The Department for Transport has announced an additional £100 million of funding is to be made available to councils across England to repair pothole damage on local roads.

Weeks of freezing temperatures have led to a dramatic increase in the number of potholes being reported across the country and the government now hopes this extra money for local authorities will help to restore a semblance of normality to many badly affected routes.

In total, the funding is expected to help in the repair of up to two million potholes, as well as to help councils protect their local roads from future freezing conditions.

This latest announcement comes in addition to £75 million of government funding that was given to councils from the Pothole Action Fund earlier this year.

Highlighting the need for further action and support, transport secretary Chris Grayling stated: “We have seen an unusually prolonged spell of freezing weather, which has caused damage to our local roads.”

As a result, the minister argued it is essential that councils be given more resources to combat the damage caused by sub-zero temperatures, as all drivers should be able to make use of the nation’s roads without “having to dodge potholes”.

At present, it is estimated that up to one in five local roads across England and Wales is in a poor condition. In total, this represents more than 40,000 miles of carriageway in need of attention and repair.

Heather Stark, brand manager at The Fuelcard People, commented: “Addressing the problem of more and more potholes across the country is absolutely essential. It’s therefore welcome news that this additional funding is now being made available.”