More than half (53%) of drivers in the North West and South East say their residential roads are in a terrible condition, making them the worst rated in the country.

The North West is worst for potholes and disrepair, with South East and Eastern England following

Ahead of National Pothole Day on 15 January, a survey by the AA asked more than 12,000 drivers to rate the condition of local road surfaces where they lived.

Drivers in Eastern England completed the top three regions with poor roads, with 51% claiming residential roads were terrible. Meanwhile, London was deemed to have the best kept residential streets in England (42%).

The study also found half of Scottish drivers (50%) said their roads were poor, with two fifths (41%) of Welsh streets considered terrible and 37% of local roads in Northern Ireland.

According to the AA, it’s a problem that could worsen too. Tightening budgets could see councils cut back on road maintenance spending to balance the books elsewhere.

The current inclement weather is also posing problems. The cold spell prior to Christmas followed by heavy rain in many parts of the country has led to “a pandemic of potholes” particularly on local roads.

And the rain is also causing a problem when it comes to obscuring existing potholes; AA data covering rainy days since November shows patrols were called out, on average, to an additional 225 breakdowns each day as a result of hidden road damage. Not only can this lead to punctures, but also wheel damage and even suspension faults. Rain-obscured potholes can also prove extremely dangerous and indeed fatal for cyclists and motorcyclists.

It’s not just road surfaces that need upgrading, either.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, elaborated: “Worn road markings, damaged signs, streetlights no longer working, and overgrown hedgerow covering signs are all too common on UK roads.

“Sadly, this all points towards a lack of funding or ring-fencing by both central and local government. With tighter budgets planned, roads maintenance could be cut in favour other projects. Safe and maintained streets are vital for everyone regardless of how they use the roads, and we desperately need to see a massive cash-injection to upgrade local roads.

“Until that happens, UK roads will continue to crumble and crack into catastrophe.”