Skip to main content

Pothole patching problem for UK

In the UK severe winter conditions for the second year in succession have resulted in an increase in the number of pavement surface failures and potholes developing. With local authorities facing budget cuts as part of the UK Government's austerity drive to reduce debt, there is little funding left for planned road maintenance work, let alone repairing potholes. The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents local authorities in England and Wales, says that there is a shortage of some €194 million
May 3, 2012 Read time: 1 min
RSSIn the UK severe winter conditions for the second year in succession have resulted in an increase in the number of pavement surface failures and potholes developing. With local authorities facing budget cuts as part of the UK Government's austerity drive to reduce debt, there is little funding left for planned road maintenance work, let alone repairing potholes. The 5421 Local Government Association (LGA), which represents local authorities in England and Wales, says that there is a shortage of some €194 million for road repairs to tackle the most recent winter damage. During 2010 some 2 million potholes were filled in England and Wales according to LGA data, however more repairs are now needed.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Efficient asset management to trim maintenance budgets
    January 22, 2014
    Transport infrastructure is taken for granted in many, if not most, developed countries. This has resulted in a shortage of investment in maintenance, posing potential long term cost issues. In many developing nations transport networks are expanding fast, but insufficient thought is also being given to how these will be maintained.
  • AIA welcomes Government cash for local UK road maintenance
    June 28, 2013
    The Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA), which represents companies producing and laying the materials for asphalt roads, has welcomed the UK Government’s pledge to spend US$9.174 billion (£6bn) on local road maintenance for the period 2015/16 to 2020/21. Reacting to the spending commitment announced made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne , and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, AIA chairman Alan Mackenzie said, “The AIA has been lobbying for additional funds to tackle the lo
  • Boost to infrastructure, autonomous cars in UK budget
    March 17, 2016
    The UK chancellor announced in his spring budget what he called the biggest investment, US$87.5 billion (£61 billion), in transport infrastructure in generations and is increasing capital investment in the transport network by 50 per cent over this Parliament compared to the last. The government plans to establish the UK as a global centre for excellence in connected and autonomous vehicles by establishing a US$24.1 million (£15 million) ‘connected corridor’ from London to Dover to enable vehicles to com
  • Planning road repairs efficiently
    August 21, 2015
    Limited highways maintenance budgets can deliver more with a planned asset management approach - *Will Baron. In recent years, a growing number of local and highways authorities have found themselves trapped in a vicious cycle of reactive road repairs. Several bad winters, floods and years of under-investment have taken their toll on road networks. This has led to political and public pressure to patch up potholes and make emergency repairs, ultimately diverting funds away from planned highways maintenance.