Repairing a pothole

Seven million more potholes to be filled in 2025

The UK government has announced a substantial investment of £1.6 billion for the fiscal year 2025-2026 to tackle the nation’s persistent pothole problem. This funding represents a nearly 50% increase from the previous year’s allocation and is projected to facilitate the repair of over seven million potholes across England.

Potholes have long been a source of frustration for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians, leading to vehicle damage, accidents, and increased travel times. According to the RAC, drivers encounter an average of six potholes per mile in England and Wales, with repair costs averaging around £500 per vehicle.

Pothole on a country road

Photo by Erik Mclean: https://www.pexels.com/photo/empty-asphalt-road-with-cracks-going-between-coniferous-trees-on-cloudy-day-5688465/

Government’s Commitment to Infrastructure Improvement

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the government’s dedication conditions, stating, “Broken roads can risk lives and cost families hundreds if not thousands of pounds on repairs. That’s a cost that can easily be avoided by investing properly in our roads.”

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander added, “Potholes have plagued motorists for far too long, but today’s record investment will start to reverse a decade of decline on our country’s roads.”

Allocation of Funds Across Regions

The £1.6 billion investment will be distributed among local authorities in England, enabltize and address the most deteriorated roads in their jurisdictions. The allocations are as follows:

  • North West, North East, and Yorkshire and Humber: Over £327 million
  • East Midlands and West Midlands: Over £372 million
  • East of England: Over £244 million
  • South East and London: Over £322 million
  • South West: Over £300 million

The government is urging the public to report potholes in their areas to local councils, farepairs and maintenance. This collaborative approach aims to enhance road safety and improve journey times for all road users.

Anticipated Benefits of the Investment

This significant funding is expected to yield several benefits:

  • Enhanced Road Reducing the number of potholes will decrease the risk of accidents for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
  • Economic Savings: Fewer potholes mean reduced vehicle repair costs for drivers, contributing to overall economic savings.
  • Improved Traffic Flow: Well-maintained roads facilitate smoother traffic, reducing congestion and travel times.
  • Support for Local Economies: Better infrastructure attracts businesses and promotes economic growth within communities.

The UK’s commitment to investing £1.6 billion in road maintenance for 2025-2026 marks a pivotal step toward addressing the longstanding issue of potholes. This initiative not only aims to improve road safety and reduce vehicle damage but also seeks to enhance the overall quality of life for citizens by ensuring smoother and more reliable transportation networks.

The full statement can be found here.


Mark Salisbury, Editor

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