Badly maintained roads are costing the economy £4.1 billion a year, according to a new survey.

Some 56 per cent of the general public reckon the condition of local roads has worsened in the last five years, the poll for the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) found.

The survey also showed the poor condition of the roads is causing 55 per cent of SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) to lose an average of £13,600 each per year.

Involving SMEs in England and Wales as well as 2,028 members of the public, the survey found that 15 per cent of companies have considered relocating to an area with better roads.