A survey of 2,000 UK drivers has found more than three-quarters want potholes fixed rather than new cycle lanes being built.

Of those surveyed, 712 were also cyclists. Despite this, 71% of cyclists agreed and are calling for more care to be taken when fixing potholes.

United front

The data was collected by Opinium and insurer InsuretheGap. It was commissioned by convenience store GreenFlag.

Ben Wooltorton of InsuretheGap.com said: “Drivers and cyclists are often seen as rivals on the road, but in fact many drivers are also cyclists and simply want the roads to be safe for everyone on the road.

“While more cycle lanes would be a dream for most cyclists, the need to improve road quality is something that unites drivers and cyclists, as potholes are a serious risk for all road users.”

Rolling on

As motorists demand more pothole repairs, the data reveals the extent of roadworks across the UK.

In 2020-21, the Asphalt Industry Alliance said nearly 1.7 million potholes were filled, which equates to one repaired every 19 seconds.

This is an increase of 200,000 from 1.5 million the previous year.

Local authorities have spent £93.6million on patching potholes in 2020-21 in the hope of ensuring ‘smoother and safer travel’.

A Freedom of Information Act request to all local authorities in Britain found that over the past three years around 55,000 miles of roadwork had been carried out.

Some 20,000 miles of UK roads were affected by roadworks last year.

Investment holes

Mark Newberry, Commercial Director at Green Flag, said: “Investment in the road network across Britain is vital for drivers, so it’s good to see that so much money continues to be spent on maintaining and improve roads.

“Road works can however be a serious annoyance, especially if they are not known or if drivers pass them during a journey and do not know an alternative route.

He encouraged drivers to check their journeys for road closures before travelling.