Parties Urged to Fix Potholes

**Putting An End to Potholes: A Call to Action for Political Parties**

The Pothole Partnership is sending out a strong message to all political parties – it’s time to prioritise potholes on your manifesto. In a recent poll conducted by the AA, a staggering 96% of drivers ranked potholes as the most critical transport issue, indicating that this is an area that cannot be ignored.

Aside from the inconvenience they cause to road users, potholes are also taking a toll on the economy. Vehicle damage due to potholes has reached a five-year high, with the crisis estimated to cost the economy of England a staggering £14.4 billion each year.

A comprehensive five-point plan has been unveiled to address this pressing issue:

1. Local authorities to shift from temporary pothole repairs to permanent solutions.
2. All local authorities and contractors to adhere to UK-wide repair and inspection standards.
3. The government to expedite and increase spending from the £8.3 billion pothole funding for England in the initial three years.
4. Central and local government to ringfence all road maintenance funding to support ongoing innovations for permanent repairs.
5. Transparency from local authorities on the backlog of road repairs, categorised by potholes, patching works, and road resurfacing.

The Pothole Partnership comprises leading organisations like The AA, the National Motorcyclists Council, British Cycling, and JCB. They are also backed by the British Motorcyclists Federation, IAM RoadSmart, and TyreSafe, highlighting the widespread concern regarding this issue.

Edmund King, President of The AA, stressed the urgency of addressing potholes, stating that it is a major concern for not just drivers but also those on two wheels. He added, “Permanently fixing potholes would be one of the most popular political proposals, affecting everyone and the economy. It is also the number one priority for 96% of drivers who seek long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes.”

Craig Carey-Clinch, Executive Director of the National Motorcyclists Council, emphasised the critical nature of the situation for motorcyclists, pointing out the life-threatening risks potholes pose. He called for immediate action to clear the repair backlog, urging the incoming administration to allocate and utilise the £8.3 billion promptly.

Caroline Julian, External Affairs Director of British Cycling, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the safety implications of potholes for cyclists. She stressed the importance of ensuring safe and comfortable roads for cyclists to ride on to encourage more people to take up cycling.

Ben Rawding, General Manager of JCB, expressed the company’s commitment to fixing Britain’s roads through the Pothole Partnership. He emphasised the need for investment in innovation and technology to ensure permanent solutions for the national pothole backlog, underscoring the importance of providing motorists, motorcyclists, and cyclists with safe roads.

It is evident that the issue of potholes goes beyond mere inconvenience, with a far-reaching impact on both road users and the economy. The collective call to action from the Pothole Partnership urges political parties to prioritise and address this pressing issue for the benefit of all. Only by working together can we achieve lasting solutions and ensure safer roads for everyone.

*Image from Shutterstock*