Campaigners respond to potholes crisis
26 March 2015
Campaign for Better Transport has responded to the publication of the 20th Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) survey which shows that despite investment, the bill to improve the condition of local roads has increased.
James MacColl, Head of Campaigns, Campaign for Better Transport said:
“The ALARM survey shows that there is still a huge backlog in funding required to fix potholes, yet the Government is wasting billions on building new roads, which will increase traffic [3] and worsen air pollution while not addressing our real transport problems.
“There is enough money being spent on roads, but it is going to the wrong places. In total, £30 billion has been committed to road infrastructure development in England over the next 5 years [4]. This money could be used on sustainable transport including to improve road surfaces for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians, instead of being wasted on encouraging car use and expanding roads where traffic growth has peaked.”
Notes to editors
1. Campaign for Better Transport is the UK’s leading authority on sustainable transport. We champion transport solutions that improve people’s lives and reduce environmental damage. Our campaigns push innovative, practical policies at local and national levels. Campaign for Better Transport Charitable Trust is a registered charity (1101929).
2. The annual ALARM survey is published by the Asphalt Industry Association.
3. Evidence shows that new roads create new traffic
4. Over £30 billion is proposed for investment in road infrastructure in England in the financial years 2015/16 to 2020/21, via the Highways Agency, the 39 Local Enterprise Partnerships, local authorities, European funds, and the London Mayor.
