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Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Map reveals UK's pothole hellscape with thousands fed up with state of roads in major city – is your area in the top 10?
Across the UK, drivers are growing increasingly frustrated with pothole-filled roads, poor maintenance and the stress of deteriorating conditions DRIVING PAINS Map reveals UK's pothole hellscape with thousands fed up with state of roads in major city – is your area in the top 10? Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE state of the UK's crumbling roads is driving residents around the bend, with motorists in major cities growing increasingly frustrated by the deteriorating conditions. Motoring experts have unveiled the cities where frustration with potholes and congestion is at its peak - revealing that these issues are playing a significant role in one in three Brits losing their passion for driving. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 A pothole plague and bumper-to-bumper congestion - why millions of Brits are falling out of love with driving this summer Credit: Getty 3 Driving in the UK has gone from a symbol of freedom to a stressful chore, as worsening roads leave motorists fed up Credit: Getty 3 Belfast leads the frustration over potholes As it's the summer, many motorists are preparing to pack up their cars and head off on their family holidays. But according to a new report from car finance giant Carmoola, millions are simply dreading getting behind the wheel - due to the country's worsening roads and traffic. A particular issue is the UK's so-called 'pothole plague', contributing to a third of drivers (32%) saying they no longer enjoy driving. Hot-headed road users - described as 'aggressive or impatient drivers' - are the main reason half (49%) of Brits have become disillusioned, while 46% claim the stress of driving has taken all the joy out of it. Aidan Rushby, chief executive of Carmoola, said: 'We have uncovered a very human truth. 'That driving, once a symbol of freedom and adventure, has become something many people now dread.' Belfast drivers are the most ticked off when it comes to the conditions of their roads, with 26% saying they're overly frustrated with the state of potholes. Meanwhile, when it comes to congestion, 38% of Glaswegians say bumper-to-bumper congestion is what riles them up the most. These statistics highlight why only a quarter of road users view driving as a source of escape, while 34% see it merely as a practical means to get from A to B. Indeed, many say they simply find driving boring and would choose almost anything else above getting behind the wheel. Keir Starmer says councils must prove they are making potholes repairs or lose funding To that end, 20% would rather organise their sock drawer and 15% say they would sit through a three-hour meeting instead. 13% would prefer to watch paint dry and 9% would opt to do a tax return. UK'S WORST AREAS FOR POTHOLE FRUSTRATION REVEALED Belfast – 26% Nottingham – 22% Plymouth – 22% Birmingham – 20% Manchester – 19% Newcastle – 18% Cardiff – 17% Southampton – 17% London – 17% Bristol – 16% Edinburgh – 15% Glasgow – 15% Brighton – 13% Norwich – 12% Liverpool – 11% Leeds – 9% Sheffield – 9% POTHOLE PLAGUE Back in March, it was found that our pothole-plagued roads will take 12 years and nearly £17billion to fix, according to a report. More than half of local streets have less than 15 years of life left, says a survey by the Asphalt Industry Alliance. But, on average, they are re-surfaced only once every 93 years. AIA boss David Giles laid bare the scale of the problem, explaining how, despite £20billion being thrown at road maintenance in the past decade, the short-term approach has failed. He said: 'There have been no significant improvements in structural road conditions.' The AIA claims getting roads back to ideal condition would take 12 years and cost a corking £16.81 billion. Its survey also found 94 per cent of local authority highway teams believe there has been no improvement to their roads over the past year, with two thirds saying they have got worse. And despite councils spending £137.4million filling 1.9million potholes last year, the repair backlog continues to balloon. The Department for Transport said: 'We're investing £1.6billion to help councils resurface local roads and fix the equivalent of up to seven million extra potholes over the next financial year.'
The Sun
7 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Map reveals UK's pothole hellscape with thousands fed up with state of roads in major city – is your area in the top 10?
THE state of the UK's crumbling roads is driving residents around the bend, with motorists in major cities growing increasingly frustrated by the deteriorating conditions. Motoring experts have unveiled the cities where frustration with potholes and congestion is at its peak - revealing that these issues are playing a significant role in one in three Brits losing their passion for driving. 3 3 3 As it's the summer, many motorists are preparing to pack up their cars and head off on their family holidays. But according to a new report from car finance giant Carmoola, millions are simply dreading getting behind the wheel - due to the country's worsening roads and traffic. A particular issue is the UK's so-called 'pothole plague', contributing to a third of drivers (32%) saying they no longer enjoy driving. Hot-headed road users - described as 'aggressive or impatient drivers' - are the main reason half (49%) of Brits have become disillusioned, while 46% claim the stress of driving has taken all the joy out of it. Aidan Rushby, chief executive of Carmoola, said: 'We have uncovered a very human truth. 'That driving, once a symbol of freedom and adventure, has become something many people now dread.' Belfast drivers are the most ticked off when it comes to the conditions of their roads, with 26% saying they're overly frustrated with the state of potholes. Meanwhile, when it comes to congestion, 38% of Glaswegians say bumper-to-bumper congestion is what riles them up the most. These statistics highlight why only a quarter of road users view driving as a source of escape, while 34% see it merely as a practical means to get from A to B. Indeed, many say they simply find driving boring and would choose almost anything else above getting behind the wheel. To that end, 20% would rather organise their sock drawer and 15% say they would sit through a three-hour meeting instead. 13% would prefer to watch paint dry and 9% would opt to do a tax return. UK'S WORST AREAS FOR POTHOLE FRUSTRATION REVEALED Belfast – 26% Nottingham – 22% Plymouth – 22% Birmingham – 20% Manchester – 19% Newcastle – 18% Cardiff – 17% Southampton – 17% London – 17% Bristol – 16% Edinburgh – 15% Glasgow – 15% Brighton – 13% Norwich – 12% Liverpool – 11% Leeds – 9% Sheffield – 9% POTHOLE PLAGUE Back in March, it was found that our pothole-plagued roads will take 12 years and nearly £17billion to fix, according to a report. More than half of local streets have less than 15 years of life left, says a survey by the Asphalt Industry Alliance. But, on average, they are re-surfaced only once every 93 years. AIA boss David Giles laid bare the scale of the problem, explaining how, despite £20billion being thrown at road maintenance in the past decade, the short-term approach has failed. He said: 'There have been no significant improvements in structural road conditions.' The AIA claims getting roads back to ideal condition would take 12 years and cost a corking £16.81 billion. Its survey also found 94 per cent of local authority highway teams believe there has been no improvement to their roads over the past year, with two thirds saying they have got worse. And despite councils spending £137.4million filling 1.9million potholes last year, the repair backlog continues to balloon. The Department for Transport said: 'We're investing £1.6billion to help councils resurface local roads and fix the equivalent of up to seven million extra potholes over the next financial year.' JOY-RIDING With 60% of lapsed drivers saying they wish they could rediscover the joy of driving, Carmoola has launched its 'Joy Ride' service – an initiative designed to inject some much-needed cheer back into everyday journeys. A series of Joys – women joyful by name and nature (pic attached) – took over one of Britain's dullest-sounding streets: Mundania Road in East Dulwich (pic of them there attached), London, joining real drivers for their daily routes, dancing, chatting and singing along the way, transforming routine trips into unexpectedly uplifting experiences. 'We believe driving can and should be something people look forward to – not something that adds stress to their day,' adds Carmoola's Rushby. 'That's why we created Joy Rides: to remind people what driving can feel like when it's filled with laughter, company, and a bit of unexpected delight. Sometimes, a little joy is all it takes to make driving feel fun again. 'And for 3.26 million Brits, the thing that's reduced their enjoyment of driving is not owning the car they really want. We've seen first hand the joy that a dream car can bring – which is exactly why we're on a mission to make car ownership simpler, more empowering, and more joyful for everyone.'
The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Map reveals UK's pothole hellscape with thousands fed up with state of roads in major city – is your area in the top 10?
THE state of the UK's crumbling roads is driving residents around the bend, with motorists in major cities growing increasingly frustrated by the deteriorating conditions. Motoring experts have unveiled the cities where frustration with potholes and congestion is at its peak - revealing that these issues are playing a significant role in one in three Brits losing their passion for driving. Advertisement 3 A pothole plague and bumper-to-bumper congestion - why millions of Brits are falling out of love with driving this summer Credit: Getty 3 Driving in the UK has gone from a symbol of freedom to a stressful chore, as worsening roads leave motorists fed up Credit: Getty 3 Belfast leads the frustration over potholes As it's the summer, many motorists are preparing to pack up their cars and head off on their family holidays. But according to a new report from car finance giant A particular issue is the UK's so-called 'pothole plague', contributing to a third of drivers (32%) saying they no longer enjoy driving. Hot-headed road users - described as 'aggressive or impatient drivers' - are the main reason half (49%) of Brits have become disillusioned, while 46% claim the stress of driving has taken all the joy out of it. Advertisement Read more Motors News Aidan Rushby, chief executive of Carmoola, said: 'We have uncovered a very human truth. 'That driving, once a symbol of freedom and adventure, has become something many people now dread.' Belfast drivers are the most ticked off when it comes to the conditions of their roads, with 26% saying they're overly frustrated with the state of potholes. Meanwhile, when it comes to congestion, 38% of Glaswegians say bumper-to-bumper congestion is what riles them up the most. Advertisement Most read in Motors Exclusive Exclusive These statistics highlight why only a quarter of road users view driving as a source of escape, while 34% see it merely as a practical means to get from A to B. Indeed, many say they simply find driving boring and would choose almost anything else above getting behind the wheel. Keir Starmer says councils must prove they are making potholes repairs or lose funding To that end, 20% would rather organise their sock drawer and 15% say they would sit through a three-hour meeting instead. 13% would prefer to watch paint dry and 9% would opt to do a tax return. Advertisement UK'S WORST AREAS FOR POTHOLE FRUSTRATION REVEALED Belfast – 26% Nottingham – 22% Plymouth – 22% Birmingham – 20% Manchester – 19% Newcastle – 18% Cardiff – 17% Southampton – 17% London – 17% Bristol – 16% Edinburgh – 15% Glasgow – 15% Brighton – 13% Norwich – 12% Liverpool – 11% Leeds – 9% Sheffield – 9% POTHOLE PLAGUE Back in March, More than half of local streets have less than 15 years of life left, says a survey by the Asphalt Industry Alliance. But, on average, they are re-surfaced only once every 93 years. AIA boss David Giles laid bare the scale of the problem, explaining how, despite £20billion being thrown at Advertisement He said: 'There have been no significant improvements in structural road conditions.' The AIA claims getting roads back to ideal condition would take 12 years and cost a corking £16.81 billion. Its survey also found 94 per cent of local authority highway teams believe there has been no improvement to their And despite councils spending £137.4million filling 1.9million potholes last year, the repair backlog continues to balloon. Advertisement The Department for Transport said: 'We're investing £1.6billion to help councils resurface local roads and fix the equivalent of up to seven million extra potholes over the next financial year.' JOY-RIDING With 60% of lapsed drivers saying they wish they could rediscover the joy of driving, Carmoola has launched its 'Joy Ride' service – an initiative designed to inject some much-needed cheer back into everyday journeys. A series of Joys – women joyful by name and nature (pic attached) – took over one of Britain's dullest-sounding streets: Mundania Road in East Dulwich (pic of them there attached), London, joining real drivers for their daily routes, dancing, chatting and singing along the way, transforming routine trips into unexpectedly uplifting experiences. 'We believe driving can and should be something people look forward to – not something that adds stress to their day,' adds Carmoola's Rushby. 'That's why we created Joy Rides: to remind people what driving can feel like when it's filled with laughter, company, and a bit of unexpected delight. Sometimes, a little joy is all it takes to make driving feel fun again. 'And for 3.26 million Brits, the thing that's reduced their enjoyment of driving is not owning the car they really want. We've seen first hand the joy that a dream car can bring – which is exactly why we're on a mission to make car ownership simpler, more empowering, and more joyful for everyone.'
Glasgow Times
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Glasgow Times
Study reveals why Glasgow drivers hate driving today
The study by digital car finance lender Carmoola found more than half of drivers in the city (53 per cent) drive less than they used to, and more than a quarter (26 per cent) have lost their passion for it altogether. The M8, which connects Glasgow and Edinburgh, was branded one of the UK's dullest drives by 40 per cent of locals. Relentless roadworks (65 per cent) and inconsiderate drivers (55 per cent) were also named factors for the loss of enthusiasm. Read more: Ex-Rangers boss Van Bronckhorst appointed Liverpool's new assistant coach The top reasons for Glasgow drivers falling out of love with driving were identified as roadworks and poor road conditions (65 per cent), aggressive or inconsiderate drivers (55 per cent), and a desire for healthier lifestyles, like walking or cycling more (39 per cent). The study suggests that Britain as a whole is losing its love of driving, with almost a third (32 per cent) of UK drivers saying they no longer enjoy being behind the wheel. Once a symbol of freedom and spontaneity, driving is now increasingly seen as a joyless task, with just 24 per cent of Brits still viewing it as a source of escape. Aidan Rushby, chief executive officer and founder of Carmoola, said: "We've uncovered a very human truth - that driving, once a symbol of freedom and adventure, has become something many people now dread. "We believe driving can and should be something people look forward to - not something that adds stress to their day." The study also explored why people have fallen out of love with the road. High levels of stress, aggressive or impatient drivers, constant traffic jams, poor road conditions, and city driving were cited as the main reasons.
Wales Online
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
You can win free petrol at one Welsh fuelling station this week
You can win free petrol at one Welsh fuelling station this week Drivers heading to Cardiff Bay will get the opportunity to bag themselves a free tank of petrol Drivers heading to Motor Fuel Group's Cardiff Bay station will be given the chance to win a free tank of petrol (Image: Google Maps ) If you're a Cardiff driver feeling the pinch at the pump then Thursday might be your lucky day. On Thursday, May 22, a digital car finance lender is offering a unique opportunity for Cardiff motorists to ease the burden of rising fuel costs. In a bid to "fuel joy" Carmoola, will be at Motor Fuel Group's Cardiff Bay station giving drivers the chance to win a free tank of fuel or money towards their petrol or diesel bills. This initiative follows a recent national survey conducted by Carmoola which revealed that Cardiff residents were more likely than any other UK city to report fuel as a major financial strain. A total of 29% of those surveyed admitted that they had struggled to cover the cost of fuel over the past year. In response to this the company is stepping up to bring a bit of relief to local drivers. The team will be live at the pump between 1pm and 3pm at 235 Corporation Road, Cardiff, Glamorgan, CF11 7AS, offering participants the chance to spin a wheel and win a variety of prizes including a full tank of fuel, money towards their petrol or diesel costs, as well as other free gifts. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here. Aidan Rushby, CEO and founder of Carmoola, said: "We're all about bringing joy to drivers and we know that the cost of filling up can be a real pain. Fuel is a necessity for so many people and when we saw how Cardiff was impacted we knew we had to start here. This is our way of saying 'tank you' (excuse the pun) to our customers and motorists in the area." Article continues below
