A new survey conducted by research firm Viewsbank has found that as many as 51% of drivers reckon their local roads are in a poor state and a further 14% consider them dangerous.

Nearly four in five motorists said potholes appeared to be left unrepaired for months, the poll of 2,004 drivers uncovered. The survey also showed that those needing repairs to vehicles due to pothole damage faced an average bill of £165. On average drivers estimated there were four potholes in the road they live in, with tyre damage the main problem.

The survey’s results are timely, as it was carried out in February, as Chancellor George Osborne announced in the recent Budget an extra £200 million would be provided to fill in potholes.

On average, drivers in south east England considered their local roads were in the worst condition, with 51% rating them poor and as many as 20% considering them dangerous. Londoners seemed happiest with their local roads, with only 37% reckoning them to be poor. The area where drivers considered the roads were the safest was north west England with only 8% deeming them dangerous.

Commenting on the survey’s findings, David Black, of Viewsbank, said: "It is shocking that nearly two out of three motorists are unhappy about the state of their local roads and even more worrying that 6% of people have had an accident because of potholes.

"The Chancellor has recognised the need to spend on road repairs and has committed to increase spending but potholes are clearly still a major issue and motorists believe little is being done to solve the problem."