The RAC and Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA) have called on the Government to mandate training for councils that fail to carry out preventative road maintenance.
In a joint letter to Minister for the Future of Roads Lilian Greenwood, the organisations highlighted how proactive treatments could reduce potholes and save money.
Launched during Pothole Prevention Week (8–14 September), the campaign urges councils to use low-cost treatments that seal road surfaces against water damage and extend their lifespan. The RSTA warns many authorities are neglecting such measures, leading to costly resurfacing after 10 to 15 years instead.
RAC analysis shows half of local authorities in England carried out no preventative work on A roads in 2023/24, while 36% did none on smaller roads.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: ‘The “reactive only” maintenance approach which so many local authorities rely on is particularly expensive, as it means only a small proportion of the road network is actually being treated. This has very clearly contributed to the situation we are in today with large volumes of potholes and roads in poor condition.’
