Britain’s roads are increasingly becoming a source of frustration and concern for motorists, with a new survey revealing overwhelming dissatisfaction with the condition of the country’s road network. According to research conducted by Hagerty among more than 1,200 UK drivers, an extraordinary 98 per cent of respondents believe the nation’s roads are now in a state of disrepair.
The survey highlights a growing sense that the situation has deteriorated significantly in recent years. Nine out of ten drivers said their local roads are now worse than they were just twelve months ago, suggesting that repairs are failing to keep pace with the rapid decline in road quality. For many motorists, the issue is more than an inconvenience. Nearly three-quarters of respondents reported suffering damage to their vehicles after hitting a pothole.
The findings paint a stark picture of life behind the wheel for UK drivers. Potholes, crumbling surfaces and poorly maintained roads have become a routine hazard, forcing motorists to remain constantly vigilant. More than half of those surveyed said they had reported potholes to their local councils, yet only seven per cent believed their local authority responded quickly or effectively to the problem.
As a result, many drivers say the poor state of the roads is now affecting their daily driving experience and even their sense of safety. More than half of respondents described feeling anxious while driving, while 78 per cent admitted they feel frustrated by road conditions. Alarmingly, half of those surveyed also said deteriorating roads are distracting them behind the wheel as they attempt to avoid damage.
To cope with the growing number of hazards, many motorists are turning to technology for assistance. The vast majority of respondents said they rely on navigation apps that warn of potholes and road hazards ahead, with Waze emerging as the most widely used tool for alerting drivers to potential dangers.
The survey also captured a wide range of candid feedback from drivers, many of whom expressed their anger in stark terms. Some described the country’s road network as a “disgrace” and “dangerous”, while others compared the battered surfaces to the lunar landscape. One respondent complained that roadworks seem to be everywhere yet the condition of the roads continues to deteriorate.
Others pointed to the difficulty of claiming compensation for damage caused by potholes, suggesting the process is so complex it discourages drivers from pursuing legitimate claims. One motorist remarked that making a claim requires “a degree in astrophysics”, while another said they often appear to be driving erratically simply because they are weaving to avoid the growing number of potholes.
The problem appears particularly acute for professional drivers and motorcyclists who spend long hours on the road. One respondent, who has ridden motorcycles for nearly five decades, said they now fear for their safety for the first time and have chosen not to ride in the UK until conditions improve.
Owners of classic cars also expressed significant concern about the risks posed by deteriorating road surfaces. The survey found that 93 per cent of classic car owners feel nervous about driving their vehicles on current road conditions, highlighting the potential impact on the enthusiast community.
Mark Roper, Managing Director of Hagerty UK, said the results underline the growing frustration felt by motorists across the country. “Our survey shows that Britain’s drivers are now fed up with the condition of our roads with many expressing their frustrations in a very clear manner,” he said. “Households are having to find money to fix damage to their cars, sometimes extensive and expensive. As a company who champions cars being used and cherished by enthusiasts it’s very concerning to hear that the state of disrepair is making owners nervous to even take their cars out.”
Dale Keller, CEO of the Historic & Classic Vehicles Alliance, believes the issue reflects a deeper structural problem in how road maintenance is approached in the UK. He argues that the current reliance on underfunded local authorities and reactive repairs is failing to address the root causes of the country’s crumbling road network.
“Road safety matters to us all, yet Britain’s deteriorating road network suggests it is slipping down the list of safety priorities,” Keller said. He pointed to the Department for Transport’s Road Maintenance Ratings map, which aims to encourage improvements by publicly highlighting poorly performing local authorities, but warned that this approach fails to address the broader need for long-term infrastructure investment.
According to Keller, a shift toward preventative maintenance is essential if the UK hopes to restore its road network and improve safety. Addressing issues before they escalate would not only reduce long-term costs but also help keep the country moving efficiently while protecting taxpayer investment in vital infrastructure.
For many motorists, however, the reality on the road remains unchanged. As potholes multiply and repair efforts struggle to keep pace, the condition of Britain’s roads continues to test both the patience and the suspension systems of drivers across the country.
