Over half say state of roads has worsened

Six in 10 drivers believe local roads they use frequently are in a worse state than a year ago, a new survey has found.

The RAC’s 2022 Report on Motoring, which quizzed 3,102 drivers, found 55% thought the standard of pothole repairs is at best ‘poor’.

Just 4% believe the state of local roads in their area has improved in the past 12 months, down from 6% in the last two years.

The research also showed those believing local roads had become worse had grown by 2% since 2021 findings, and by 8% since 2020.

Though more drivers also believe the condition of motorways and dual carriageways is worse this year than last, the proportion is lower at 38%.

RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes, said: “Sadly, neither drivers’ feelings nor the RAC Pothole Index point to any substantial improvement in the quality of our local roads.

“Many describe the repair work – when it’s carried out – as being substandard.”

Most motorists thought pothole repairs were poor.