Pothole repair boost

17 November 2023

The government has said it will redirect £8.3 billion of HS2 funding in a long-term plan to repair potholes and mend roads in England. 

Local highway authorities will receive £150 million this financial year, followed by a further £150 million for 2024/2025, with the rest of the funding to be allocated through to 2034.

According to a survey from the AA, fixing potholes and investing in roads maintenance is a priority for 96 per cent of drivers. 

Edmund King OBE, the association’s president, said: “Perilous roads blighted by potholes are the number one concern for drivers and a major issue for bikers, cyclists and pedestrians. So far this year, the AA has attended more than 450,000 pothole-related breakdowns. The damage caused can be a huge financial burden for drivers but is also a major safety risk for those on two wheels.”

The RAC’s head of policy, Simon Williams, said: “We hope local authorities will use the money in the most effective way possible by resurfacing the very worst roads, keeping those in reasonable condition in better states for longer through surface dressing and filling potholes as permanently as possible wherever necessary.”

Local authorities will be required to publish information on their websites on a regular basis explaining how they are spending the funding in their area. 

● JCB recently received an order for an additional 50 of its Pothole Pro road repair machines from its official rental partner.

 Photo: Marc-Olivier Jodoin