Pothole call for political parties
All political parties have been urged to put potholes high on their manifesto commitments by the Pothole Partnership.
The partnership is telling politicians that permanently fixing the potholes will be one of their most popular polices with voters. Some 96% of drivers rated potholes as the most important transport issue in an AA poll.
The partnership also warns that pothole damage is affecting the economy with damage to vehicles hitting a five-year high. It estimated that the pothole crisis is costing the economy of England alone at least £14.4bn per year.
A five point plan has been revealed to tackle the issue, including:
- Local authorities to limit the practice of temporary pothole repairs and repair permanently.
- All local authorities and contractors to adhere to UK-wide repair and inspection standards.
- Government to accelerate and increase spending of the £8.3bn pothole funding for England in the first three years.
- Central and local government to guarantee ringfencing of all road maintenance funding to help deliver innovations that enable permanent repairs.
- Full transparency from local authorities on their roads repair backlog, categorised by potholes, patching works and road resurfacing.
The Pothole Partnership was formed by The AA, the National Motorcyclists Council, British Cycling and manufacturer JCB. The partnership is also supported by the British Motorcyclists Federation, IAM RoadSmart and TyreSafe.
Edmund King, AA President, said:
“Politicians please note that all road users are fed up with potholes. It is costing drivers a fortune but tragically costing lives for those on two wheels. Permanently fixing potholes would be one of the most popular political proposals as it affects everyone and the economy. It is also the number one concern for 96% of drivers who want permanent solutions rather than a patchwork approach.”
Craig Carey-Clinch, Executive Director, National Motorcyclists Council, said:
“The situation is becoming ever more acute for motorcyclists. Potholes and other road surface related defects are already shown to be extremely dangerous for motorcycle riders. The same pothole that damages a car, could prove fatal to a rider. Action is needed now to urgently clear the backlog of repairs. The NMC fully supports the Pothole Partnership and urges the post-election administration to put this issue from and centre and to carry forward and front load the £8.3billion that was previously announced. The problem is now, not in seven or nine years time.”
Caroline Julian, External Affairs Director, British Cycling, said:
“We know from our members that potholes are a longstanding frustration and concern. They have tragic and fatal consequences that cannot be ignored. If we’re serious about fulfilling our ambitions to get more people cycling, we simply must ensure that our roads are safe and comfortable for them to ride on, and not the crater-filled carriageways they currently face.”
Ben Rawding, General Manager, JCB, said:
“As we approach the election, JCB is delighted to be part of the Pothole Partnership, a group committed to fixing Britain’s roads. Tackling the national backlog of potholes properly will involve investment in innovation and new technologies to ensure permanent fixes, not temporary repairs. Britain’s motorists, motorcyclists and cyclists deserve nothing less.”
Image from Shutterstock
