Tag: Roads

Pothole-related breakdowns up after rainy July

New data from the AA has revealed that it received over 50,000 call outs for pothole related breakdowns in July, the highest number in five years.

Richard Evans, head of technical services at webuyanycar comments; “With more and more callouts for breakdowns likely caused by defective roads, many drivers and cars are at risk of damage from potholes.

“Our research showed that over half of drivers (54%) have had their car damaged as a result of potholes, with 40% actively avoiding routes that they know are prone to them.

“If drivers think that their tyres have burst or their car has broken down, they should try to pull over somewhere safe to avoid obstructing other road users.

Using hazard lights and if necessary a warning triangle will also help to ensure you are visible to other drivers.

“Breaking down can be a stressful and potentially dangerous experience, so it’s important to know the steps to take to keep you and your passengers safe.

“Using our tips for breakdown, drivers can find out the correct steps to take depending on which type of road they are on should their car break down.”

Government urged to take action on the UK’s worsening pothole problem 

Drivers are being warned about the worsening condition of roads across the UK, following news pothole-related breakdowns are at a five-year high.  

Experts from leading price comparison website Quotezone.co.uk are calling on the government and local councils to not let the pothole problem get even worse.

After one of the wettest months of July on record, the road’s potholes are filled with water and not visible to motorists, causing a record number of pothole-related breakdowns.

Motorists will run an increased risk of damaging vehicles by driving over potholes if UK roads are not properly maintained. 

Spending on road maintenance has almost halved since the financial crisis just over a decade ago, and the recent cost of living crisis has further reduced potholes on the priority list. 

Even temporary pothole fixtures – which involves filling the hole with a form of asphalt treatment – have also decreased by almost half in some counties. 

Credit: Shutterstock

There are also claims from members of the public that councils are not properly inspecting potholes that have been reported online. 

Several county councils have admitted that filling in potholes is no longer a priority as a result of the rising cost of living, with less funding for UK highways. 

And with an expected bad weather spell to last well into the New Year with rising levels of snow, ice and rain – it will no doubt make potholes even worse. 

With a combination of bad weather and lack of funding, the UK is likely sitting on a disaster waiting to happen and the pothole problem may soon get out of hand. 

Quotezone.co.uk are calling for councils and the government to urgently act on what is a UK wide problem.

Data shows that the worst pothole affected area in the UK is by far Northumberland with over 180,000 potholes reported over four years, followed by Cornwall and Kirklees in West Yorkshire. 

Newcastle, Liverpool and Suffolk also have some of the worst potholed roads in the UK as well as Fife and Glasgow in Scotland, and Newry, Mourne & Down joined by Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon in Northern Ireland. 

Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk said: “We all know how bad it can be to drive down roads which are full of potholes, and unfortunately the problem does not seem to be going away.

“Most, of us have had damage caused by a pothole, or know someone that has. We are expecting a winter of extreme weather and with spending on road maintenance on the decline, we could expect to see a significant increase in pothole related claims.

“This will make UK roads more dangerous for all road users, and that’s why we’re calling on local authorities and the government to act now ahead of the worsening weather and make a start on fixing the UK’s pothole problem.”

Quotezone.co.uk helps thousands of road users each year find savings on everyday household bills and essentials such as car insurance, van insurance and motorbike insurance. 

RAC attends highest number of pothole-related breakdowns since 2018

The poor condition of Britain’s local roads is laid bare by new figures from the RAC which show its patrols went out to more than 8,100 pothole breakdowns between April and June 2023 – the highest number in five years.

Since the start of 2023, the RAC has dealt with 18,250 breakdowns for damaged shock absorbers, broken suspension springs or distorted wheels – the call-outs which are most likely caused by defective road surfaces. 

The 8,100 pothole-related breakdowns recorded in Q2 is the highest the RAC has since the ‘Beast from the East’ cold snap plunged much of the UK into a deep freeze with heavy snowfall five years ago.

The figures show that 27,250 breakdowns occurred in the 12 months up to 30 June 2023 where vehicles had been damaged by a pothole, compared to 22,800 over the same period in 2022 – 20% increase more than last year (4,550 more breakdowns).

The RAC Pothole Index, which tracks pothole call-outs since 2006 seasonally adjusted for weather, reveals drivers are now over 1.6 times more likely to break down due to the repeated wear caused by potholes than they were 17 years ago.

This does not include punctures as other factors such as nails and screws may also be to blame. However, the number of punctured tyres RAC patrols went out to in the second quarter of 2023 (101,200) was 13% higher than the previous year (89,600), indicating that poor road surfaces may well have played a part.

A Freedom of Information request made by the RAC* also reveals councils have forked out more than £11m over the last four years to drivers who successfully claimed their vehicles had been damaged by potholes.

Data provided by the 172 councils (of the 208 across the UK with responsibility for highways) that responded shows £2.41m was paid to drivers in 2020/21, £2.71m in 2019/20 and £3.61m in 2018/19 – meaning the collective compensation paid by these councils fell by a third (33%) from 2018/19 to 2021/22.

The RAC also asked councils to detail how much they spend on maintaining their roads over the same three years. The findings show that, among the councils that supplied data, almost £1bn** was allocated with a further £3.5bn*** spent on carriageway resurfacing.

Interestingly, the amount councils spent on routine maintenance per year rose by 17% between 2018/19 (£237m) and 2021/22 (£277m)**, though the effect of inflation on material and labour costs may well mean this increase have drastically improved road quality. Meanwhile, the amount spent on planned resurfacing went up by 9% between 2018/19 (£851m) and 2021/22 (£928m)***.

Richard Evans, head of technical services at webuyanycar comments; ““With more and more callouts for breakdowns likely caused by defective roads, many drivers and cars are at risk of damage from potholes. Our research showed that over half of drivers (54%) have had their car damaged as a result of potholes, with 40% actively avoiding routes that they know are prone to them.

“If drivers think that their tyres have burst or their car has broken down, they should try to pull over somewhere safe to avoid obstructing other road users. Using hazard lights and if necessary a warning triangle will also help to ensure you are visible to other drivers.

“Breaking down can be a stressful and potentially dangerous experience, so it’s important to know the steps to take to keep you and your passengers safe. Using our tips for breakdown, drivers can find out the correct steps to take depending on which type of road they are on should their car break down.”

Have your say on the future of West Edinburgh

People living in and interested in the future of the west of Edinburgh can take part in THREE public consultations just launched.

The city council is asking residents as well as those working and visiting the area how they think it could grow sustainably for future communities to be better connected, cleaner, greener and fairer for all.

Over the next few months there will be an opportunity to comment on three separate but linked key proposal documents:

Available to view together, these proposals could substantially develop the experience of living and moving around communities in the west of Edinburgh, helping the Capital to shape future planning policy and become a net zero city.

Towards West Edinburgh 2050 proposes how we could develop the area over the next 30 years. At this stage there are no detailed proposals but instead an overarching vision to be used as a starting point for discussion.

This has been informed by the city’s current City Plan 2030 (used to guide physical development and planning applications) and City Mobility Plan (for transport infrastructure) and, as the document develops, it will be used to evolve these plans over time.

The West Edinburgh Placemaking Framework and Strategic Masterplan is a consultation on development to the north of Gogarburn, extending from Eastfield Road in the west to Maybury junction in the east, with Edinburgh Airport and Turnhouse Road to the north.

There are a range of new opportunities for housing in this area as set out in City Plan 2030. The aim is to create a new 20 minute neighbourhood with a range of facilities which people will need to live well locally such as schools and medical centres.

Feedback on this document will be used to finalise a masterplan for this area which will go to the Planning Committee later this year for approval. The masterplan will then guide future planning applications.

Travel connections for those living, working and visiting west Edinburgh need to be improved, and to support future growth the Capital’s local authority is working with West Lothian Council to look at public transport and active travel links in the area along the A8/A89 between Broxburn to Maybury.

Known as Broxburn to Maybury Transport Improvements this is a major transport improvement project. The project is funded through the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.

The plan is to have better connected communities with major employment, education, healthcare and leisure opportunities easily accessible. This will also make it easier for more people to make more journeys by bus or by cycling, walking or wheeling.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “The west of the city is an area of strategic importance locally, regionally and within Scotland and beyond.

“It has three waterways, major rail and tram routes running through it and is home to the city’s busy airport which has more than 11m passengers passing through it every year. Leisure plays a big part in the community too.

“Every year the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston hosts many prestigious international and national concerts, conferences, and other events. There are also several major educational establishments serving students locally and from all over the world. This all makes it a popular place to live, work and study and we need to take action to respond to the opportunities and challenges this presents.

“We’re looking to create a new neighbourhood to the north of Gogarburn and so we’ve produced a proposed masterplan with a range of new opportunities for much needed affordable housing.

“We’re also using 20 minute neighbourhood principles as in the rest of the city to make sure future residents live well locally with schools, healthcare and leisure facilities nearby. Like other neighbourhoods in west Edinburgh this new community needs to be well connected to the rest of the city, the wider region and beyond through improved public transport links.

“It’s an exciting time for the west of Edinburgh and I’d encourage you all to give us your views, whether that is online or at one of the drop in events we’ll be promoting in the coming months.”

Consultation-Draft-West-Edinburgh-Placemaking-Framework-and-Strategic-MasterplanDownload

To take part in these consultations, visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/westedinburgh2050.

Councillor organises Drylaw walkabout

Inverleith SNP councillor Vicky Nicholson has organised a walk round in Drylaw with council officers from the parks team and police on Thursday 29 June at 1pm, meeting at White Church.

Cllr Nicholson said: “This is in response to a few requests by local people and hopefully any questions people have about maintenance of green spaces, areas where people store motorbikes and also other Drylaw issues can be asked and, if not answered during the walk round, followed up by officers and police”.

Weekend storm warning for motorists

As weather forecasters say we could be in for a weekend of thunderstorms, motorists are being warned to check their insurance policies before venturing out into the elements.

The Met Office says a ‘hotter than normal’ weekend will bring outbreaks of torrential downpours and thunderstorms as temperatures cool after the heatwave.

Quotezone.co.uk, a leading car insurance comparison website, says any damage to cars caused by driving through flash floods might not be covered by insurance policies. It warns motorists to carefully check their policy exclusions, and even if routes are partially blocked, drivers should think twice before using waterlogged roads.

If drivers find themselves stuck in the car during a thunderstorm, official advice from the Met Office is to wind up the window and stay inside the vehicle – the metal frame of the car should act as a conductive Faraday cage, passing the current around the passengers and into the ground, should it be struck by lightning.* 

If motorists have an open or soft top vehicle, they are best to avoid driving if they know thunderstorms are coming.

Greg Wilson, Founder of Quotezone.co.uk, comments: “Motorists who have taken out third party only or third-party, fire and theft insurance wouldn’t be covered for any storm damage to their vehicles – only fully-comprehensive policyholders are likely to be protected in those cases.

“If a storm is predicted look at official flood warnings, avoid roads that are likely to flood and allow more time for your journey, note you may have to pull over and wait it out if the downpour starts to affect your visibility – not forgetting to put on the hazard lights.

“Unfortunately, if motorists do decide to drive through waterlogged roads, there’s a very real risk that they won’t be covered for any resulting water damage to the car – even fully-comprehensive drivers.”

Greg also warns motorists that have to go out, to make sure their cars are roadworthy before setting off, which includes checking tyre tread and windscreen wipers.

Quotezone.co.uk compares prices across all types of car insurance, including breakdown cover,  and niche products such as motor trade insurance – helping around 3 million users every year find better deals on their insurance. 

One Year to Go: Capital counts down to LEZ introduction

As Glasgow introduces Scotland’s first LEZ today, Edinburgh is counting down to the introduction of our own Low Emission Zone, which will restrict the most polluting vehicles from driving in the city centre, benefiting everyone’s health.

The City of Edinburgh Council and NHS Lothian have joined together to highlight the positive impact clean air can have on health and wellbeing.

Restricting the most polluting vehicles will significantly reduce harmful emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from vehicles by up to 50% within the LEZ. Further air quality improvements are expected beyond the boundary, improving public health around the city.

While Edinburgh is moving closer to consistently meeting the minimum air quality standard set by the Scottish Government, it has some way to go before it meets the World Health Organisation’s targets.

Reducing air pollution is especially important for those most vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution, including children, older people and those with underlying health conditions.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “As Glasgow begins to enforce its LEZ, and with one year to go until our own LEZ comes into force, it’s a chance to reflect on the reasons for introducing an LEZ in Edinburgh.

“Research has shown that air pollution negatively affects everyone’s health and we have a responsibility to address this. In two weeks, we’ll mark Clean Air Day, which this year focuses on the fact that poor air quality not only affects our physical health, but our mental health too.

“By restricting the most polluting vehicles in the city centre the LEZ will create a healthier, more welcoming place to be – and we’re expecting benefits to spread across the wider city. I’m encouraged by the fact that compliance with our emissions standards continues to increase, and I’d like to thank people making the switch to cleaner modes of transport.

“However, there’s still work to be done, and over the next year we’ll be supporting even more people to consider greener, more sustainable ways to travel. I want to use the extra year Edinburgh has to get ready for this change, and ensure residents and businesses are fully prepared.”

Dona Milne, Director of Public Health, NHS Lothian, said: “The links between transport and health are clear and the LEZ will help to improve health and wellbeing and reduce inequalities for the people of Edinburgh.

“Tackling air quality, alongside commitments in the City Mobility Plan and associated draft Action Plans, will have multiple benefits. Health and wellbeing will be improved as a result of reduced levels of air and noise pollution; improved road safety; more inclusive opportunities for people to travel by walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport; and the increased vibrancy of local communities and economies.”

Earlier this year, data analysed by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) revealed that overall compliance with Edinburgh’s LEZ emissions standards had increased from 48% to 78% over the last six years. Compliance is particularly high amongst buses (97% – Lothian Buses is 100% compliant), petrol cars (95%) and Heavy Goods Vehicles (86%).

However, more than half of diesel cars and a third of light goods vehicles (including vans) travelling on the main routes into Edinburgh don’t comply with the requirements of the LEZ.

A city centre LEZ was introduced in Edinburgh on 31 May 2022, along with LEZs in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee. In Edinburgh, a two-year grace period is in place, meaning no penalty charges will be issued during this time. 

LEZ restrictions will apply to motor vehicles, except motorcycles and mopeds. Vehicles must meet the minimum emissions standards to drive within the zone, though national exemptions apply including for blue badge holders and emergency vehicles.

A consultation is currently underway on suite of action plans designed to support the delivery of the City Mobility Plan to 2030, addressing everything from air quality to road safety, public transport to active travel. 

Environmental campaigners have welcomed the start of Glasgow’s low emission zone.

Gracie Bradley, director at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “The beginning of Glasgow’s low emission zone is a moment to celebrate real progress in the city. Glasgow has persistent air pollution problems caused by transport, and people who live and work here have been breathing toxic air for many years. Finally, after years of promises, the council is taking action.

“We know that low emission zones work because they’ve been successful in hundreds of places across Europe. Glasgow’s zone has already had a positive impact since it began restricting the most polluting buses, but there is no safe level of air pollution.

“Changing the way we get around the city needs to remain a priority – we want to see better public transport, the end of developments that require cars, and safer cycling routes to tackle toxic air, reduce our impact on the planet and make Glasgow a better place to live.”

Find out more about the LEZ. 

Clean Air Day takes place on 15 June.

Pothole plague: What to do

It’s been revealed this week that it is taking up to EIGHTEEN MONTHS for some potholes to be repaired

Louise Thomas, car insurance expert at Confused.com, comments: “It’s common to see potholes this time of year, as cold weather and rainfall cause damage to roads. Potholes can be dangerous for road users, which is why it’s so important to report them if spotted.

“Our latest research reveals that almost 1 in 4 (23%) drivers have had their cars damaged because of a pothole. And the damage has costed £174, on average, for drivers to fix or repair.

“With rising motoring costs a continuous challenge in the current climate, potholes can be a costly annoyance. But drivers can make a claim, which could help to reduce how much they’re paying out themselves.

“To make a claim, drivers should:

1.          Check for damage and gather evidence with clear photos or videos

2.          Report the pothole to the local council

3.          Ask a mechanic to confirm the damage and get a quote for the repair

4.          Submit the claim to your insurer

“Our tips on how to make a pothole claim can help drivers through the claims process, so that they could potentially receive compensation for the damage caused.”

EMERGENCY STOP! UK Government scraps all new smart motorway plans

New smart motorways to be removed from government road-building plans due to financial pressures and lack of confidence felt by drivers

  • plans for new smart motorways will be cancelled in recognition of the current lack of public confidence felt by drivers and cost pressures
  • smart motorways earmarked for construction during the third Road Investment Strategy (2025 to 2030) and previously paused schemes will now not go ahead
  • existing smart motorways will continue to benefit from £900 million safety improvements

Plans for new smart motorways will be cancelled, delivering on the Prime Minister’s summer campaign pledge.

New smart motorways – including the 11 already paused from the second Road Investment Strategy (2020 to 2025) and the 3 earmarked for construction during the third Road Investment Strategy (2025 to 2030) – will be removed from government road-building plans, given financial pressures and in recognition of the current lack of public confidence felt by drivers.

Initial estimations suggest constructing future smart motorway schemes would have cost more than £1 billion and cancelling these schemes will allow more time to track public confidence in smart motorways over a longer period.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: All drivers deserve to have confidence in the roads they use to get around the country. That’s why last year I pledged to stop the building of all new smart motorways, and today I’m making good on that promise.

“Many people across the country rely on driving to get to work, to take their children to school and go about their daily lives and I want them to be able to do so with full confidence that the roads they drive on are safe.”

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “We want the public to know that this government is listening to their concerns.

“Today’s announcement means no new smart motorways will be built, recognising the lack of public confidence felt by drivers and the cost pressures due to inflation.

Independent road safety campaigner, Meera Naran, whose 8-year-old son Dev, died in a motorway collision on the M6 in 2018, said: “Since successfully campaigning for the 18-point action plan, £900 million commitment and the pause in the roll out in January 2022, there has been a lot of joined up thinking in mutually coming to this decision.

“I thank ministers and executives for inviting me to work alongside them in memory of Dev, towards a mutual goal and for their commitment over the years.”

The government and National Highways continue to invest £900 million in further safety improvements on existing smart motorways.

This includes progressing plans on installing 150 extra emergency areas across the network in line with the commitments made in response to the Transport Select Committee, as well as further improving the performance of stopped vehicle detection technology on every all lane running smart motorway.

The government will also continue to give motorists clear advice when using existing smart motorways.

While no new stretches of road will be converted into smart motorways, the M56 J6-8 and M6 J21a-26 will be completed given they are already over three quarters constructed.

North Bridge to reopen this month

North Bridge will reopen to two-way traffic this month after the completion of essential work on its concrete deck, last replaced in the 1930s.

The bridge has been closed to northbound traffic since November 2021 to allow for specialist work, involving the demolition and replacement of a large section of the deck, waterproofing and resurfacing, as part of the major North Bridge Refurbishment Project.

Two-way running will return from 21 April, though the footpath on the west side of the bridge will remain closed for the time being.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Scott Arthur, said: “The reopening of North Bridge to two-way traffic will be great news to many and I’d like to thank all those who live in and travel through the area for their patience while this essential work was carried out. In particular, I would like to thank the local business community and bus passengers for their patience.

“So much of what happens in the North Bridge Refurbishment Project goes unseen, but it’s a huge, complex scheme involving intricate, specialist skills and significant repairs to decades-old infrastructure.

“The partial closure of the bridge to traffic has allowed the team to carry out crucial work to restore and reinforce the deck for future generations. I look forward to seeing the project unfold further as the bridge’s façade is revived to its former glory.

“North Bridge was constructed by Sir William Arrol after he completed both the Forth Bridge and Tower Bridge, and this work should ensure it maintains the same iconic status.”

Rory McFadden, Balfour Beatty Project Director, said: “The reopening of the North Bridge to traffic marks a momentous milestone, culminating months of hard work and tenacity from our dedicated team.

“I would like to thank the local community in Edinburgh for their co-operation and patience during these essential works, which once complete, will ensure that this iconic structure remains for generations to come.”

In November 2021, investigations revealed the poor condition of concrete within the central part of the deck. Over the last 15 months contractors have replaced the deck’s reinforced concrete and installed a waterproofing system to protect the concrete and stop surface water passing into the structural steelwork below.

Elsewhere on the bridge, complex restoration work continues, including structural steelwork repairs, which are largely complete. More recent phases have seen 80,000 new bolts installed and strengthening and repairs to almost 650 parts of the steelwork.

Contractors have also started grit blasting and painting the bridge’s iconic façade, an 18-month process which signals the start of finishing works for the bridge. As well as removing existing coatings and surface corrosion through grit blasting, specialists have begun the intricate task of repainting the Victorian façade for the first time since 1990, using a combination of spray paint and hand painting with brushes.

Some work is required to facilitate the return to two-way traffic, which will be undertaken overnight to minimise disruption. As a result, North Bridge will be closed to traffic between 8pm and 6am from 12 to 20 April.

Lothian Buses will reintroduce northbound services shortly after the reopening of North Bridge. For the most up to date travel information visit the Lothian Buses website.

Find out more about the North Bridge project.

More traffic chaos looms: Haymarket Terrace to close until NOVEMBER

Yet more misery for businesses and residents

Haymarket Terrace will be temporarily closed eastbound from 3 April as part of a project to transform the area for people walking, wheeling and cycling. The road will be closed eastbound between its junctions with Rosebery Crescent and Magdala Crescent until November.

The traffic disruption is dreadful news for local traders who have already seen their trade hammered during the city council’s controversial City Centre West to East link (CCWEl) works. The work was planned to take seven months but has seriously overran and some businesses fear that the latest disruption could be the final straw.

The local gas network will be upgraded by SGN at the same time.

The Council has requested SGN divert a gas main to allow for City Centre West to East link (CCWEL) construction. SGN will carry out the necessary diversion and renewal of the gas main at the same time, to minimise disruption as much as possible. SGN’s work is scheduled to last 12 weeks, while CCWEL construction in the area is expected to finish in January 2024.

Haymarket Terrace will be closed eastbound between its junctions with Rosebery Crescent and Magdala Crescent until November 2023. A signed diversion route will be put in place for traffic travelling eastbound via Magdala Crescent, Eglinton Crescent, Palmerston Place, Lansdowne Crescent and Grosvenor Street. Temporary bus stops will be placed along this route.

Once complete, CCWEL will connect Roseburn to Leith Walk via Haymarket and the West End with a safe and direct cycle route, as well as significantly enhancing streets for those walking, wheeling and spending time there.

This will tie into a new George Street cycling route delivered as part of the George Street and First New Town project.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “In consultation with Lothian Buses, we’ve worked closely with SGN to make sure these two major projects are carried out together to reduce disruption as much as we can for residents, visitors and people travelling through the area.

“CCWEL is a landmark scheme for the city, providing a safe, welcoming route for all those travelling from the east to west by foot, wheel or bike, as well as transforming public spaces along the way to help support local businesses. Using funding from Sustrans to invest in active travel projects like this supports our net zero goals, boosts the local economy, and helps improve people’s health and wellbeing.

“I’d like to thank all those who live, work or run a business along the route for their patience as we carry out these improvements.”

SGN Project Manger Matthew Ferguson said: “Carrying out our gas main diversion and renewal work at this time will both allow the CCWEL project to progress and reduce disruption for the local community and commuters in future.

“Our work involves replacing our existing metal gas pipes with new plastic pipe, which will ensure a continued safe and reliable gas supply to the local area for many years to come.”

During the closure, eastbound bus stops will be relocated to Magdala Crescent and Grosvenor Street and the Haymarket taxi rank will be removed with alternative locations available nearby.

Information on bus diversions can be found on Lothian Buses’ website.

CCWEL is funded by Places for Everyone, an active travel infrastructure scheme backed by Transport Scotland and administered by Sustrans. Find out more about the CCWEL project.