Regional roads fail test: A real danger

It says something significant that this year, for the first time, more used cars will be imported into Ireland than new cars sold here. That simple statistic highlights consumer discontent on pricing, taxation levels and model options. Even if this is a passing, pre-Brexit, low-sterling opportunity it speaks volumes.

The latest report from National Oversight and Audit Commission that found that thousands of kilometres of regional or local roads are defective will do little appease motorists.

It underlines once again that despite carrying a very heavy tax burden — one that may increase in the budget — motorists are not always well served. And the situation is deteriorating. The report, which assessed local authorities’ performance, found 7% of the regional road network had of “severe structural distress” up from 4% in 2017.

This suggests that 7% of roads are unfit for purpose and that motorists using them are damaging their cars. It would be interesting too to establish if this 7% of roads saw more accidents and fatalities than roads in a better condition.