Road Emulsion Association figures show road surface dressing volumes have increased since lowest reported last year There has been an increase in the manufacturing, sale, and use of bitumen emulsions for surface dressing since last year, which was the lowest reported volumes on record, but more still needs to be done to save potholes developing and damaging … [Read more...]
Budget must deliver for transport, says expert
The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation has called for the UK government to provide commitments in the budget on 30 October to ensure we have an effective transport network. Sue Percy CBE, Chief Executive, CIHT said, “Transport is politically challenging, and yet it plays a crucial part in our futures. People need an effective transport … [Read more...]
Prioritise pothole problems, motorists call on Government
Almost all motorists (96%) say solving the potholes crisis should be the number one priority for the new Labour government, according to new research. August’s Startline Used Car Tracker also shows that 92% would like to see fairer fuel prices, 91% lower insurance costs, 85% better public transport and 81% more road building to ease congestion. There is … [Read more...]
Take a holiday from potholes and go abroad
Most drivers prefer the state of roads across the Channel compared to the UK’s pothole-ridden ones, according to RAC Europe. Six-in-10 (62%) motorists say local roads in Europe are in better condition with fewer potholes than equivalent roads in the UK, with only a fifth (17%) thinking UK roads are in better shape than those on the continent. Concerningly, … [Read more...]
Wish list to put the wheels under UK economy
Following last week's General Election, the automotive sector has written its wish-list for the new Labour Government and what it sees as priorities to boost sales and the economy on wheels. The RAC is calling for the new Labour Government to urgently tackle the most pressing concerns of the UK’s 40m motorists in its new transport policy. The poor state … [Read more...]
Premiums rise & much higher for older drivers
The cost of car insurance has risen by 18% year on year, according to new Premium Drivers research from Compare the Market but older drivers are being priced off the roads. The typical premium stood at £850 in May 2024 after rising by £132 over the previous 12 months. The increase in the cost of car insurance in the past year may in part be due to a rise … [Read more...]
Soft-tyres hitting drivers’ hard in costs
A study by The Motor Ombudsman, the Ombudsman for the automotive sector, has revealed that drivers using their cars with tyres that are inflated below vehicle manufacturer recommended levels, is costing the nation’s motorists at least £112 million annually in wasted rubber. As well as presenting many hidden dangers, and increasing fuel consumption, running … [Read more...]
RAC report over 50% jump in potholes damage
The RAC attended 7,904 breakdowns in the first quarter of 2024 due to bad road surfaces, up 53% on the last three months of 2023, a clear sign that the UK is suffering a pothole epidemic as roads continue to crumble. Analysis from the driving services company shows it’s been far from a smooth start to the year for the nation’s drivers, with pothole-related … [Read more...]
New Government challenged over fuel and roads
Fairer petrol and diesel pricing (68%) and fewer potholes (66%) are the two areas where motorists most want to see action from 2024’s new government, according to the latest research. Also, 45% would like to see moves made to reduce insurance premiums and 32% want to see traffic congestion tackled, shows March’s new monthly Used Car Tracker from Startline … [Read more...]
Pothole problems deepen as funds dry up
Road safety and breakdown recovery specialist GEM Motoring Assist is warning drivers to be on the look-out for increasingly dangerous potholes. The GEM message comes as council budgets for compensation fall by more than a half, with potholes across the country remaining unrepaired for months at a time. The latest Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance … [Read more...]