News -
RAC responds to LGA potholes warning: long-term approach needed to tackle the crisis
Commenting on a warning today from the Local Government Association (LGA) that 2017 could be a 'tipping point' for councils when it comes to potholes, RAC roads policy spokesman Nick Lyes said:
“This analysis provides a stark reminder of the dire state of the UK’s local road network and ominously shows that things look set to get worse over the coming years unless urgent action is taken. The RAC’s Pothole Index revealed that the number of pothole-related breakdowns attended by our patrols doubled between 2006 and 2016, leaving motorists with a large repair bill. Typically, this included damaged shock absorbers, broken suspension springs and distorted wheels.
“Most journeys begin and end on a local road so good quality local roads are essential for motorists and businesses alike. Poorly maintained roads are not only expensive and frustrating, they also pose a safety risk for cyclists and motorists, with some cyclists forced to swerve to avoid potholes.
“The RAC’s 2016 Report on Motoring revealed the condition and maintenance of local roads was the issue of top overall concern for motorists and a recent RAC survey showed there is overwhelming support (92%) for the ringfencing of some motoring-related taxation to go towards improving the condition of local roads. We would urge the Government to take a long-term, strategic approach to tackling this crisis, which provides local authorities with greater funding certainty so they can undertake the necessary maintenance and preventative action.”
Related links
Subjects
Tags
Notes to Editors
The press office email address is press.enquiries@rac.co.uk. Please note: the press office is unable to help with individual customer enquiries - please visit the RAC contacts page to find the right contact.
ISDN radio studio facilities are available for interviews Monday to Friday.
About the RAC
The RAC provides complete peace of mind to 12m UK private and business drivers, whatever their motoring needs. Its services include:
- Breakdown assistance. Its highly-skilled, 1,600-strong branded patrol workforce attends more than two million breakdowns every year, fixing on average four out of five vehicles at the roadside. The RAC’s patrol fleet is one of the most advanced in the UK, and was the first to roll out both an All-Wheels-Up recovery system, allowing the vast majority of vehicles to be recovered from a single patrol van, and EV Boost mobile electric vehicle charging units
- Insurance. The RAC is a top-five car insurance broker having surpassed the 500,000 policies-in-force milestone in 2018. It also offers ‘black box’ telematics policies, as well as home and travel insurance
- Other motoring services. The RAC leads in the development of new solutions for business, fleets, electric vehicles and future car technology. Its additional products and services include a personal loans offering, a used car buying website, vehicle inspections and checks, legal services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information. It also has a network of Approved Dealers and Approved Garages which combine the trust of RAC brand with local service and convenience
The RAC also works to support the interests of its members and UK drivers on the most important motoring issues which it identifies via the annual RAC Report on Motoring and the RAC Opinion Panel. The Report on Motoring is the longest running analysis of driver opinion in the UK having been published every year since 1989.
For more information about the RAC, visit the RAC website.
