New data has revealed that Oxfordshire is home to some of the poorest-quality B and C roads in England, posing particular risks for motorcyclists.
Figures from Go.Compare, based on Department for Transport statistics, show that 8% of Oxfordshire’s B and C roads were in “red” condition last year. These roads should have been considered for maintenance and may require urgent attention.
The county ranked joint-third in England for the highest proportion of poor-quality roads, alongside Staffordshire, Kent, Somerset and Herefordshire. Only Westmorland and Furness (11%) and Devon (10%) fared worse.
In addition, 32% of Oxfordshire’s B and C roads were classed as “amber,” meaning they could need maintenance soon, leaving less than two-thirds in good condition. Nationally, about 63% of B and C roads are considered green, with just 7% in red condition.
By contrast, the North East has the best-maintained B and C roads in England, with Sunderland leading the way as 87% of its roads were recorded as being in good condition. Middlesbrough and Newcastle followed closely at 86% while Gateshead ranked fifth (84%)
Steve Ramsey, managing editor for motoring at Go.Compare, said:
“Poor quality road surfaces can cause vehicle damage and accidents, especially for motorbikes, so it’s essential that roads are properly maintained.
“Yet, the B and C roads in the country’s beauty spots, popular among motorcyclists, appear to be in a desperate state of disrepair.
“Clearly, more work needs to be done on these roads so that they’re safe for all road users and can be explored with minimal risk.
“If you plan to use these routes over the rest of this summer, make sure you proceed with caution and keep your speed down, minimising the dangers from things like potholes and uneven surfaces.
“If your bike is damaged or the road surface causes an accident, you could claim on your insurance to cover the repairs.
“You’ll still have to pay your excess, though, and could lose your no-claims discount, so claiming is not always worthwhile.
“You might get compensation from the local authority in some cases, so this could be worth exploring if claiming on your insurance isn’t viable.”
