Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) response to DfT’s Pothole Action Fund figures announced today (Thursday April 7)

The government’s announcement of a £50 million Pothole Action Fund for England in 2016/17 might seem like good news but is, in fact, another clear sign that the battle to rescue our crumbling local roads network is being lost.

It does nothing to address the cumulative effect of decades of underfunding and perpetuates the downward spiral of the ‘patch and mend’ approach.

The most efficient way to deal with the problem of our failing roads is to fix them properly and stop potholes forming in the first place.

Poorly maintained roads simply cannot withstand the combination of severe weather and increased traffic, which is why potholes form, and which will, in time, undermine the entire structure of the road.

Our research has shown that an invest-to-save approach pays dividends with every planned investment providing long-term savings of more than twice the amount spent. Throwing money into potholes is complete madness.

Samantha Stagg or Madeleine Hardman, AIA press and information office:

+44 (0)207 222 0136