This week’s Highways Voices features Asphalt Industry Alliance Chair, David Giles, and takes a closer look at this year’s Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) survey. Published on Tuesday 17 March, the survey revealed a record £18.6 billion backlog in local road repairs.
The report warned road users should not expect a quick fix to the condition of local roads, despite a reported increase in funding, and that carriageway repairs would take 12 years to clear.
Mr Giles highlights a challenge that directly affects policy decisions, asset management strategies, and funding priorities. He explores why the backlog continues to grow, how funding strategies could make a bigger impact, and what smarter maintenance approaches could mean for the future resilience of the UK’s road network.
You’ll get a clear understanding of why the UK’s road maintenance backlog continues to grow despite increased funding. In addition, you’ll gain practical insights into how funding models, such as front-loading investment, could deliver better long-term value and faster network recovery. He also discusses preventative maintenance, whole-life road management, and the role of data and standards in improving road condition monitoring.
Read about the survey here.
Listen to the full podcast below:
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