The Road Haulage Association fully supports the RAC report that links vehicle breakdowns to potholes.

Commenting, RHA chief executive Richard Burnett said: “Pothole-related breakdowns are bad news for all road users. However, the cost to road hauliers in particular is considerable.

“Every day many thousands of deliveries are made to, and collected from distribution centres and manufacturers located at out of town trading estates.  Yet because of financial constraints, these ‘side roads’ are not at the top of council repair lists.  Yet the damage caused to HGVs, in particular to their suspension systems, can be considerable.

“These side roads must be included in any plans to improve the strategic road network.

“In addition, the news that nearly 3,500 council-owned bridges are reported to be in a state of disrepair clearly demonstrates that funding for road improvement schemes should be more wide ranging.

“For years the road network has suffered from under-investment in our towns and cities and we are now facing the consequences.  Poorly maintained roads are bad for road users, bad for communities and bad for business.

“We call on the Government to reverse this culture of neglect and do what it takes to improve the roads our economy relies on.”

Road Haulage Association

About the Author: John Loughran