ROADS in England and Wales are in their poorest condition since records began, according to a Government-sponsored survey. The national highway maintenance report found the state of roads declined last year to the lowest point since the annual inspections started in 1977.

In 21 council areas 30% of the local road network was estimated to be worn-out. The cause was said to be a fall in maintenance spending in real terms of £2.1 billion from 1996-97. Yet local authorities are understood to be paying out almost £1 million a week in compensation to motorists and pedestrians for vehicle damage or personal injury caused by poorly maintained roads.