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Drivers Support Levy On Heavy Vehicles And Delivery Vans To Fund Road Repairs
Despite increased funding, many drivers doubt road conditions will improve soon. Pothole damage is rising, and millions believe specific vehicle groups should fund repairs. Research by Kwik Fit shows most drivers think heavy goods vehicle operators should contribute more to road repairs. 56% support an additional levy on HGVs, while only 17% oppose it.
Kwik Fit's research also highlights that a significant number of drivers favour a special levy on delivery vans. About 44% agree with this measure, compared to 23% who disagree. Additionally, almost half of the surveyed drivers believe heavier cars should incur higher 'road tax' due to their impact on roads.
The PIT Report from Kwik Fit revealed that last year, drivers spent £1.7 billion fixing pothole-related vehicle damage. This financial burden reflects poorly on the nation's infrastructure, with 77% of drivers considering UK roads an embarrassment for a leading economy.
The government has acknowledged the pothole issue and introduced new measures to address it. However, many remain sceptical about seeing improvements soon. Despite extra government funding, 64% of drivers don't expect local road conditions to improve in the near future.
Most motorists feel they already contribute enough to road maintenance. Unlike levies on HGVs or vans, only 26% of drivers are willing to pay more 'road tax' for local road repairs. Younger generations are more open to this idea than older ones.
The Asphalt Industry Alliance's ALARM Report estimates £16.8 billion is needed to clear the backlog of road repairs. This figure has grown by 42% since 2016, while Kwik Fit's tracker shows a 150% rise in costs for drivers over the same period.
Long-Term Solutions Needed
Dan Joyce from Kwik Fit stated: "The data shows that there is an increasingly pressing need to invest in the maintenance of our road network, but our new research highlights that there are no easy answers as to how this is funded."
"Motorists already feel that they are contributing enough so it is understandable that they want the additional burden to be on the heavier vehicles believed to do the most damage to road surfaces," he added.
Joyce also noted that any costs imposed on businesses through levies might be passed onto consumers. He stressed the importance of not viewing potential measures in isolation and called for a long-term strategic plan for road maintenance instead of short-term fixes.
Drivers concerned about pothole damage can visit any of Kwik Fit's over 600 centres across the UK for a free check by expert technicians. More information is available on their website and social media platforms.
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