In the UK severe winter conditions for the second year in succession have resulted in an increase in the number of pavement surface failures and potholes developing.
In the UK severe winter conditions for the second year in succession have resulted in an increase in the number of pavement surface failures and potholes developing. With local authorities facing budget cuts as part of the UK Government's austerity drive to reduce debt, there is little funding left for planned road maintenance work, let alone repairing potholes. The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents local authorities in England and Wales, says that there is a shortage of some €194 million for road repairs to tackle the most recent winter damage. During 2010 some 2 million potholes were filled in England and Wales according to LGA data, however more repairs are now needed.