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

  • Bar is high on Simpedil’s machine quality
    April 9, 2013
    Simpedil specialises in manufacturing bar cutting and bending machines for the concrete reinforcement industry. The firm’s 30 years plus experience and continuous machine development ensures high quality machines at all times. Simpedil also emphasises the company’s attention to pre and after sale support and its quality-price ratio. All Simpedil machines are also said to guarantee maximum efficiency and safety.
  • Dana Rexroth will launch the high-efficiency R2 hydromechanical variable transmission for smaller machines
    January 6, 2017
    Dana Rexroth Transmission Systems, the joint venture Dana and Bosch Rexroth, is to launch the R2 hydromechanical variable transmission (HVT). The modular transmission uses both a hydrostatic drive and a mechanical gearbox to deliver fuel savings of up to 25% compared to a torque converter transmission. Designed to work with engine outputs of 134-193kW (180-260hp), the R2 is suitable for use in wheeled loaders, motor graders, lift trucks and a variety of off-highway applications. The hydrostatic drive unit
  • Dana Rexroth will launch the high-efficiency R2 hydromechanical variable transmission for smaller machines
    February 7, 2013
    Dana Rexroth Transmission Systems, the joint venture Dana and Bosch Rexroth, is to launch the R2 hydromechanical variable transmission (HVT). The modular transmission uses both a hydrostatic drive and a mechanical gearbox to deliver fuel savings of up to 25% compared to a torque converter transmission. Designed to work with engine outputs of 134-193kW (180-260hp), the R2 is suitable for use in wheeled loaders, motor graders, lift trucks and a variety of off-highway applications. The hydrostatic drive unit
  • Pavement Preservation Recycling Alliance Forum set for Niagara Falls
    May 18, 2015
    It has been just over three months since the first Pavement Preservation and Recycling Summit in Paris -- PPRS Paris 2015 -- and now the focus will shift to a similarly exciting forum in North America. Under the banner of the cooperative Pavement Preservation Recycling Alliance (PPRA), all specialists in the sector are invited to the beautiful Canadian city of Niagara Falls to share experiences on how to protect, maintain and rehabilitate road assets in the most cost effective manner while embracing recy