UK road repair backlog spiralling

The UK’s road repair backlog is spiralling.
By MJ Woof March 29, 2023 Read time: 1 min
The UK desperately needs to address road wear – image © courtesy of Mike Woof


The UK’s road repair backlog is spiralling after years of neglect. According to data from the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA), local authority roads in England and Wales require £14.02 billion worth of repairs.

The AIA published these figures following the completion of its Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) survey. Of concern is that this represents and 11% from last year. Repairing all the roads in need of attention will take an estimated 11 years.

The ALARM survey shows that just 51% of local roads in the UK are in good condition. And 49% of local roads will require significant measures within 15 years unless measures are taken soon. Of concern is that 18% of local roads are expected to require complete reconstruction in less than five years.
 

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