The future for Kent's roads is looking bumpy.

According to the county's roads experts, we are set for “a prolonged period of asset decline” because of under-funding.

In layman's terms that means, if funding continues at its current rate, we will see significantly worse roads over the next 10 years.

In a candid but bleak assessment of the future of Kent’s 5,400km of roads, a report to be presented to county councillors today states:“The current and forecasted position for road asset

management is grave; we are undoubtedly in a prolonged period of asset decline.

"The current annual allocation for planned road maintenance is around £13m (not including reactive capital pothole and patching spend) and if that remains unchanged we will see significant deterioration in road condition over the next 10 years.

“The percentage of the network in very poor condition and needing maintenance will significantly increase in all road classes and this is a particular concern in respect of classified roads given the volume and speed of traffic.”

The report says the large number of potholes on the county’s roads is a reflection of the inability of the council to afford repair work on sections of damaged roads.

“They have failed because we have not renewed or preserved the road surface in time.”

It says the council’s options are limited when it comes to funds without government support.

“A significant and sustained increase in funding is needed, but the scope for resourcing that locally is very limited given other local pressures linked to social care and an ageing population.”

“Current levels of resource are insufficient to carry out planned road maintenance at the right time and prevent potholes, consequently potholes will continue to occur,” the report says.

While the council is fulfilling its statutory responsibilities to maintain a safe network of roads, it concludes: “If funding remains unchanged for future years our ability to fulfil our Highways Act duties will become increasingly difficult.”

Figures for compensation claims from motorists this year have seen a significant increase.

“Current levels of resource are insufficient to carry out planned road maintenance at the right time and prevent potholes, consequently potholes will continue to occur" - report

Council figures reveal there have been 1,286 highway related claims, of which 1,161 have reported damage to vehicles due to potholed roads.

That compares to 1,096 claims in 2017 of which 649 reported damage to vehicles.

Highways chiefs say that so far this year, 25,995 potholes have been repaired and 69,510 square metres of resurfacing has been carried out.