MPs Demand End To ‘Make Do And Mend’ Approach To Blight Of Potholes

The plague of potholes are a “severe risk” to the economy and the public purse, as well as causing injuries and damaging vehicles, a new report has found.

The ‘make do and mend’ approach is not good value for money, the transport committee of MPs has said as it calls for a longer term strategy to allow councils to plan ahead.

The committee’s latest report sets out how deteriorating roads results in direct costs to taxpayers.

Committee chairwoman Lilian Greenwood said it was clear the key issue is funding - that there is not enough of it, and what there is is not allocated effectively.

“Local roads are the arteries of our villages, towns and cities, but most people won’t have to go further than the local shops to spot a pothole that poses a risk of injury or damage,” the Labour MP said.

“Local authorities are in the invidious position of having to rob Peter to pay Paul.

“Cash-strapped councils are raiding their highways and transport budgets to fund core services.”

The report states potholes are “a severe risk” as short-term fixes or deferring maintenance costs more in the long term.

Potholes also damage vehicles, cause injuries to passengers and endanger cyclists and pedestrians, especially those who are older or vulnerable.

But analysis has shown council funding has fallen by about 25 per cent since 2010 and, with no ring-fencing for local roads funding, cash-strapped authorities have diverted the money to plug other gaps such as social care.

MPs have called on the Treasury to provide a five year ‘front-loaded’ fund to encourage innovation, collaboration and good practice by councils.

Greenwood also called on the Department for Transport to make it easier for the public to report road concerns and get real-time updates on road conditions.

She said: “This is not an isolated example. It’s been a common thread in our other recent inquiries on buses and active travel.

“Now is the time for the Department to propose a front-loaded, long-term funding settlement to the Treasury as part of the forthcoming Spending Review.

“Almost every journey begins and ends on local roads: the DfT must work with the public and local authorities to make them safe.”