UK motorists are increasingly fed up with crumbling local roads, with potholes and poor surface quality topping drivers' concerns for another year, according to the RAC's annual Report on Motoring 2021.
The comprehensive survey of thousands of drivers reveals a substantial proportion believe road conditions have deteriorated, creating mounting frustration and genuine safety risks. Potholes aren't just a nuisance - they're hitting drivers' wallets hard through damaged tyres, wheels and suspension systems, leaving motorists facing unexpected repair bills.
Despite various government funding initiatives, the RAC's research shows the perceived quality of Britain's roads is failing to meet public expectations. This growing dissatisfaction affects daily commutes, local economies and the overall cost of running a vehicle.
The motoring organisation continues pushing for a strategic, long-term approach to road maintenance funding. They argue that stop-start funding pots simply can't tackle the systemic problems of road degradation, calling instead for sustained, multi-year investment to bring the nation's road network up to acceptable standards.
The Department for Transport has allocated funds to local councils for road repairs, including specific grants for pothole fixes. But the RAC's findings suggest these efforts aren't keeping pace with deterioration rates or public expectations. Opposition parties regularly criticise the government's infrastructure spending record, often pointing to local roads as prime examples of chronic underinvestment.
The impact on families and businesses is clear: higher vehicle running costs, longer journey times as drivers swerve around damaged sections, and increased accident risks. Companies dependent on road transport face operational inefficiencies and spiralling costs that ultimately affect consumers.