It's ironic that footpaths should be used as an example of our crumbling roads network given that the intended users can't use them with any degree of safety anyway! What with parked cars and vans, cyclists, disability trollies, monster baby buggies and utility excavation spoil heaps.
A few years back, I spent a good deal of time in LA, where the roads, even the trunk routes, were in a far worse state than anything we see round here. However, it was very obvious mean average speeds were lower than in UK. II came home only to find our dear departed LibDems were merriliy trying to do the same in the UK, by installing speed humps etc.
The 'pot holes' do mean drivers have to concentrate rather more and thus keep speeds down and that also includes militant cyclists!
So arguably, austerity has done us a favour, demonstrating we can reap the safety benefits which come when drivers are slower and more attentive without spending a penny.
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Know your place!
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