The Asphalt Industry Alliance’s (AIA) latest ALARM survey reports that that within the next five years one in six of our roads will need to be repaired, or even closed. The cumulative effect of an ageing network, decades of underfunding, increased traffic and wetter winters has led to around 17 per cent of all local roads reported as being in poor structural condition, with less than 5 years of life remaining.
The 22nd annual ALARM Survey ALARM also reports local authorities need over £12 billion to bring the network up to scratch – a figure that has remained largely unchanged for four years. The gap between the amount councils received and the amount they say they need to keep the carriageway in reasonable order is now almost £730 million.