Inquiry is launched into potholed roads

AN INQUIRY into the state of local roads has been launched by MPs amid growing concern over potholes.

The funding and governance of England’s local road network will be analysed by the Transport Select Committee. Lilian Greenwood, inset, chair of the committee, said people do not have to travel further than their nearest shops to see the “extreme state of disrepair” on local roads.

Potholes have been a contributory factor in 22 deaths and 368 serious injuries to cyclists since 2007, according to charity Cycling UK.

The RAC reported that pothole-related vehicle breakdowns between April and June was at a three-year high. The total of 4,091 call-outs was the most for the second quarter of a year since 2015. One in five local roads in England and Wales is in a poor condition and the frequency of road resurfacing has declined, a recent report by the Asphalt Industry Alliance warned. Ms Greenwood described the “plague of potholes” as a “major headache” because they harm the local economy, are dangerous for cyclists and result in repair bills for motorists. AA’s Edmund King said: “Most journeys start and end on local roads and their condition has deteriorated at a shocking rate.” RAC’s David Bizley added: “This inquiry will be welcomed by drivers across the UK who have to endure the dire state of our local roads on a daily basis.”