A new survey from the RAC (Royal Automobile Club) has suggested that three in five drivers feel local road conditions have worsened in the last year.

In total 3,102 motorists were polled, with 60% saying local roads had deteriorated whilst just 4% felt roads in their area had shown improvement.

The proportion of respondents to the annual survey who believe local roads they use regularly have worsened in the past 12 months increased from 52% in 2020 and 58% in 2021.

Additionally, 86% said they had to steer to avoid potholes quite often, which rose for 90% in rural areas specifically.

The Northern Echo: The percentage of drivers who feel local roads have worsened has increased steadily in the past few yearsThe percentage of drivers who feel local roads have worsened has increased steadily in the past few years (Image: PA)

Pothole repair was considered "poor" by 55% of those polled.

Separate RAC figures on breakdowns due to pothole-related damage show drivers are 1.6 times more likely to suffer such an issue than they were in 2006.

RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: “Sadly, neither driver’s feelings or the RAC Pothole Index point to any substantial improvement in the quality of our local roads.

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“Many describe the repair work – when it’s carried out – as being substandard which more than likely means potholes and surface defects will quickly reappear, costing yet more money to fix.

“This seems to be utter madness and an issue that badly needs addressing if drivers’ views are indeed accurate.”