Drivers in dismay about state of roads

Almost 90% of motorists are fed up with the condition of their local roads, according to a new RAC poll. With only 5% who reckon that motoring taxes are appropriately used, the survey of nearly 2,700 RAC members found.

Just 21% said road pricing was a good way of dealing with congestion, but 77% said jams would ease if public transport was improved, and there was good support for plans to allow drivers to use the hard shoulder of motorways during peak times.

The survey found that 89% were frustrated at the state of local roads, with just 2% reckoning that roads in their area were adequately maintained, In contrast, 65% of 18-to-35-year-olds polled were satisfied with the standard of motorway and dual-carriageway routes, although satisfaction levels dropped to only 33% for those aged over 65.

A total of 89% said they wanted better clarity on where motoring taxes were spent, while most said that not enough money raised was going back into the roads, Using hard shoulders was particularly popular with 18-to-25-year-olds, with 84% supporting the plan.
A total of 77% reckoned that improving bus, tram and train services would help tackle congestion.