£25m dedicated to fixing Wales’ pothole problem – Wales Online
The Welsh Government has announced a significant investment of £25 million to tackle the issue of potholes on the roads of Wales. This funding boost aims to renew major roads in the country and address approximately 30,000 road defects and potholes. The Welsh Government plans to resurface an additional 100km of road network in the upcoming financial year.
In the United Kingdom, the AA reported that a record amount of £579 million was spent last year repairing vehicles damaged by potholes, which saw a notable increase from £474 million in 2023. According to the RAC, drivers typically encounter around six potholes per mile on council-controlled roads in England and Wales. These road hazards not only pose risks to lives but also result in significant repair bills ranging from hundreds to thousands of pounds for motorists.
For England, the Department of Transport has set aside £1.6 billion to repair roads and fix over seven million potholes throughout the country this year. Since 2021, the Welsh Government has already allocated more than £81 million to resurface approximately 321km of roads on the trunk network across Wales. With the forecasted expenditure for 2025-26, the government estimates that by the end of this Senedd term, a total of £118 million will have been spent on addressing over 500km of road defects and potholes.
The Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales highlighted the importance of road maintenance, stating, “It is crucial that we fix our roads.” He expressed his pleasure in announcing the additional £25 million funding to support a comprehensive refurbishment program aimed at enhancing the future resilience of the strategic roads network and preventing potholes. Moreover, he emphasised that this funding boost will expedite the ongoing efforts to fill potholes and renew key sections of the road network across Wales.
Additionally, the Welsh Government plans to unveil details of new financial aid for local councils to address repairs on more local roads. The scale of the support is expected to be disclosed in the following weeks and will contribute to fixing potholes throughout Wales. The government is committed to improving road and pavement conditions to enhance connectivity between communities and ensure safer travel conditions for all road users.
As the government focuses on addressing infrastructural challenges, they are also directing attention to other modes of transportation. Plans include significant investments in rail and buses, with substantial funds allocated for new trains and legislation to regulate routes and schedules. The commitment to enhancing transportation networks reflects the government’s dedication to providing efficient and safe travel options for the public.
Efforts to tackle the issue of potholes and improve road conditions in Wales underscore the government’s commitment to enhancing the overall infrastructure and promoting road safety. The substantial investment in road maintenance aligns with broader initiatives to strengthen transportation networks and ensure the well-being of both motorists and pedestrians across the country.