When budgetary constraints are dealt with on a few years basis and elections are every 5 years. It is always in the interests of the current ruling executive to go for the cheapest option available and in this case the 10 year rather than 20 years. It’s incredibly short sighted and bad management, but when the roads start breaking down and need to be replaced in 10 years the ruling executive will point to the previous regime as being at fault for failing to spend sufficient money and causing greater costs down the line. To no accountability whatsoever – once you are out of office, nothing can be pinned on you. Likewise, blame will also be pointed to austerity and the WAG and the Westminster Government for going the cheap route.
When in Austerity and cuts mode – there is no political upside for them to future proof our roads or go above and beyond what is necessary.
They already aren’t doing enough as the roads haven’t been fully fixed since last winter – as the massive pothole in the Tesco roundabout continuously reminds me.