More than half of the local road network in England and Wales is reported to have less than 15 years’ structural life left as the amount needed to fix the backlog of carriageway repairs increases to a record high of £16.3 billion.
This year’s Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) survey report, published today (19 March 2024) by the Asphalt Industry Alliance, highlights the scale of the challenge that faces local authority highway teams who have a statutory responsibility to keep local roads safe but don’t have the funds to do so.
More than half of the local road network in England and Wales is reported to have less than 15 years’ structural life left as the amount needed to fix the backlog of carriageway repairs increases to a record high of £16.3 billion.
Poor road conditions impact on our everyday lives, from the cost and inconvenience of damage to vehicles, to potentially causing accidents and injury to vulnerable road users such as cyclists – some of which have proven fatal.
Despite local authority highway teams reporting an overall increase in carriageway maintenance budgets, they have been hit by the impact of rising costs due to inflation, meaning they have been able to do less. This has been compounded by the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, which together are accelerating the rate at which the network is deteriorating.
ALARM data shows that only 47% of roads in England and Wales are classed as being in good structural condition, with the remaining 53% – more than 107,000 miles – now having less than 15 years’ structural life remaining. And, surface conditions are also reported to have declined, despite a 40% increase in the number of potholes filled over the last 12 months adding to the existing patchwork of previous repairs.
This year’s ALARM survey is the 29th and received responses from 72% of local authorities in England and Wales. It reports local road funding and conditions based on information provided directly by those responsible for their maintenance.
The findings, which relate to the 2023/24 financial year, show that in England and Wales:
- Local authorities would have needed an additional £1.22 billion (an average of £7.2 million per authority) just to reach their own target road conditions.
- It would now cost £16.3 billion to tackle the backlog of carriageway repairs and bring the network up to a standard from which it can be maintained efficiently and cost-effectively going forward.
- Less than half (47%) of all local roads are reported to be in good structural condition meaning the remaining 107,000 miles (53%) could continue to deteriorate to the point of needing to be rebuilt within the next 15 years without appropriate maintenance measures taking place.
£143.5 million has been spent filling in 2 million potholes over the last 12 months. - Roads are only resurfaced on average once every 80 years.
Rick Green, Chair of the Asphalt Industry Alliance, said: “It’s clear that there is still a mountain to climb when it comes to improving the condition of our local roads, which are a key asset on which we all rely, every day.
“The Government has recognised that fixing our roads is about more than filling in potholes with its announcement of the additional Network North funding in England. But, while the Transport Secretary stated that this additional £8.3 billion over 11 years is enough to resurface 5,000 miles of local roads, this equates to just 2.5% of the network – or less than 0.25% per year.
“Unfortunately, it will do little to address the scale of the issue with ALARM findings reporting that 11% of local roads are already in poor condition and likely to require maintenance in the next 12 months alone.
“That said, English authorities would be in an even worse position without this additional funding, so we sincerely hope that this promise is delivered on and that the Welsh Government honours its commitments to prioritising highway maintenance.
“We need to reach the point where local authority highway engineers are able to plan and proactively carry out maintenance work in the most timely and efficient way to the greatest benefit of all road users – rather than just having enough money to address immediate and urgent repairs.”
The Local Council Roads Innovation Group (LCRIG) has given its reaction to the survey findings. Paula Claytonsmith, LCRIG’s Chief Executive said: “The findings of this year’s ALARM survey present a stark realisation to the sector and beyond, of the increasing challenges faced by local authorities and the continued rise in costs to address the backlog is disheartening to see.
“We know that longer-term investment and proactive planning are key to improving the condition of our local roads and ensuring they meet the standards expected and deserved by all road users. As budgets face the increased pressure of inflation and wider authority challenges, we also need to explore innovations and embrace new methodologies.
“At LCRIG we have been pleased each year to support Asphalt Industry Alliance with additional questions which I look forward to analysing and with over 89% of all Highways Authorities being our members, we will be part of Department for Transport (DfT), conversations about future funding.
“Through initiatives like the LCRIG Innovation Procurement System, the LCRIG Infrastructure Innovation Board and Innovation & Learning Festival, LCRIG is collaborating with council members, the supply chain and key partners such as the DfT to help drive innovation, facilitating progress and resilience in the face of evolving challenges.
“For these reasons, our commitment at LCRIG remains resolute and steadfast as we pledge unwavering support to councils, the supply chain and all stakeholders engaged in the delivery of our local roads. Together, we will strive to ensure a safer, well-maintained, and accessible road network for all.”
The full ALARM survey report is available to download by visiting www.asphaltuk.org.