New research reveals local authorities in England with the worst road conditions

NEW research has revealed the local authorities in England with the worst road conditions, with Liverpool having the most significant issues.

So, in order to help motorists avoid the worst kept roads and keep their car in top condition, the experts at Bristol Street Motors analysed data from the Department for Transport and identified the areas in England in dire need of maintenance.

Liverpool has the worst roads in England, with:- 15.5% of its roads requiring maintenance, yet less than:- 1% are currently undergoing any form of repair.

Meanwhile, Derby came in a close second with:- 15.4% of its 762km of roads requiring maintenance. However, there is a silver lining for Derby residents. Although the City has similar maintenance needs as Liverpool, almost 3times as many of its roads are currently being maintained (2.58%)

The resort Town of Southend On Sea will see thousands of Brits flock to its picturesque coastline, but many could be in for a bumpy ride as:- 14.6% of all its roads need maintenance.

1 Liverpool - 15.5% of roads that need to be maintained, with just:- 0.81% roads currently being maintained.

2 Derby - 15.4% of roads that need to be maintained, with just:- 2.58% roads currently being maintained.

3 Southend on Sea 14.6% of roads that need to be maintained, with just:- 3.44% roads currently being maintained.

4 Dorset 13.0% of roads that need to be maintained, with just:- 4.32% roads currently being maintained.

5 Nottingham 10.8% of roads that need to be maintained, with just:- 1.08% roads currently being maintained.

6 Bristol 10.8% of roads that need to be maintained, with just:- 2.66% roads currently being maintained.

7 Manchester 8.9% of roads that need to be maintained, with just:- 3.14% roads currently being maintained .

8 Bradford 8.8% of roads that need to be maintained, with just:- 4.74% roads currently being maintained .

9 Blackpool 8.8% of roads that need to be maintained, with just:- 1.16% roads currently being maintained .

10 Blackburn 8.6% of roads that need to be maintained, with just:- 0.95% roads currently being maintained.

A Bristol Street Motors spokesperson commented on the importance of road quality for UK motorists.:- "Poor road conditions can lead to increased wear and tear on your vehicle, resulting in more frequent trips to the mechanic and spending more of your hard-earned money on repairs to keep your car safe and drivable. To maintain your car's condition while driving on rough roads, it's crucial to drive at a constant speed. Avoid slamming on the brakes, as this shifts the car's weight to the front and puts additional strain on the suspension. If possible, try to navigate around these bumps without swerving, as that can be more dangerous than simply driving over them. Remember, cars are designed to withstand some rough terrain, and occasional bumps won't cause immediate damage. However, constantly driving on poor-quality roads can lead to significant damage over time."

Make September birth boom a bank account boon

WITH around 2,000 babies born on:- 26 September each year, more than any other day, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging parents to claim their Child Benefit entitlement.

Claiming online means families could receive their 1st payment within just a week of their baby's birth.

Child Benefit is worth up to:- £1,331 a year for the 1st child and £881 for each additional child.

Claims can be using the free and secure HMRC app, or made online, 48 hours after the baby's birth has been registered. With payments typically made within 3 days, this means parents could receive their 1st payment within a week. Claims can also be backdated for up to 3 months.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Director General for Customer Services, said:- "With more babies set to be born on 26 September than any other day, we hope that parents of these newborns take full advantage of their Child Benefit entitlement. We've made it simpler than ever to claim online and receive a 1st payment within as little as 3days; so download the app today or search on:- Gov.UK."

HMRC has released a YouTube video which explains what new parents need to do and how to make a claim.

To make a claim, families will need their:-

• Child's birth or adoption certificate
  

• Bank details
  

• National Insurance number for themselves and their partner, if they have 1
  

• Child's original birth or adoption certificate and passport or travel document, for children born outside the UK

The amount reduces if 1 person in the household earns between:- £60,000 and £80,000 and is subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge. For families who fall into this category, the online Child Benefit tax calculator provides an estimate of how much benefit can be claimed, and what the charge may be.

Families who were subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge when the threshold was £50,000 and opted out of payments but now wish to restart their payments, can use the online form on:- Gov.UK.

By claiming Child Benefit, claimants will also receive National Insurance (NI) credits. People need a minimum of 10 years NI credits to claim some State Pension, with 35 years NI credits needed to obtain the full State Pension. This can help people who are not in paid employment and not receiving NI credits through their employer.

A person living in a household subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge will still receive NI credits if they claim Child Benefit but opt out of receiving a payment that they may have to repay.