Britain’s roads could have more than 100 times as many potholes as there are craters on the moon, according to Labour.
The UK had more than a million potholes last year, the party said, comparing the figure with astronomers’ estimates that there are more than 9,000 craters on the Moon.
But whereas craters are generally caused by the explosion or impact of a meteorite, potholes are largely the result of a mix of traffic, weather and poor road maintenance.
The comparison comes after a nationwide survey earlier this year found that 107,000 miles of local roads are “fast reaching the end of their lives” as a result of potholes.
According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, UK roads spending in 2019 was just over half (51 per cent) what it was in 2006.
Angela Rayner, the shadow local government secretary, who is currently the subject of a police investigation, said: “Rishi Sunak vowed to rid Britain of potholes, but he’s living on another planet.
“Under the Tories, Britain’s roads look more like the surface of the moon than the safe, secure roads that taxpayers left counting the cost of damaged tyres expect.”
“Labour will be on the side of drivers and put local services first, ending the Tories’ sticking plaster approach by providing integrated, multi-year funding settlements to local leaders, giving them greater certainty to plan for the future.”