THE condition of the road network in England and Wales has deteriorated further, according to the 1998 National Road Maintenance Condition Survey, although the structural condition of motorways improved slightly.

Responding to the survey, transport minister Lord Whitty said: 'Years of under-investment in Britain's roads are being tackled. While the condition of the motorways and some rural roads is better than last year, the deterioration in urban roads cannot be allowed to continue.' He said the Government was increasing its road maintenance spend this year by 8%.