Three years of severe winter weather have revealed the fragile condition of the local road network, with road surfaces around the country deteriorating visibly to a serious degree. The Department of Transport has announced to great fanfare that it is investing £3billion in roads, but a recently published report from the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) states that the shortfall in the highway maintenance budget received from the Central Government by England and Wales Councils in 2011 amounted to £895 million and it will take more than £10 billion to get roads back on track.
Most authorities in England and Wales were unable to make good the damage caused at the beginning of 2010 before the snow fell again at the end of the year, and for Oxford’s many local cyclists the proliferation of potholes presents a major problem. Of course, what local authorities might save in cutting spending on road repairs is generally then spent in compensating those injured as a result.
“Deteriorating road condition is a serious problem that the motorist clearly wants to be resolved,” says AA president Edmund King. “The ALARM figures show that £100 million here and there, although welcome, simply isn’t going to fix a problem of this scale. Lack of preventative maintenance and harsh winter weather over three years has clearly taken its toll, with our members reporting a marked deterioration in road condition. We have to keep up the battle against this blight which damages cars and risks road safety, especially for those on two wheels.”
Henmans LLP has solicitors specialising in cycling accident claims. If you or anyone you know has had an accident contact us today on 01865 781000 for an informal chat about how we can help. Or e-mail Julie.Carlisle@henmansllp.co.uk
The ALARM Survey report is downloadable from www.alarm-survey.co.uk