Britain's roads are a mess - and could cost £14bn to fix, says 'Mr Pothole'

23 May 2023 , 23:01

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Britain's roadways are riddled with potholes (Image: Joseph Raynor/ Nottingham Post)

Motoring experts say our roads have never been in such a poor state.

Mark Morrell, who campaigns under the name Mr Pothole, put the repairs backlog at £14billion, up from 3.75bn in 2000. He believes it down to a long-term lack of ­investment in resurfacing.

He added: “Cuts in funding means cheaper repairs. It’s badly maintained roads that suffer in winter conditions and rain.”

Motoring disputes expert Scott Dixon blamed “cuts, a lack of trained staff and repairs that are rarely to the correct specification”.

The AA said pothole-related calls in the first four months of 2023 rose 23% compared to 2022.

Drivers warned running out of fuel could result in £100 fine and points

Mark Morrell AKA Mr Pothole (Tamworth Herald)

The AA wants drivers to report every road crack they see in a bid for authorities to “understand the true state of our roads”.

Jack Cousens, AA’s head of roads policy, said: “On safety grounds alone, we need to shine a light on the awful condition of UK roads.”

Dangers include damaged shock absorbers, broken springs and splits which catch cyclist wheels.

Natasha Wynarczyk