RSTA News
The Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA) has welcomed calls from the AA for a 2p a litre from fuel tax to be diverted into a fund to repair potholes. According to the AA, the monies generated would provide £140 million, enough to repair the estimated 2 million outstanding potholes in 3-4 months.
This year’s severe winter has resulted in a pothole every 120 yards. The financial impact on the highway budgets of local authorities is considerable. The Local Government Association, which represents local authorities in England and Wales, has written to the Department of Transport asking for £100 million of emergency funds to undertake the most urgent repairs.
“Local councils are working hard to repair the damage caused by the freezing weather,” said Howard Robinson, RSTA Chief Executive. “Doing nothing is not an option for them as potholes and damaged road surfaces can damage vehicles and result in accidents. Doing nothing can also cost councils dearly. Last year, they paid out over £53 million pounds in compensation claims.”
Last year motorists paid over £52 billion in taxes. This includes fuel duty, vehicle excise duty, road tolls, congestion charges, VAT on fuel and vehicle sales and insurance premium tax. Yet, the total 2009 expenditure on roads by the Department for Transport was £15.4 billion – a reduction of 8% on the previous year.
“Motorists deserve a better deal and highway authorities have a duty to ensure that roads are safe and fit for purpose,” said Robinson. “Diverting 2p a litre from the fuel tax to repair potholes would show motorists that their taxes are being used positively and would help the beleaguered budgets of local authorities.”
