Asphalt Group’s Bold Plan to Rebuild the UK’s Highway Future
The UK’s local roads are in a dire state, and the numbers speak for themselves. According to the latest ALARM (Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance) report from the Asphalt Industry Alliance, over half of the road network in England and Wales is barely hanging on, with less than 15 years of structural life left.
Even more concerning, about one in six roads, nearly 35,000 miles, could crumble within five years.
Enter Asphalt Group. The road repair specialists have sounded the alarm and stepped up with a no-nonsense, five-point action plan aimed at dragging the UK’s crumbling roads out of the pothole rut and into a more sustainable future.
1. Long-Term, Ring-Fenced Funding
Kicking things off, Asphalt Group is calling on the government to unlock and ring-fence long-term funding for local councils. The idea is simple but powerful: let councils plan ahead, not just scramble for short-term fixes.
“We cannot go on like this and things need to change,” says Stephen Cooke, Managing Director of Asphalt Group. “For a long time, the sector has called for longer-term funding so that councils can plan their road maintenance and ensure that roads last longer.”
It’s a fair point. Roads aren’t cheap to maintain, and councils are struggling. The ALARM report puts the total repair backlog at a jaw-dropping £16.81 billion. That’s nearly £7.4 million per council to bring their roads up to scratch.
2. Focus on Preservation, Not Just Patching
The current “patch and mend” model is simply not cutting it. Filling potholes may win headlines, but it’s not a sustainable solution.
Cooke stresses the importance of asset management and long-term preservation: “In order to ensure the resilience of the transport network, focus needs to be put on using solutions such as preservation that will reinforce the asphalt and make roads last longer, reducing costs and improving efficiencies.”
The numbers back him up. Only 1.5% of the local road network was resurfaced in the past year. Meanwhile, 1.9 million potholes were filled at a staggering cost of £137.4 million. That’s money going into quick fixes, not lasting solutions.
3. Social and Economic Benefits: Roads Are Assets
We often forget just how vital roads are to our economy and daily lives. The local highway network is valued at around £400 billion—the largest and most visible asset managed by local authorities.
Asphalt Group argues that investing in longer-lasting roads yields far more than smoother commutes. It’s about economic growth, accessibility, and public safety. Neglecting our roads doesn’t just slow down traffic; it slows down progress.
Improved roads:
- Reduce vehicle damage and associated repair costs
- Enhance road safety for all users
- Support emergency services and logistics
- Boost local economies through better transport links
4. Collaboration Across the Board
Fixing the UK’s roads isn’t a one-man job. Asphalt Group is pushing for better cooperation between central and local government, industry stakeholders, and supply chains. The idea? Pool resources, share data, and build smarter.
This is especially timely given the government’s new policy. Starting mid-April, local authorities in England will receive their share of a £1.6bn highway maintenance fund, including a £500m pot to tackle seven million potholes. But there’s a catch: councils have to prove they’re making progress or lose 25% of that funding.
Cooke welcomes the accountability but adds a note of caution: “Whilst it is right that councils are now being tasked with proving the progress they’re making with road repairs, they must also move away from a patch and mend philosophy. Prevention is always better than cure.”
5. Prioritising Safety for All Road Users
Asphalt Group’s plan doesn’t just look at the bottom line; it puts safety front and centre. Poor road conditions don’t just cause bumps in the road—they’re a danger to drivers, cyclists, and bikers alike.
By shifting the focus from pothole panic to strategic asset preservation, the company aims to create safer road networks that serve everyone better.
Raising the Environmental Bar
In a major stride forward, Asphalt Group recently achieved PAS 2080 verification—a significant milestone in sustainable infrastructure. The PAS 2080 standard focuses on whole-life carbon management in construction and infrastructure, aligning perfectly with the group’s mission to reduce environmental impact.
The verification covers all four arms of Asphalt Group: Reinforcement, Preservation, Surface Dressing, and Surfacing. Each plays a role in extending road life while cutting down carbon emissions and long-term costs.
Stephen Cooke will share insights on PAS 2080 and sustainable practices at the upcoming Road Surface Treatments Association Annual Conference on 10 April, hosted at Celtic Manor in Newport, Wales.
Tried and Tested Solutions
Asphalt Group isn’t just offering ideas—they’re providing action-ready solutions. The company’s three-pronged approach includes:
- Reinforcement – Adding strength to surfaces before failure begins
- Preservation – Prolonging surface life using protective treatments
- Surface Dressing – Sealing and restoring grip, delaying deterioration
These solutions are not only cost-effective but also sustainable, reducing the need for disruptive and expensive full reconstructions. It’s all about working smarter, not harder.
Leading from the Front
Asphalt Group’s strategy is a masterclass in proactive planning. Rather than simply reacting to the damage, they’re asking the right questions: How do we stop the damage from happening in the first place? What’s the smartest way to invest in roads long-term? How do we maximise taxpayer value while boosting safety and cutting emissions?
The answer lies in a shift of mindset—from crisis management to futureproofing. And Asphalt Group is clearly ready to lead that shift.
A Road Ahead Worth Travelling
There’s no sugar-coating it—the UK’s roads are in rough shape. But with the right investment, smarter planning, and sustainable solutions, that story can be rewritten.
As Cooke puts it: “Making roads last longer will offer a societal win, saving huge amounts of taxpayers’ money.” It’s not just a technical issue; it’s a national opportunity.
The path forward is clear. And if the Asphalt Group’s five-point plan gets the attention it deserves, we may just find ourselves driving on smoother, safer, and smarter roads for years to come.
