Pavements in worst state since records began

Last updated at 13:11 28 April 2005


The condition of pavements and footways has deteriorated to the worst level since records began, official figures have revealed.

The percentage length of footways on roads in England in Wales affected by defects has risen steadily since 1995, Office of National Statistics figures published by the Department for Transport revealed.

Of roads themselves, those in the worst condition at present are non built-up unclassified roads - which tend to be country lanes, according to the statistics.

Road maintenance survey

The 2004 national road maintenance condition survey, covering England and Wales, also showed that the number of England's principal roads (excluding motorways and major trunk roads) requiring close monitoring increased from 17.2 per cent in 2003 to 17.6 per cent in 2004.

The number of principal roads in Wales requiring close monitoring - a total that includes motorways and major trunk roads - rose from 15.6 per cent in 2003 to 16.1 per cent in 2004.

On footways, the figures were the worst since records began in 1977. But the statistics did show that the rise in the number of areas actually posing a danger to pedestrians had halted.

However there were more danger areas on footways on built-up unclassified roads - which tend to be footways on residential streets - than on any other class of road in England and Wales.

Overall, measured by defects, the condition of local roads - which account for nearly all England and Wales's road network - improved between 2000 and 2004.

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