England’s Deteriorating Roads Criticized as ‘National Embarrassment’

A parliamentary report highlights the growing impact of potholes on road safety, the economy, and vehicle repair costs, urging the government to take stronger action.

• The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has criticized the Department for Transport (DfT) for failing to adequately address the worsening condition of England's local roads, calling the situation a 'national embarrassment.'
• The cost of repairing pothole-damaged vehicles in the UK reached a record £579 million in 2024, up from £474 million the previous year, according to data from the AA.
• The PAC report estimates it would cost £16.3 billion to bring local roads in England and Wales up to standard, highlighting gaps in the DfT's data and oversight.
• The government has announced a £500 million funding increase for road maintenance in the 2025/26 financial year, aiming to repair up to seven million potholes.
• Critics, including local councils and campaign groups, are calling for long-term investment in permanent road resurfacing to prevent recurring pothole issues and reduce safety risks.

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