The chancellor has confirmed that central Government will help local authorities to repair local roads damaged by the freezing weather that caused a ‘pothole epidemic’ earlier this year.

In his Budget speech, Alistair Darling promised £100m extra for local road repairs.

Professor Stephen Glaister, director of the RAC Foundation, said: "At least the chancellor has recognized the problem of potholes, but £100 million for local roads will not go far.

"Motorists know that many roads are now not fit for purpose and it will need billions rather than millions spent on maintenance to bring our road network back up to standard. The future still looks bleak."

The chancellor also confirmed that £285m will be invested in the motorway network, which will be used to fund initiatives such as hard-shoulder running.