Recent research sheds light on the state of the roads across England, revealing which regions are grappling with the worst conditions and which areas have managed to keep their roads in better shape.
In the UK, the weather has long been a topic of casual conversation, often sparking endless discussions on rainy days and forecasts. However, in recent years, “the state of the roads” has emerged as a new favorite subject of British chatter, with locals often humorously lamenting about the conditions in their areas. But these complaints are no laughing matter—poor road conditions can be dangerous, particularly for cyclists and motorists.
According to new data from Compare the Market, based on government statistics, Derbyshire has earned the dubious distinction of having the worst roads in England. A staggering 85% of the county’s roads are in need of improvement, making it the top contender for the country’s most damaged infrastructure. Following closely behind is the City of Bristol, where 80% of roads also require urgent repairs. Blackburn, located in the North-West, rounds out the top three, with 72.5% of its roads showing significant signs of deterioration.
These figures come from the UK government’s Road Condition Indicator Scores Reports, which classify roads as ‘Red’ or ‘Amber.’ ‘Red’ roads require immediate attention, while ‘Amber’ roads are those that may need repairs in the near future.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the North-East region boasts some of the best-maintained roads in the country. Sunderland tops the list with 88.5% of its roads deemed to be in good condition, closely followed by Middlesbrough and Gateshead, both tied at 86.5%.
While this may bring some relief to residents in those areas, the issue of poor road conditions remains a serious concern. Potholes, in particular, are a hazard that can lead to accidents, as highlighted in Cycling Weekly’s “War on Potholes” series from late 2023. Cyclists have reported injuries caused by potholes, and with winter approaching, the risk increases due to standing water and frost further deteriorating road conditions.
In response, the Labour government has committed to filling one million extra potholes annually, increasing the road repairs budget by 50% to £1.6 billion. While these measures aim to address the widespread issue, the road conditions across many areas still highlight the urgent need for improvement.
For residents in regions with pothole-ridden roads, it’s a reminder that the state of local infrastructure can have real-world consequences, and the battle to improve road safety is far from over.
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