Demands for pothole repair fund applauded by FTA

Following expressed concerns from road users, the Transport Select Committee has suggested half a decade’s worth of funding should be invested to repair potholes across the country which are causing extended amounts of damage to vehicles – due to how regular they are and how little effort has been made to prevent further potholes causing damage. This funding is the only way local councils will be able to address these concerns and improve road networks, according to a statement by the Transport Committee.

In response to the update, Head of UK Policy at the FTA, Christopher Snelling said: “As the business organisation representing the logistics sector, FTA fully supports the Transport Select Committee’s calls for a five-year pothole repair fund; the road network has been subject to chronic underinvestment for many years. 
He continued: “Taxes on UK road transport are the highest in Europe, yet our roads continue to be underfunded; HGVs alone pay enough tax to pay for more than 90 per cent of the current amount spent on road maintenance in the UK. Large potholes are an all too common sight – costing businesses in the logistics industry millions of pounds a year in vehicle repair and hire replacement. Potholes are dangerous to cyclists as well as damaging to vehicles; it is ridiculous that we still have this problem in today’s Britain.

Christopher concluded saying: “While this funding would play a vital role in improving the nation’s road network, it would not offer a complete solution; estimates show it would cost£9.79 billion and take ten years for highways departments in England and Wales to catch up on the road repairs needed*. This investment must be viewed as part of a more comprehensive, long-term road improvement strategy.”

If Britain is to keep trading successfully, even after Brexit – the quality of our roads has an important role to play for those looking to sell and move goods across the country. With the country’s future facing uncertainty – as well as the introduction to the newest technology on the roads, it is more important than ever that the roads match these set standards.

The FTA continues to be the voice for road users working in freight, speaking directly with the government with the hopes of delivering on the standards on roads that hauliers and road users in general are hoping for within the coming years in preparation for a new age of transport.

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