‘National disgrace’: pothole repair backlog hits record £18.6bn in England and Wales

Only half the road network is in good condition despite 1.9m repairs last year, says industry body

A losing battle with potholes has now seen the backlog of repairs across England and Wales reach a record 18.6bn, according to an annual industry estimate, despite councils filling in about 1.9m holes last year.

The national disgrace" of dangerously pockmarked local roads has been exacerbated by a notably wet winter, with only half of the network now reported to be in good condition.