Potholed roads could reach tipping point, warns LGA

Date: 19/6/2013

The pothole problem on the UK's roads could reach "tipping point" if another bout of severe weather grips the country, the (LGA) Local Government Association has warned.

Blaming funding cuts and under-investment for the issue of damaged roads, the organisation said that a further £10 billion is needed to clear the backlog of repairs.

Peter Box, Chairman of the LGA's economy and transport board, explained that Councils are facing a continued struggle to react to emerging potholes and pay "spiralling compensation bills" while at the same time hoping that extreme weather conditions do not return.

"The short-termist approach of successive governments of underfunding local road maintenance, coupled with severe weather over recent years, has taken its toll," he added.

The LGA has reportedly written to the Treasury Danny Alexander, calling for greater funding for road maintenance in a bid to prevent further decline and reduce the risk of the pothole issue becoming even more widespread.  

Posted by Mary Treen

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