The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced the allocation of £8.3 billion in reallocated High Speed 2 (HS2) funding for a nationwide programme of pothole repairs and road resurfacing projects. TyreSafe, a key partner in the Pothole Partnership, stands in full support of this initiative aimed at enhancing road safety with its clear benefits in reducing the risks of tyre damage and blowouts.

The announcement comes as welcome news for road users, particularly in regions identified by the TyreSafe Tread Depth Survey 2023 as having a high incidence of driving on low tread. The North West and South West were among the worst offending regions, putting residents and motorists at greater risk of tyre-related incidents. The new scheme funded by HS2 presents part of a solution to these longstanding challenges.

According to the DfT, local authorities have published the list of roads set to benefit from the initial tranche of funding. This move demonstrates the government’s commitment to empowering local communities and holding authorities accountable for resurfacing spending. The transparency offered by this initiative allows residents to scrutinise their council’s plans for road improvements, ensuring that taxpayer-funded investments are used effectively.

TyreSafe campaigns around the clock to educate and raise awareness about the importance of tyre maintenance, with tyres being the only point of contact on the vehicle with the road itself. If either of these surfaces is inadequate, the chances of an incident are greater.  However, the charity is keen to remind drivers that, even on repaired roads, basic tyre checks and maintenance are imperative to mitigate the risk of a tyre related incident. 

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said “TyreSafe welcomes the DfT’s decision to invest in resurfacing spending, particularly in regions where tyre damage and blowouts pose significant risks to road users. As part of the Pothole Partnership, we recognise the importance of safe and well-maintained roads in ensuring road safety for all. This initiative will not only improve driving conditions but also contribute to reducing the financial burden on road users caused by vehicle repairs.”

Pothole damage to vehicles cost a staggering £474 million in the past year, according to new figures released by the AA in January. The AA says it dealt with 631,852 pothole-related incidents in 2023, the highest for five years, with tyre, wheel, steering, and suspension damaged by poor road surfaces. 

That was an increase of 16% on the previous year (543,000 incidents), while last month the breakdown and recovery firm dealt with 62,000 incidents, an increase of 15% when compared to December 2022. 

The impact of this funding has already been felt in various regions across the country. Major resurfacing work has been completed in areas such as Southport and Sunderland, thanks to the initial £150 million investment. This marks the beginning of a comprehensive effort to address poorly surfaced roads and tackle the menace of potholes that have long plagued drivers.

The DfT has emphasised the importance of continued reporting from local authorities, with quarterly reports set to commence from June 2024. This ongoing transparency will enable residents to track the progress of road maintenance and hold authorities accountable for their commitments.

The £8.3 billion roads resurfacing funding signifies a landmark investment in local transport infrastructure and is hailed as the largest ever funding boost for local road improvements. With every penny of the £19.8 billion saved from the northern leg of HS2 reinvested in transport across the north, and similar allocations for the Midlands and other regions, the government aims to create a tangible impact on road networks nationwide.

TyreSafe stands alongside the DfT in supporting this impressive step towards safer roads and improved driving conditions. The partnership between government initiatives and local authorities represents a collaborative effort to prioritise road safety and improve the overall driving experience for motorists across the UK.