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Not enough been done to cut delays for motorists, says Warranty Direct

By Jonathan Dawes, Wed 1 Feb 2012 - Published in Breakdown Cover

The government needs to do more to prevent motorists being caught up in delays caused by utility roadworks, according to Warranty Direct.

Last year, its campaign website Potholes.co.uk found that British car insurance policyholders had to spend more than £1 a day to repair suspension and axle damage which came about after driving on uneven and badly-maintained roads.

Duncan McClure Fisher, managing director of Warranty Direct, said: "Easing gridlock and traffic jams is all very well, but another key issue with these roadworks is the poor workmanship in putting the road back together afterwards. Utility companies are notorious for filling holes badly with sub-standard materials, meaning that man-made potholes appear and cause damage to wheels, tyres and suspension parts."

According to Potholes.co.uk, the authorities pay out around £50 million in compensation because of damage caused by holes in the road.

One of the reasons for poor road quality could be that highway maintenance is currently underfunded in England and Wales by around 50 per cent each year, according to the website.