More than half of UK motorists (53%) say the condition of their local roads is getting worse every year and 47% say their local roads are in a dangerous state.
The dissatisfaction is greater amongst drivers over 55, according to a new survey of 2,000 UK drivers by InsuretheGap, a provider of Guaranteed Asset Protection insurance.
Three fifths (62%) of over 55s say the condition of local roads (not motorway or major A-roads) is getting worse every year and 54% say their local roads are in a dangerous state, compared to a national average of 53% and 47% respectively. 41% also say the condition of motorways and major A-roads is getting worse every year, compared to a national average of 35%.
Over 55s are also almost three times (61%) more likely to say smart motorways are dangerous, compared to drivers under 34 (23%), and a national average of 48%. Only 3% of over 55s believe smart motorways are an improvement on traditional motorways, unlike 18% of under 34s, and a national average of 6%.
Potholes remain a big concern for many drivers. One in five (21%) say their car has been damaged by a pothole; and nearly a third (31%) say cyclists avoiding potholes by pulling out into the middle of the road is concerning.
Two-fifths of drivers (42%) also say there is a growing problem with litter on Britain’s road verges.
When asked about solutions, a fifth of drivers (20%) support a pay-per-mile road charging system, instead of the current road tax, and one in ten (10%) say they would be willing to pay for motorway tolls to improve the condition of motorways. Half (49%) believe that cyclists should pay towards the roads.
