Majority of motorists believe local road conditions have worsened in the last year – survey

Six-in-10 drivers believe that the state of the local roads they used frequently is worse than a year ago, a new survey has found.

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

Just 4% believe that the state of the local roads in their area has improved in the past 12 months, down from 6% in the last two years. The research also showed that those believing their local roads had become worse had grown by 2% from 58% in 2021, and up 8% on 52% in 2020.

Though more drivers also believe that the condition of motorways and dual carriageways is worse this year than last, the proportion is ‘significantly’ lower at 38%, compared to the 32% recorded in 2021.

RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: “Given the sharp rise in concern about fuel prices this year, the fact local road maintenance remains such a prominent issue is a reflection of just how deep-seated this problem has become.”

Issues with surface quality are the main reasons why drivers say that the condition of their local roads has deteriorated, while 86% of drivers say that they often have to steer to avoid potholes. This rises to 90% among those who live in rural locations but drops back to 81% for those in urban areas.

Furthermore, 63% report faded road markings – up from 56% last year – while 42% say signage visibility has worsened. 35% complain about the amount of litter at the side of the road, too. Lyes added: “Sadly, neither driver’s 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 which more than likely means potholes and surface defects will quickly reappear, costing yet more money to fix.”