worldwide. The company offers advanced solutions for onsite and laboratory tests on bitumen, asphalt, concrete, cement, mortar, aggregates, rocks, soil, and steel, representing the ideal partner for anyone working in the construction and civil engineering industries. Its extensive range of material testing equipment is designe