Potholes now affects as many as eight million vehicles every year, causing steering and suspension damage, warns The Fuelcard Company.

“UK hauliers are spending £473m annually just to repair wheels and tyres, and this stems from just the pothole problem,” said The Fuelcard Company’s Marketing Director, Jakes de Kock. “It’s difficult to calculate the amount lost by congestion created by a poor transport route.”

“As announced in this week’s mid-term review, the Government’s commitment to overhauling the bureaucracy that has hindered UK road improvement for many years is truly welcome news. This should now mean those major roads that are currently slowing down commercial drivers can be improved without delay.

“This is great news for everybody as an improved road network means faster transport times and reduced maintenance costs for fleet operators. This helps feed into bringing down the cost of items that require transport, such as food and clothes.”

On top of plans to speed up road improvements, the Government has outlined a series of projects aimed at bringing the road network up to date, including upgrading the A1 between London and Newcastle to motorway standard, as well as improving junction 30 of the M25 in order to support the biggest port development in Europe.

“At last, the Government has acknowledged the vital role commercial drivers play in the UK economy and is showing a willingness to support them. Already many fleet operators are struggling due to high fuel prices. If maintenance costs and congestion continue to rise, it could spell the end for many smaller transport companies.”