One in every 50 miles of Doncaster's roads in poor condition

The AA said England’s roads are stuck in a rut with motorists facing a “plethora of potholes” on their journeys.

Council-run roads were surveyed in the 12 months to March 2021 and classed as "red" if they should be considered for maintenance.

Figures from the Department of Transport show two per cent of A roads in Doncaster were put in this worst category – unchanged from in 2019-20.

And two per cent of B and C roads were also in need of work.

The proportion of A roads in need of repair is below the average across England, where one in every 25 miles is in poor condition.

The examinations are largely done using scanner machines, which identify sections of road worn by use or affected by ruts, bumps or potholes. However, the DfT said a different method was used in Doncaster, which means the area should not be directly compared to others.

The DfT said the proportion of roads in the red category is “stable” following a slight increase during 2019-20, but there has been no change since 2015-16.

A recent AA survey indicated that nine out of ten drivers want the Government to heavily invest in fixing local roads.

The organisation’s head of roads policy, Jack Cousens, said: “While the Government claims road conditions are ‘stable’, the harsh reality is that they are stuck in a rut.

“Road users don’t have to travel too far from home to see a plethora of potholes, fractured tarmac, worn away surfaces and faded road markings which make driving and cycling uncomfortable at best and dangerous at worst.”

The DfT figures suggest the smallest roads in England are in an even worse condition than classified ones, with one in every six miles in the "red" category.

In Doncaster, 17 per cent of unclassified roads were in need of maintenance in 2020-21 – ​down from 23 per cent a year previously.

The RAC said it is "hugely concerning" how many smaller roads are earmarked for maintenance, as unclassified roads in more rural areas tend to have worse safety records.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.